Sphero is well known for creating smart toys with personality and the newest member of the robot family, BOLT, is no different. This is an app-enabled robotic ball that allows you to get creative whilst secretly sneaking in some education about coding.
Starting with the visuals, BOLT looks more grown up with all its technical innards on show - even the charging station is see-through, and this helps to create a connection with the individual components. Suitable for ages 8 and up, it works alongside the ‘Sphero Edu’ app on smartphone, tablet or desktop device, where you can also access community-created activities. The 8x8 LED Matrix displays real-time data and animates to give it it’s personality. You can create and play games with BOLT, learn to code by drawing on your screen, using Scratch blocks, or writing JavaScript text programs.
BOLT comes with an Inductive Charging Base with USB cable, protractor with heading, directions, and clock, plus a sticker sheet for personalisation. It is Bluetooth compatible and uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which, after about 6-hours charge time, will provide you with 2 hours play. It measures up at 73mm in diameter and weighs 200g; its tough outer body is even waterproof! You can control BOLT’s speed, acceleration, and direction, allowing you to drive him around using the built-in compass. It can also communicate via infrared, so it can interact with other BOLTs that it meets. Bolt has an ambient light sensor to allow you to program based on your room’s brightness, with the program offering collaborative STEAM activities, helping to spark imaginations. The cross-platform apps have been designed to be approachable for all skill levels.
BOLT is a versatile little device, less cutesy than some of its predecessors. It can be used at its simplest level to roll around your floors via the remote control, it can also be used as a remote-control to interact with various games on your smart device, as well as all the educational benefits from being able to programme it in a seemingly endless variety of ways. Our favourite features are the Scream Drive where you can use sound (your voice for example) to make BOLT move - the louder you are the faster it goes - something to drive the neighbours mad, and programming it to complete assault courses, especially one with a splash at the end. This is another great robot from Sphero: Packed full of sensors, there are simply loads of ways to play and learn with BOLT. RRP £114.75
4.8 out of 5
Pros
Fully programmable colourful LED matrix
Attractive transparent design
BOLT to BOLT infrared communication
Built-in compass for auto aim
2+ hours per charge
Strong, waterproof body
Can be used to simple drive, as a remote or programmable robot
Packed with advanced sensors
Entertaining and educational
Cons
Long charge time
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