BOLT+ is an evolution of the original BOLT. The core features and functionality remain, with improvements across several areas. This includes using a higher resolution LCD display instead of a matrix, additional LEDs for indications, improved Qi-compatible charging, and an improved driving experience. BOLT+ also features a new processor architecture that utilizes a single, dual core SOC (system on a chip). This is different from BOLT, which used separate processors for driving and communication.

New Features

LCD screen 

Choose from hundreds of images and animations to display on the LCD to expand opportunities for creativity and learning.  

• The image and animation library is available in the block programming canvas. 

• The library is searchable, and students can "star" a photo for repeat use in a program without having to find it again and again.

• Students can also display sensor information in real time on the BOLT+ screen

Screen size: 128 pixels x 128 pixels 

New blocks

• Roll to Distance block - Make BOLT+ roll for a defined distance

• Drive block - Turn on and off manual drive while the program is running

• On Ambient Light Sensor event - Make BOLT+ respond to different light levels

• On Distance Sensor event - When your BOLT+ reaches a certain distance  something happens

• On Time Elapsed event - When your program hits a certain amount of time something happens

• Display blocks - With the integrated LCD screen, you can print text, display live sensor data, and vivid graphics, images, and animations

• On Button event - Interact with your BOLT+ in a whole new way by utilizing buttons to trigger actions on your BOLT+

Drive While programming

The new Drive block allows students to turn on and off the manual drive controls while a program is running. Imagine fun possibilities like the following:

• Manually driving BOLT+ through a maze while the robot shows different images and plays different sounds. 

• Drive BOLT+ around the room to check and respond to different light levels

• Play fun games where students drive BOLT+ and use a variable to record the number of collisions.  

Improved Power Management

• Shake to wake feature:

  • When BOLT+ is inactive for a few minutes, the robot turns off.  Just shake it to wake it up

• Qi Wireless Charging:

  • Charging will automatically turn off so the battery doesn’t drain over time

• Improved Battery Life

  • A full battery will last a full school day under normal conditions

  • Optimized charging cycles for a longer battery life

Classroom Management

• Improved connection experience with the robot ID showing up on the display as well as on the robot

• Reconnection feature:  App automatically reconnects to the last robot it saw within the last 5 minutes.  No disconnections when accidentally closing the app

New content offerings!

• Backwards compatibility with all BOLT lessons including CSF (LCD screen has a matrix emulator) therefore no content is lost with this transition.

• 20 Challenge cards with BOLT+ Power Pack

  • Helps educators get started

  • Scaffolds learning for new users

  • “Just do this” when first learning

• BOLT+ will launch with new collections featuring standard aligned content for computer science, science, language arts, engineering deisgn and more 

• Over 50+ new FREE lessons within 3-6 months of launch