Fully customisable robot for programmers at all levels
The launch of RVR – the company’s most advanced programmable robot – follows a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than 1$ million. RVR, says the company, is drivable right out of the box, packed with a diverse suite of sensors, and built with total customization in mind.
“When we launched RVR on Kickstarter earlier this year, we were blown away by the response,” says Adam Wilson, Sphero co-founder and Chief Creative Officer. “Our community of makers, developers, and teachers all rallied around RVR to make it a huge success even before they could get their hands on one. RVR has significantly extended our reach to makers of all ages, and of all coding abilities.”
RVR, says the company, is approachable and accessible to coders of all levels. For beginners, it offers the ability to expand and change based on the user’s growing skill level while its advanced features are geared specifically for those looking for a more complex coding experience. The Sphero Edu app allows users to code RVR in multiple forms based on skill levels with Draw & Drive, Scratch blocks, or JavaScript modes.
The robot features a fine-tuned, high-resolution motor encoder, allowing it to be driven with extreme agility and accuracy. In addition, says the company, 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. A large high-capacity, removable battery is designed to make charging and swapping in a new battery easier and faster.
A universal four-pin expansion port allows RVR to connect to third-party hardware, such as Raspberry Pi, Micro:Bit, Arduino, or other hardware capable of communicating over UART, and the company’s own littleBits snap-in electronic building blocks through the USB port. These expansion features, says the company, allow users to customize the robot however they want.
The robot is outfitted with several onboard sensors – a color sensor, light sensor, IR, magnetometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope – and a roll cage and clear protective plate that are both removable. RVR’s ambient light, color and nine-axis IMU can send and receive signals to interact with other Sphero robots.
In addition to the Sphero EDU app, which connects users with a community of DIYers, makers, programmers, hackers and educators, users also have access to a variety of SDKs for popular platforms like Raspberry Pi, MicroBit, and Arduino, as well as low-level API documentation so more advanced users can connect to any platform they like.
The launch of RVR closely follows the company’s acquisition of modular electronics company littleBits. RVR is available via the company’s online store and from select retailers for $249.99. A multipack option is also available exclusively for educators.
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