Sphero, the edtech company best known for creating spherical robots, just launched a robot with a bit more edge.
On Tuesday the company officially launched RVR, a small, Mars rover-like robot that is drivable, customizable and programmable. RVR can be purchased through the Sphero online store or at select retailers for $250. There’s also a multipack option available for educators.
Sphero builds its robots to help students learn about programming, and RVR is no exception. Through the Sphero Edu app, anyone can program tasks for RVR. The company specifically designed the robot to be accessible for all levels of coders, giving users the option to use Draw & Drive, Scratch blocks, or JavaScript to program the robot. It also comes drivable right out of the box.
RVR is customizable, meaning you can attach third-party hardware like a Raspberry Pi, Micro:Bit, Arduino, littleBits pieces or anything that communicates via universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter.
On the software side, RVR works with a variety of SDKs for Raspberry Pi, MicroBit and Arduino platforms. Low-level API documentation is also available for advanced users to connect to the platform of their choosing.
RVR initially debuted on Kickstarter in February, where it raised over $1 million from backers. Because of this successful Kickstarter campaign, RVR is now available for purchase.
“When we launched RVR on Kickstarter earlier this year, we were blown away by the response,” Adam Wilson, Sphero co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, said in a statement. “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. We can’t wait to see what everyone creates with RVR.”
