They’ve created the SPRK+, the Mini, the BOLT, and now, the newest Sphero robot is here and incredibly powerful. The Sphero RVR Robot is completely hackable and it works with the same, reliable Sphero Edu app. Designed for inventive students, the RVR presents numerous avenues for creativity—namely that they can hack it using a Raspberry Pi, an Arduino board, or the micro:bit. That, combined with its potential for customization, make this bot a powerful learning tool.
The Sphero RVR's impressive torque and big tires allow students to drive it on just about any terrain and, if they have a computing device they can hack, their RVR likely works with it. Its intelligent on-board sensors include the new color sensor, light sensor, IR, magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, and a removable, rechargeable battery, making the RVR a real force in the classroom or at home. It also features all-terrain treads and a powerful motor so students can program it to travel on various surfaces.
The RVR is ideal for students in Grades 8-12 and it is also very customizable. Since it’s compatible with the hardware mentioned above, the opportunities for creative customization span a very large scope. Students also have the ability to connect and run third-party hardware sources thanks to the RVR’s 4-pin UART port. This component allows students to easily establish a connection and truly embodies what it means to be a hacker (in the MakerEd sense). Once built to their specifications, students can use their Sphero Edu app to program their RVR to perform various movements.
Included with the RVR is your robot, a battery, a roll cage, a mounting plate, and a cable. In the multi-pack, the same items are included, but the quantities are increased to five for each item. Once opened, students could program the RVR using Draw & Drive, Scratch blocks, or JavaScript—all within the Sphero Edu app. Plus, the RVR’s rechargeable battery provides enough juice to power the robot and all other hardware kids incorporate. And, best of all, it’s ready to use right out of the box with absolutely no assembly required!
Educators can now pre-order the single Sphero RVR or RVR multi-pack on our store. As of now, we expect them to start shipping sometime this fall and we will, of course, keep everyone updated. In the meantime, if you have questions about the RVR or its pre-order process, let us know! Be sure you create your Educator Discount as well to get the lowest prices possible on the RVR and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all of the latest news and updates.