I have been a fan of the Sphero brand since they first began making remote controlled spheres. The ability to not only control them remotely, but to program them through a variety of apps and interfaces has made them invaluable to educators interested in providing STEM experiences for their students. The RVR is their latest offering, and once again they've created something that is fun, educational, and ridiculously hackable.
The RVR is a very different form factor than their previous models. I'll admit that I was worried about the treads getting clogged up, especially considering we have a dog who sheds in the house. However, when we unboxed it and fired it up, we found that it didn't seem to be bothered by dirt, by dust, or by pet hair. In fact, it rolled right over all sorts of obstacles that we put in the way. Out of the box, it is extremely responsive, and easily controllable through the app. We found the RVR even easier to control than previous Sphero bots due to how easy it is to identify a 'front' and 'back'. Even young children can take the RVR out of the box and have a great time controlling it.
However, that barely scratches the surface of what the RVR offers. With the inclusion of a UART expansion port and ability to provide power to a device through USB, it is possible to add accessories, sensors, and all sorts of tech-magic to the RVR. After reviewing ideas shared on Sphero's discussion forums, I am currently planning to add a Raspberry Pi Zero W and camera to the RVR, allowing it to serve as a remote 'sentry' while we are not at home. I'm currently working on 3d printing a custom rig to hold them, which will be attached to the expansion shell that is included in the box.
There are a lot of gadgets available for home use or in the classroom. But I don't know of any that are as well manufactured and that have as high of a ceiling as the RVR does. It is an open platform that is infinitely expandable. The kids and I are looking forward to seeing just how far the RVR will take us!
Disclosure: As a frequent presenter about educational technology, I received a review unit to put through its paces. I was asked to share honest feedback about the RVR. The information shared here is my own personal impressions of the product.
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From the manufacturer
The Go-Anywhere-Do-Anything Programmable Robot
RVR is Sphero’s revolutionary take on the programmable robot. It’s drivable right out of the box, packed with a diverse suite of sensors and built for customization. RVR is a mobile platform for hackers, makers, educators, and learners.
Download the Sphero Edu app to drive RVR anywhere or program it to do anything - the only limit is your imagination. RVR is equipped with all-terrain treads, a powerful motor, and plenty of torque so you can go faster and farther. Obstacles or uneven surfaces won't affect RVR's ability to drive straight. Thanks to a sophisticated, vector-based control system, RVR goes where you want it to go.
Driving RVR is just the beginning. RVR’s extremely hackable platform, featuring an expansion port and on-board power source, allows you to connect and run almost any third-party hardware, including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, micro:bit, and Sphero's own littleBits. Build whatever you want and then take it wherever you want.
Tech Specs
- Removable cover plate & developer plate with quick-release button
- Removable, protective roll cage
- Removable, rechargeable battery
- 4-pin UART expansion port to connect to any 3rd-party hardware
- 5V 2.1A USB-A on-board connectivity to power projects using RVR’s battery
- Compatible with Sphero Edu app on iOS, Android, Kindle, Mac, Windows & Chrome
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Good for BeginnersRVR is drivable and programmable right out of the box, packed with a diverse suite of sensors, and powered by the Sphero Edu app. |
A Medium for MakersBuild the robot of your dreams, then integrate RVR's powerful on-board sensors into your programming projects and coding creations. |
Expandable for HackersRVR’s 4-pin UART expansion port is designed to work with most 3rd party hardware, including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, micro:bit, and Sphero's own littleBits. |
STEM ActivitiesFoster creativity through building and programming on RVR's mobile platform and lay the foundation for computer science. |
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RVR for Hackers
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RVR for Builders
Orbotix, Inc
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RVR for Beginners
Orbotix, Inc
Reviews with images
Great out of the box, even better once you start hacking it!
I have been a fan of the Sphero brand since they first began making remote controlled spheres. The ability to not only control them remotely, but to program them through a variety of apps and interfaces has made them invaluable to educators interested in providing STEM experiences for their students. The RVR is their latest offering, and once again they've created something that is fun, educational, and ridiculously hackable.The RVR is a very different form factor than their previous models. I'll admit that I was worried about the treads getting clogged up, especially considering we have a dog who sheds in the house. However, when we unboxed it and fired it up, we found that it didn't seem to be bothered by dirt, by dust, or by pet hair. In fact, it rolled right over all sorts of obstacles that we put in the way. Out of the box, it is extremely responsive, and easily controllable through the app. We found the RVR even easier to control than previous Sphero bots due to how easy it is to identify a 'front' and 'back'. Even young children can take the RVR out of the box and have a great time controlling it.However, that barely scratches the surface of what the RVR offers. With the inclusion of a UART expansion port and ability to provide power to a device through USB, it is possible to add accessories, sensors, and all sorts of tech-magic to the RVR. After reviewing ideas shared on Sphero's discussion forums, I am currently planning to add a Raspberry Pi Zero W and camera to the RVR, allowing it to serve as a remote 'sentry' while we are not at home. I'm currently working on 3d printing a custom rig to hold them, which will be attached to the expansion shell that is included in the box.There are a lot of gadgets available for home use or in the classroom. But I don't know of any that are as well manufactured and that have as high of a ceiling as the RVR does. It is an open platform that is infinitely expandable. The kids and I are looking forward to seeing just how far the RVR will take us!Disclosure: As a frequent presenter about educational technology, I received a review unit to put through its paces. I was asked to share honest feedback about the RVR. The information shared here is my own personal impressions of the product.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2019
The RVR is a very different form factor than their previous models. I'll admit that I was worried about the treads getting clogged up, especially considering we have a dog who sheds in the house. However, when we unboxed it and fired it up, we found that it didn't seem to be bothered by dirt, by dust, or by pet hair. In fact, it rolled right over all sorts of obstacles that we put in the way. Out of the box, it is extremely responsive, and easily controllable through the app. We found the RVR even easier to control than previous Sphero bots due to how easy it is to identify a 'front' and 'back'. Even young children can take the RVR out of the box and have a great time controlling it.
However, that barely scratches the surface of what the RVR offers. With the inclusion of a UART expansion port and ability to provide power to a device through USB, it is possible to add accessories, sensors, and all sorts of tech-magic to the RVR. After reviewing ideas shared on Sphero's discussion forums, I am currently planning to add a Raspberry Pi Zero W and camera to the RVR, allowing it to serve as a remote 'sentry' while we are not at home. I'm currently working on 3d printing a custom rig to hold them, which will be attached to the expansion shell that is included in the box.
There are a lot of gadgets available for home use or in the classroom. But I don't know of any that are as well manufactured and that have as high of a ceiling as the RVR does. It is an open platform that is infinitely expandable. The kids and I are looking forward to seeing just how far the RVR will take us!
Disclosure: As a frequent presenter about educational technology, I received a review unit to put through its paces. I was asked to share honest feedback about the RVR. The information shared here is my own personal impressions of the product.
Great out of the box, even better once you start hacking it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2019
I have been a fan of the Sphero brand since they first began making remote controlled spheres. The ability to not only control them remotely, but to program them through a variety of apps and interfaces has made them invaluable to educators interested in providing STEM experiences for their students. The RVR is their latest offering, and once again they've created something that is fun, educational, and ridiculously hackable.Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2019
The RVR is a very different form factor than their previous models. I'll admit that I was worried about the treads getting clogged up, especially considering we have a dog who sheds in the house. However, when we unboxed it and fired it up, we found that it didn't seem to be bothered by dirt, by dust, or by pet hair. In fact, it rolled right over all sorts of obstacles that we put in the way. Out of the box, it is extremely responsive, and easily controllable through the app. We found the RVR even easier to control than previous Sphero bots due to how easy it is to identify a 'front' and 'back'. Even young children can take the RVR out of the box and have a great time controlling it.
However, that barely scratches the surface of what the RVR offers. With the inclusion of a UART expansion port and ability to provide power to a device through USB, it is possible to add accessories, sensors, and all sorts of tech-magic to the RVR. After reviewing ideas shared on Sphero's discussion forums, I am currently planning to add a Raspberry Pi Zero W and camera to the RVR, allowing it to serve as a remote 'sentry' while we are not at home. I'm currently working on 3d printing a custom rig to hold them, which will be attached to the expansion shell that is included in the box.
There are a lot of gadgets available for home use or in the classroom. But I don't know of any that are as well manufactured and that have as high of a ceiling as the RVR does. It is an open platform that is infinitely expandable. The kids and I are looking forward to seeing just how far the RVR will take us!
Disclosure: As a frequent presenter about educational technology, I received a review unit to put through its paces. I was asked to share honest feedback about the RVR. The information shared here is my own personal impressions of the product.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2019
Most of my students (ages 7-10) already have experience with several programmable robots, and they were eager to begin using the RVR! Every single student, regardless of experience, was able to use the app right away and start programming. As a teacher, I really appreciate the sturdiness of the RVR in a school environment. The treads and the roll cage seem to add to the RVR’s durability around a lot of excited young children.
I’m even more excited about the additional advanced capabilities available with the RVR. The expansion port and options that come with an open platform make this particular unit extremely versatile. I’m hoping to use the RVR as a Mars Rover simulator with my classroom, and I know my students will be able to imagine additional possibilities with this unit because of its adaptability. I might be even more excited than my students about all the options we'll have with the RVR!
Disclosure: As a classroom teacher with a social media presence and occasional presenter in educational technology, I was given a Sphero RVR unit for review purposes. I was asked to share honest feedback about the RVR. My review reflects my personal and professional experience with my current students and honest opinion about the product.
Incredibly versatile and easy to use right out of the box!
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2019
When I received the RVR unit, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use right out of the box. Using the Sphero Edu app, it is really simple to drive and program immediately. Sphero is a trusted brand for me, and the educational support provided by this company is a huge value for me as a teacher.Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2019
Most of my students (ages 7-10) already have experience with several programmable robots, and they were eager to begin using the RVR! Every single student, regardless of experience, was able to use the app right away and start programming. As a teacher, I really appreciate the sturdiness of the RVR in a school environment. The treads and the roll cage seem to add to the RVR’s durability around a lot of excited young children.
I’m even more excited about the additional advanced capabilities available with the RVR. The expansion port and options that come with an open platform make this particular unit extremely versatile. I’m hoping to use the RVR as a Mars Rover simulator with my classroom, and I know my students will be able to imagine additional possibilities with this unit because of its adaptability. I might be even more excited than my students about all the options we'll have with the RVR!
Disclosure: As a classroom teacher with a social media presence and occasional presenter in educational technology, I was given a Sphero RVR unit for review purposes. I was asked to share honest feedback about the RVR. My review reflects my personal and professional experience with my current students and honest opinion about the product.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
antonella
Ottimo strumento per appassionare al coding e sviluppare competenze
Reviewed in Italy on May 16, 2021Fritz
Gebrauchter Artikel in sehr gutem Zustand und guter Preis.
Reviewed in Germany on September 23, 2020
