Sphero has evolved significantly since the first model in 2011. What began as a remote-controlled ball has now become a fixture in the field of programmable learning robots, especially for robotics and education enthusiasts. From the simple 1.0 version to the transparent SPRK to the current BOLT+, Sphero has gradually expanded the motor systems, sensors and programming options (Draw, Block, JavaScript + Python).
The following overview compares the most important models in their development.
Sphero 1.0 & 2.0 – The origins of the robot ball
The Sphero 1.0 was the first app-controlled, opaque robot ball that introduced the basic principle: control via Bluetooth, inductive charging and gyroscope and accelerometer for orientation.
The Sphero 2.0 then brought a massive hardware upgrade: It was twice as fast (up to 2.13 m/s), three times as bright thanks to more LEDs and had a lower center of gravity, which made the control much more precise. He established Sphero as an agile toy and paved the way for education-oriented models.
Sphero SPRK and SPRK+ – The focus on education
With the SPRK series, Sphero took the step towards STEM education. The most striking feature is the transparent shell, through which you can see the electronics, motors and mechanics working inside.
The SPRK+ (tennis ball size, approx. 181 g) complemented this concept with a waterproof and scratch-resistant polycarbonate case and Bluetooth LE (range up to 30 m). The sensor technology remained with a motor encoder, gyroscope and acceleration sensor, which is completely sufficient for basic physics and programming tasks.
Sphero Mini – The affordable entry
The Sphero Mini is significantly smaller (table tennis ball size, 46 g) and cheaper than its larger siblings. It is not waterproof, and its colored case must be opened to charge (via micro-USB instead of induction). The speed is limited to 1 m/s and the Bluetooth range to 10 m. Nevertheless, it is fully programmable and ideal for getting started – or as a cost-effective purchase in multiple versions (e.g. for small competitions on the desk).
Sphero BOLT – The professional model with sensors
The Sphero BOLT took the transparent shell of the SPRK+ and massively upgraded it: the heart is a programmable 8×8 LED matrix inside. There were also new sensors that are particularly exciting for advanced robotics projects:
Light sensor: Allows reactions to brightness. Compass (Magnetometer): Allows alignment without manual calibration (“Auto Aim”). Infrared sensors: Allow direct communication (swarm behavior) between multiple BOLT robots.
The BOLT is also waterproof, charges inductively and offers a running time of over 2 hours.
Sphero BOLT+ – Das Upgrade mit Display
The BOLT+ is the latest iteration and replaces the BOLT’s LED matrix with a high-resolution 128×128 pixel LCD display. This allows for more complex animations, graphics and the display of live sensor data directly on the robot. Powered by a dual-core SoC processor and equipped with “Shake-to-Wake” and improved Qi wireless charging, it offers new programming blocks such as “Roll to Distance”. It is based on the form factor of the BOLT and is backwards compatible with its learning content.
Comparison table of Sphero models
Feature / ModelSphero 2.0Sphero MiniSPRK+Sphero BOLTSphero BOLT+Size / Weight74 mm / 168 g42 mm / 46 g (table tennis ball)73 mm / 181 g (tennis ball)73 mm / 200 g (tennis ball)73 mm / 200 g (tennis ball)CaseOpaqueColored, openableTransparent, sealed, waterproofTransparent, sealed, waterproofTransparent, sealed, waterproofChargingInductiveMicro USBInductive (proprietary)Inductive (proprietary)Enhanced Qi chargingDisplay / LightRGB LEDsRGB LEDsRGB LEDs8×8 LED matrix128×128 LCD displayMax. Speed2.13 m/s1 m/s2 m/s2 m/s2 m/sBattery life~75 minutes~45-60 min>1 hour2+ hoursFull school dayConnectionBluetooth (classic)Bluetooth LE (10 m)Bluetooth LE (30 m)Bluetooth LE (30 m)Bluetooth LE (30 m)SensorsGyroscope, accelerationEncoder, gyroscope, accelerationEncoder, gyroscope, AccelerationLike SPRK+ plus infrared, compass, light sensorLike BOLTSpecial featureHistorical model, milestone in the seriesCheapest entry, charging via cableRobust base for education, waterproofSwarm communication (IR), auto-aimLCD display, dual-core processor, shake-to-wake (Note: The Sphero 1.0 was omitted from the table because the 2.0 directly replaced it in the identical housing and significantly improved it).
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