RVR is Sphero’s most advanced programmable robot – drivable right out of the box, packed with a diverse suite of sensors, and built with total customisation in mind
Sphero, the industry leader in EdTech robotics and STEAM-based learning solutions, announced today its official consumer launch of RVR – the ready-to-drive, fully programmable and customisable robot with endless coding possibilities. RVR is now available for purchase in the UK, following a $1 Million Kickstarter campaign earlier this year.
“RVR is the platform I found myself making over and over again, any time I wanted to make a new robot or test a new concept,” said Adam Wilson, Sphero co-founder and Chief Creative Officer. “I wish I had RVR when I was getting started in robotics – RVR works right out of the box so that you can focus on your main goal without getting stuck in the weeds. Pretty much anything you can dream up, RVR can power and make mobile.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RVR is available now via the Sphero online store and Amazon for £249.99. A multipack option is also available exclusively for educators.
To learn more about RVR, visit http://sphero.com/RVR and follow Sphero on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and watch it in action here.