Sphero announced today the worldwide launch of their new SPRK+™ robot. Designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and invention through connected play and coding, SPRK+ is far more than just a ball. Powered by the Lightning Lab™ app, users can learn programming, complete hands-on activities, and share their creations with the global community.
SPRK+, in conjunction with the Lightning Lab app, is designed to teach foundational programming through STEAM activities. Both the robot and app experience promote 21st century skills through the wonders of robotics across all subject areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts one million more computer-science jobs than students by 2020 - making learning tools like SPRK+ crucial to today’s curriculum. Today, Sphero’s SPRK products can be found in more than 1,000 schools throughout the US and Canada, reaching more than 300,000 students.
A year ago, Sphero went full STEAM ahead into the education realm with the release of Sphero SPRK™ Edition. The new and improved SPRK+ takes hands-on learning up a notch with updates including:
Tap To Connect: Equipped with Bluetooth SMART, the new tap-to-connect feature increases the ease of use specifically for teachers in the classroom.
Scratch-Resistant Shell: An additional coating on the outside of the ball makes for a more scratch-resistant exterior, while keeping the integrity of the see-through shell.
Additional SPRK+ features include:
Inductive charging
Accelerometer and Gyroscope
Shock resistant
Programmable sensors
Polycarbonate shell
LED lights
Waterproof
“If it’s a SPRK day, it’s without a doubt the best day of school for any student. SPRK+ and Lightning Lab teach students valuable skills for the future under the disguise of play, ” said David Millage, General Manager of Education at Sphero. “Learning is evolving and we are seeing a transition from consumption to creation in the classroom. Our robots are being used to teach everything from art to physics in a fun and hands-on way that engage students on a new level.”
Additionally, a new and improved version of the SPRK Lightning Lab app is available for smart devices and desktop browsers. Featuring over 150 new hands-on learning activities and an improved programming canvas, coding SPRK+ robots is easier and more rewarding than ever. Programmable sensors and sounds bring a fun new dimension to coding, and a news feed feature will highlight trending content, comments and contributions. These improvements make Lightning Lab a more streamlined experience between mobile and desktop, as well as becoming an even easier social learning platform for anyone to enjoy
SPRK+ is now available on www.sphero.com.
