If you're a school teacher who relies on Sphero robots for STEAM learning, you know how valuable — and how frustrating — ageing robotics equipment can be. Flat batteries, unreliable connections, and limited coding options can quickly turn an engaging lesson into a troubleshooting session. Sound familiar?
The good news is that Sammat Education has partnered with Sphero to offer Australian schools a straightforward and cost-effective solution: the Sphero Upgrade Program. Here's what you need to know.
What Is the Sphero Upgrade Program?
The Sphero Upgrade Program allows schools with older SPRK+ or BOLT robots to trade them in — whether they're working or not — and upgrade to the latest Sphero BOLT+ or RVR+ technology at a significantly reduced price. The programme expanded in March 2026 to include RVR+ upgrades, giving schools even more flexibility.
5 Reasons to Upgrade Your School's Sphero Robots
1. 🔋 Improved Battery Life That Goes the Distance
One of the most common frustrations with older Sphero models is battery degradation. BOLT+ offers improved battery life, meaning your robots can keep up with your classroom — not the other way around. No more swapping out robots mid-activity or losing precious teaching time.
Benefit for teachers: Full-lesson reliability means smoother, more consistent learning experiences for your students.
2. 💻 LCD Programmable Display for Richer Student Projects
Unlike previous Sphero models, the BOLT+ features a built-in 8x8 LED matrix display that students can programme as part of their coding activities. This opens up a whole new dimension of creative projects — from displaying emotion icons to programming animated patterns — making coding tangibly rewarding for young learners.
Benefit for teachers: A visual output gives students immediate feedback on their code, supporting deeper learning and greater engagement.
3. 🧩 Expanded Coding Options Across Year Levels
The BOLT+ supports a wider range of programming environments via the Sphero Edu app, from drag-and-drop block coding suitable for early primary students through to JavaScript for more advanced learners. Expanded onboard sensors also support richer coding activities tied to movement, light, and direction.
Benefit for teachers: One robot can grow with your class, reducing the need to introduce new tools as students' skills develop.
4. 🤖 Step Up to Advanced Robotics with RVR+
For upper primary classes ready for a greater challenge, the RVR+ upgrade is a game-changer. This all-terrain, programmable robot supports advanced coding and is expandable with third-party hardware such as littleBits — making it ideal for extended STEAM projects and cross-curriculum learning.
Benefit for teachers: The RVR+ grows with your programme and supports differentiated learning for your more advanced students.
5. 💸 Significant Savings for Australian Schools
The Sphero Upgrade Program is designed with school budgets in mind. Schools can save up to $120 per robot (Package A) or up to $1,600 per Power Pack (Package B), with flexible package options available for individual robots or full classroom sets. Trade-ins are accepted whether robots are working or not.
Benefit for teachers: Stretch your school's STEAM budget further while ensuring students always have access to quality, up-to-date technology.
How Does the Programme Work?
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Choose your upgrade package (A, B, C, or D) based on the number of robots you're trading in
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Ship your pre-loved SPRK+ or BOLT robots (plus charging bases) to Sammat Education in Melbourne — we'll provide an RMA label
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Once your old robots are received, your new BOLT+ or RVR+ robots will be dispatched directly to your school
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Purchase orders are welcome
A minimum of 3 robots is required for individual robot upgrades (Packages A and C).
Ready to Upgrade?
The Sphero Upgrade Program is already active and available to Australian primary schools now. Whether you're looking to refresh a handful of robots or your entire classroom fleet, Sammat Education's team of former teachers is here to help you every step of the way.
Explore the Sphero Upgrade Program
