During the workshop, we saw the robot being used with groups from two different institutions and I am happy to share their ideas with you (with their permission, of course): I was recently at a workshop led by WeDiggit, at Levinsky College, where I tried the SPRK+ and I really enjoyed it (highly important □). AS it does require a level of accuracy and regulation, individuals with motor difficulties may find it difficult to use. It is important to note, that though we are talking about programming a robot, it can be used with people with a variety of functional abilities, which is a big advantage. The inherent playfulness that comes with this ball is very motivating to users and encourages playing with others and communication. Drawing a path in the app is great practice for fine motor skills, and cognitive perceptual skills, such as learning about shapes. You can also order accessories like ramps, and add-ons like this Lego car.įor those that can code, there are a variety of ways to code the SPRK+ from the most simple (drawing a path on the app that the robot will follow) to the hardest (writing actual code). I’ve seen people attach markers to the robot to have it draw, or people that have placed a large plastic cup over it, with a face drawn on it, so it looks like the cup is moving, and other fun ideas. Options are endless…imagination is the key…and the game! For example, you can make a maze and guide the ball through it as you would a remote controlled car.Īnother simple idea would be to place obstacles in its way, like a tower of blocks, and have it knock them over. The SPRK+ is a piece of technology that was developed for the wider population, not specifically for people with disabilities, but because of it’s ease of use and the fact that it is a cool fun toy from the regular market, it can be used with people with disabilities easily and in many ways. Quick inductive charging (no need for wifi).Interfaces with Scratch (app for coding).There are accessories that can be attached and the SPRK+ will operate them.Fall, crash, color, and water resistant.4 methods of operation: manual, drawing, block-based coding, and Javascript text.To use, you must buy the robot and download the app.Ī few technical details (Thanks to Arik Bronshtein from WeDiggit): The SPRK+ is managed using an app, Sphero Edu, available on both the App Store and Google Play. It is easily programmable, allowing the creation of a variety activities, so this robot ball can be used for practising many skills including communication, problem solving, planning, and more. The SPRK+, by Sphero, is a great example of fun toy, that’s easy to use, making it a great option for children and adults with various disabilities. Also available are a variety of SDKs for popular platforms like Raspberry Pi, Micro:Bit and Arduino, as well as low-level API documentation so more advanced users can connect to any platform they like.As technology rapidly advances, it brings with it many interesting innovations, including new varieties of robots. Sphero said in a press release: “This unique community enhances the product experience, providing users with resources to take on new challenges, solve problems, be creative and share creations. The app gives coders the chance to show off their robots and interact with each other. RVR buyers also gain access to the Sphero EDU app to help them make the most of their RVR. “Pretty much anything you can dream up, RVR can power and make mobile.” “RVR is the platform I found myself making over and over again, any time I wanted to make a new robot or test a new concept,” said Adam Wilson, Sphero co-founder and chief creative officer. RVR’s ambient light, colour and 9-axis IMU can send and receive signals to interact with other Sphero robots. The RVR’s high-capacity removable battery also adds to the user friendly experience, as a new battery can be swiftly swapped in.Īvailable from Amazon now, at £249.99, RVR is outfitted with several onboard sensors that will get any maker’s imagination going: a colour sensor, light sensor, IR, magnetometer, accelerometer and gyroscope, as well as a roll cage and clear protective plate that are both removable. Sphero says it’s a speedy, nimble, fine-tuned robot that performs well across many terrain types. Users get to learn about coding through a practical experience and shape their interaction with the robot. The ultimate aim of the robot, however, is to teach coding, from beginner lessons up to more advanced stuff. It’s ready to drive straight out of the box and doesn’t require any start-up coding. The Sphero RVR (pronounced Rover) is Sphero’s latest and most advanced product yet − and it’s now available to purchase.
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