Sphero is known for creating both educational and recreational robots in a variety of different forms. The original Sphero was a robotic ball, and the company has since released movie tie-ins and numerous upgrades. Bolt is something of a modern-day reimagining of the company's very first product.

Things haven't been so rosy for Sphero recently, so it will hope that Bolt can help turn things around. It's their most advanced robot yet and offers headline features such as a programmable LED display and infrared sensors that allow two or more of them to talk to each other. Check out the full feature set below:

  • An animated and programmable 8x8 LED matrix that displays real-time data and graphics
  • Infrared sensors that make way for BOLT-to-BOLT communication, new games, and advanced movements
  • New Auto-Aim feature, making it easier for users to ready their BOLT through a built-in compass
  • An ambient light sensor that offers new learning opportunities through light and brightness
  • Extended battery life, enabling more than two hours of continuous play

Bolt can be used by itself at home or in a classroom together with others, and the Sphero Edu app contains lots of coding projects and tutorials to help anyone get the most out of it. Sphero says it's suitable for all ages and can help teach children the importance of learning while having fun.

Sphero Bolt is available now on the official website and comes to select retailers later this month. A single unit costs $149.99, but there are also education packs including 15 robots, starting at $1949.99. The Edu app is available for various platforms, including Android — download it from the Play Store below.

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