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I reviewed the Sphero Mini in May last year, it was a small and affordable robot that you could also program with JavaScript.
This was then followed up with the much more advanced Sphero RVR which originally launched earlier in the year through a successful $1 Million Kickstarter campaign.
Priced at £249.99 it is not exactly cheap but it is a superb piece of education technology allowing people to get serious with robotics.
FUN TO USE FOR ANY SKILL LEVEL
RVR is drivable right out of the box, making it approachable and accessible to coders of all levels. For beginners looking to grow, RVR is the perfect coding robot because of its unique ability to expand and change based on the user’s growing skill level. RVR’s advanced features are geared specifically for those looking for a more complex coding experience. Makers of all ages can use the Sphero Edu app to code RVR in multiple forms based on skill levels with Draw & Drive, Scratch blocks, or JavaScript modes.
VIRTUALLY UNSTOPPABLE
RVR is fast, exceptionally nimble, and fun to drive. It sports a fine-tuned, high-resolution motor encoder, allowing it to be driven with extreme agility and accuracy. Plus, its all-terrain treads, paired with RVR’s high torque that can easily scale a variety of angles, give users the freedom to drive just about anywhere. To ensure the fun lasts, Sphero has equipped RVR with a large high-capacity, removable battery making charging and swapping in a new battery easier and faster.
NO MATTER THE PLATFORM, RVR IS UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE
Beyond its out-of-the-box base, RVR’s Universal 4-Pin Expansion Port has the ability to connect to third-party hardware, such as Raspberry Pi, Micro:Bit, Arduino, or other hardware capable of communicating over UART, and Sphero’s own littleBits® through the USB port. These expansion features allow users to customise the robot however they want. RVR gives users of these platforms the ability to make their projects mobile, effectively adding an extra layer of fun and complexity to their projects.
UNMATCHED CONTROL SYSTEM & ON-BOARD SENSORS ELEVATE PROJECTS
Obstacles, disruptions and uneven surfaces will not affect RVR’s driving experience thanks to Sphero’s highly tuned control system. RVR is outfitted with several onboard sensors that will get any maker’s imagination going: a colour sensor, light sensor, IR, magnetometer, accelerometer and gyroscope, as well as a roll cage and clear protective plate that are both removable. RVR’s ambient light, colour and 9-axis IMU can send and receive signals to interact with other Sphero robots.
TRULY HACKABLE AND FULLY CUSTOMISABLE
With RVR, like all of Sphero’s products, users have access to the Sphero EDU app, which connects a vibrant, active community of DIYers, makers, programmers, hackers and educators to share tips, questions and commentary. This unique community enhances the product experience, providing users with resources to take on new challenges, solve problems, be creative and share creations. Also available are a variety of SDKs for popular platforms like Raspberry Pi, Micro:Bit and Arduino, as well as low-level API documentation so more advanced users can connect to any platform they like.
RVR’s launch comes on the heels of Sphero’s recent acquisition of littleBits, the company that invented the electronic building block.
AVAILABILITY
RVR is available now via the Sphero online store and Amazon for £249.99. A multipack option is also available exclusively for educators.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
