SpheroRVR+ - Programmable Robot Car for Kids & Teens - Beginner to Advanced Programming - Customizable & Expandable - Learn Javascript - Micro:bit & Raspberry Pi Compatible

Sphero never disappoints. This robot car was intuitive and fun straight out of the box. I was nervous that it may be too challenging but was pleasantly surprised to find it was really easy to program. What a great way to make learning fun!

One of our grandsons is really into robotics and he loves this. It’s a little pricey for us so we shared the cost with other relatives for a Christmas present. It seems to have the flexibility to keep him involved with new ideas and projects.

This programmable car is a bit on the pricey side, but let me tell you, it's worth every penny. We've tried cheaper programmable items in the past and they just didn't cut it. So, we decided to give the Sphero RVR+ - Programmable Robot Car a shot. And let me tell you, it did not disapppoint.The quality of the materials used is top-notch, and the fact that it comes already assembled is a huge plus. All you have to do is pop in the battery and download the app - easy peasy.This car is packed with features that cater to both beginners and more advanced programmers. It's designed for everyone to have a blast playing and exploring. The possibilities with this robot are endless. You can find great lessons on the website.Sure, it might be a bit of a splurge, but if you've got a budding programmer in your life (young or old), this would make an awesome gift.

It has amazed me that fundamental programming teaching tools I grew up with don't seem to have very decent similar quality option today. Fortunately, this Sphero toy took that concept and enhanced it.Once charged up and the battery installed, the app quickly connected to the robot with minimal fuss. Shortly after that, I was able to begin dropping programming blocks in place in a fundamental, core way to get someone started with thinking about process and procedures for a foundation in coding.From there, as the learned becomes more advanced, it should be possible (I have not made it this far yet) integrate with various boards and different programming languages.I'm just scratching the surface of what it can do at this point, but so far it looks like an impressive learning tool for someone who is leaning toward programming or robotic interests.The big hurdle is the price tag. At the time of this review, this is listed at just under $300, which for an institution teaching programming and robotics will likely end up with a lot of use. For an individual, it's a bit of a risk as to whether the person it's being purchased for will fully explore the impressive depth of capabilities, or simply play a bit with it as a remote control vehicle then abandon it.Of slight (and hopefully lesser concern) is around how long they will support this device. The required app is rampant with reviews complaining that older models of robot have been abandoned. I'd expect this to be a flagship product for a while and enjoy an extensive amount of support.

I absolutely LOVE this!!! It was easy to set up and get the app to link. It was so self explanatory on how to use it. I actually ordered this for my daughter who is taking a coding class and is struggling with it. Turns out it’s not the same platform but would help with the cause and effect logic. She used it a bit but my four year old had so much more fun with it. He keeps running off with my phone and playing with it. It was great to see his eyes light up as he discovered what it can do. There are different settings to build/code or to just play. Both are extremely fun!! I think this is an excellent value and I would recommend.

Gave this to my son who loves computers. He's been learning to program and this remote/robot car is great for him to learn with. Has different parts that came with and that can be purchased to go on it, robot arm and so on. It comes with easy to advanced programming instructions. Good gift for learning to program.

I took my time with this review, because there is a lot of depth to the Sphero RVR+ device. The car itself is very well made, and is as nice as any top name consumer device you're used to using. The plastic, fit, finish, and heft of the device are all five stars. Even though it is a well polished finished good, it can still be upgraded and tinkered with, by accessing the provided ports when they are exposed. Out the gate, you can program the device with a Raspbery Pi computer and the GPIO header to use Python commands, to control the robot, and if you are not ready for that, you can use a graphical programing interface to get started with simple tasks like moving the treads at different speeds for different amounts of time, reading the sensors, and setting the lights. Making a "follow the line" robot, that can follow pieces of color tape on the ground, can be done in a couple of hours, starting from scratch, if you're good at following directions. The Sphere SDK web page has a great many projects that you can do, for a variety of skill levels. You can even use the robot as the mobility stage for another robot or mechanism you construct on top of it, and you can use a single Raspberry Pi to control both the Sphero and your constructed device. What makes this very appealing to a young learner is that you can get started right out of the box. There is no lag to getting gratification, no long slog through a building process, or having to study a bunch of material before you can use any of it. The Sphero RVR+ lets you take baby steps, and build up your knowledge and skill, while still providing value even once you've graduated to more complex builds. This device isn't cheap, but it isn't a toy. It is a serious learning tool, and if the recipient enjoys science, robots, and computers, then they are sure to love the Sphero RVR+.Five Star Robotics Learning Tool I Wish I had When I Was a Boy