Look no further than Sphero RVR if you want an all-terrain, highly programmable, infinitely-expandable robot. Sphero has built its latest robot to withstand harsh environments, and it offers both durability and programmability, making it a lot of fun to drive.
What is Sphero RVR?
Sphero RVR is the newest addition to Sphero’s line of high-quality robots designed for kids to drive and, more importantly, code. The robot comes with plenty of sensors to keep even the most skilled programmer busy for hours on end.
What sets RVR apart from its predecessors is the expansion ports on top, which include a USB port and a 4-Pin UART port. These two ports allow children and teachers to connect endless amounts of devices to expand RVR’s functionality. RVR enables support for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Microbit, and it empowers the creation of mobile projects using Littlebits by providing power through USB ports.
Take Your Programming to the Next Level
Ready Right Out of the Box
RVR allows you to start driving straight away. All you have to do is download the SpheroEdu app, which is highly user-friendly.
After you launch the app, it will begin searching for a Sphero robot to connect to. When you click RVR, it will connect in a few seconds.
Driving RVR around the living room is entertaining, but taking it outside and testing it in its intended conditions is much more fascinating.
Little Rover in the Grass
We were pleasantly delighted by RVR’s performance on various terrains when we took it for a test drive. It was most capable of pushing through tall grass and climbing modest slopes.
Once, some dead grass became entangled in one of the treads and began to fall off. But, removing the grass and reinstalling the tread was a breeze.
Nevertheless, we discovered that a lot of the dead grass went into the RVR, causing some issues.
Taking Sphero RVR out for a spin
RVR the Mountain Climber and Stuntman
Although RVR might not look that tough, it definitely is! We took the little rover up a mountain near our home to test if he could live up to the all-terrain description.
And for the most part, it did live up to expectations. It was a little slow going uphill, but we hit every rock, jump, and even a few trees, and RVR just brushed it off and kept going.
Can Sphero RVR climb a mountain?
Coding and Expansions
RVR can be coded like most Sphero robots with the Edu app. The blocky coding language is a great introduction to coding for young and older children.
For more advanced users, the blocks can be switched out for JavaScript. The Sphero Edu app also has a ton of great tutorials and projects to get you started with coding and with RVR!
But what excited us the most about RVR was its expandability. With a USB port and UART port, RVR is compatible with Raspberry Pi, Microbit, and Arduino.
Although they are not plug-and-play, Sphero provides the necessary SDK files for each device. We love this Microbit project from Instructables!
Should You Buy Sphero RVR
At $279, RVR is not cheap. However, the build quality is second to none, and it gets great battery life for a rover of its size and weight.
Most importantly, it has endless potential when it comes to expandability. It’s more than just a toy.
Whether you are a kid or an adult, Sphero RVR can take robotics to the next level. Sphero just released the new RVR+. Check out our comparison review!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sphero RVR?
The Sphero RVR is a highly customizable and programmable all-terrain robot designed for both educational and hobbyist purposes. It’s compatible with various coding environments and can be expanded with third-party hardware.
How do I get started with the Sphero RVR?
To get started, download the Sphero Edu app, charge the RVR’s battery, and follow the in-app instructions to connect and begin programming your robot.
What sensors does the Sphero RVR have?
The RVR is equipped with a color sensor, light sensor, IR, magnetometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope, allowing for a wide range of interactive and responsive programming possibilities.
Can I connect third-party hardware to the Sphero RVR?
Yes, the RVR features a 4-pin UART expansion port and onboard power source to connect and run hardware like Raspberry Pi, BBC micro:bit, or littleBits.
Is the Sphero RVR suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The RVR is designed to be accessible for novices while also offering advanced features for more experienced users. It supports block coding, text coding in JavaScript, and various engineering applications.
What can I do with the Sphero RVR?
With the RVR, you can drive it around using the app, program it with blocks or JavaScript, and create custom projects by attaching additional hardware and components to its expansion port.
Richard Campbell
Richard Campbell is an experienced English professor in South Korea with over 20 years of teaching experience across all levels of education. With a doctorate in education, Richard is passionate about promoting language learning and using innovative approaches, including AI writing tools, to inspire his students.