Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat 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.
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.
