Sphero RVR Programmable Robot Car Review
RVR is Sphero’s one of the most advanced programmable robots. It looks like an all-terrain tank, allows RVR to drive smoothly on uneven surfaces and overcome unexpected obstacles at the front. Besides, diversified built-in sensors and the hackable platform allows you to tailor-make and customize your own Sphero RVRs. 4-pin UART and an onboard power source allow you to connect and run third-party hardware like a Raspberry Pi, BBC micro:bit, Arduino or Sphero’s own littleBits. If you are experienced in coding/programming, certainly, you can build what you want. The only limitation is your imagination. Without further ado, let’s see what makes this robotic car special.
If you love the robot car, you might also be interested in Sphero – Ultimate Lightning McQueen Robotic Car. Read our Full Review Here.
Sphero RVR - PROS & CONS
Pros
- Able to handles all terrain
- Highly compatible for STEM Robotic
- Packed with features
- Good for code learning
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Some connection issues
- Take time to learn advanced functions
Sphero RVR - Key Features
Easy & Quick Setup
The installation is quite simple and painless. After unpacking the box, here are what you need to do.
- fully charge the battery of the RVR
- download Sphero Edu from GooglePlay / Apple Store
- Turn on Sphero RVR and connect it with the dedicated app
- After finishing the above, you can start experiencing the Sphero RVR robotic car.
Driving RVR
As long as getting RVR connected, it is ready to play. Probably, you might find the robotic RVR difficult to control. Don’t worry, you just need to reset and calibrate the orientation, everything would work fine.
Regarding the responsiveness and driving experience, the robotic car is pretty sensitive in control. Precise control, powerful motors and rubber tracks make it perform like an advanced tank-style robot. It allows RVR to manage all kinds of difficult situations and the all-terrain environment as it described.
Programming RVR
If Driving RVR brings beginners much fun, advanced robot programmers might be addicted to coding their own Sphero RVRs.
RVR has built-in Complete assortment of on-board sensors. It comes with USB port, UART port, ambient light sensor, color sensor, infrared sensor, accelerator, and gyroscope, etc. which helps kids to code their robotic cars in unlimited ways. It’s claimed that it is an extremely hackable platform, little kids can test and learn basic to advanced coding skills via the dedicated Sphero app. You can code the RVR to drive, draw, write and even use block-based coding to perform what you want. There is a range of block-code available which allows users to chain the ‘functions’ together and make unique and special moves.
Apart from individual code learning, actually, it has been widely used in programming classes. Students can collaborate with others and solve problems together in a cooperative way.
BUILD ON IT:
When it comes to customizing robotic toys, compatibility with third-party is one of the major concerns with no doubt. RVR offers a comprehensive hackable platform for advanced programmers to tailor-make their own special RVR.
RVR core features expansion ports as above mentioned which allow working with hardware including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, micro:bit, and Sphero’s own littleBits. Little engineers can build whatever they want as long as their coding skills can be applied.
Wrapping up
To sum up, the Sphero RVR is an all-terrain robotic tank with coding features. It is not only suitable for beginner to experience robot control but also great for advanced programmers to practice and test their coding proficiency. If you are serious robotic players, It would not make you disappointed.
Customer’s Feedback on Amazon
No. of Customer reviews – 381 (updated to 8 Jan 2020)
Sphero RVR Specifications
| Rating |  |
| Age | 8 years and up |
| Prebuilt / Kit build | Prebuilt |
| Skill of Coding | Required |
| Programmable | YES |
| Playability | High compatibility with third-party accessories |
| Autonomous | NO |
| Control | Dedicated App Control |
| Power | 1 Lithium-ion batteries required. (included) |
| Developability | YES |