Technology
We meet the creators of the Sphero RVR, the programmable robot that can seemingly go anywhere and do anything, all while inspiring a new generation of coders.
The classroom can be a boring place, but the students of the future seem to be in for a much more high-tech education, with companies such as Aerowood creating products to develop skills for a coding world. Sphero, one of the leading forces of this revolution, are now taking educational robots to a new level.
Sphero were founded in 2010 with a mission statement to inspire the creators of tomorrow by making cool, fun app-enabled robots. In the nine years since their birth, Sphero have produced a variety of robots ranging from the Sphero 2.0 robotic ball to the widely-loved Star Wars BB-8 toy. Now, the Colorado-based company is set to launch their favourite robot yet – the RVR.
The RVR (pronounced 'Rover') is Sphero's new go-anywhere, do-anything fully programmable robot. We spoke to the company's co-founder and chief creative officer, Adam Wilson, to get to know the new darling product of Sphero’s portfolio.
"The RVR is the kind of robot I wish I had when growing up," Wilson says. "RVR is drivable right out of the box, making it approachable and accessible to coders of all levels, including beginners. In addition, its advanced features are geared specifically for those looking for a more complex coding experience – the first of Sphero's products to do so."
Advanced users can program the Sphero RVR to do whatever they want
© Sphero
We've seen a lot of new robots hitting the market with a claim to coding fame, but what sets the Sphero RVR apart from the competition? For a start, it's pretty bonkers. Straight from the off on its Kickstarter page, it claims to be able to play laser tag, stream music, and dance.
We asked Wilson how exactly this works. "RVR is packed with sensors and technology that make it the ultimate mobile canvas for creativity, allowing users to build whatever robot they desire," he explains. "By connecting the user's hardware of choice to the expansion port, the customisation possibilities are endless, and entirely up to them. For example, users can hook up a camera to RVR and program facial recognition to do a dance every time your best friend walks by."
The RVR is no slouch either when it comes to doing the day job of, well, driving around. It can reach speeds of over 7kph – extremely nippy for a small robot – and features a fine-tuned, high-resolution motor encoder, allowing it to be driven with impressive agility, accuracy, and torque. In fact, the RVR can scale a 45 degree incline with noticeable ease.
Sounds like a slice of robotic fun, no doubt, but how does one access the world of musical robots and laser tag? "Thanks to RVR's universal expansion port, full suite of on-board sensors, and an advanced control system, the only limit is the user's imagination," Wilson explains. "Users have the ability to hack RVR to be a home security guard, a roving environmental sensor, or even a personalised mobile voice assistant. With the option to add third party hardware also, like a Raspberry Pi, BBC micro:bit, or Arduino, it opens up a world of possibilities."
This sounds slightly daunting to us rookies, but not to fear, Sphero have a dedicated focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) education and this is a topic that Wilson is particularly passionate about. "The skills students unlock and strengthen through coding will help them thrive, no matter what path they pursue," he says. "It's critical that kids from all backgrounds have access to fun, hands-on STEAM technology like Sphero to empower the next generation with individuality, creativity, and problem-solving skills."
Bringing robots into the classroom could inspire a generation
© Sphero
The onus on education is a significant shift from the days of robots being made for robots' sake. As society progresses technologically, coding skills are developing into one of the most valuable professional skills to have in your arsenal. Sphero's messaging on education is not confined to hypothetical thinking. With the Sphero Edu app, the company provides the complete educational coding package, and its technologies have already reached more than 30,000 educators in more than 20,000 schools worldwide.
The RVR is currently generating crowdfunding on Kickstarter, and will be widely available worldwide from September 2019 at a price of $249/ €220. Following its release to the public, the RVR will be trialled in schools.