How Should Teachers Store Their Sphero Robots Over the Summer?Updated a month ago
Whether you’re packing up your classroom for a well-earned break or planning ahead for the next school year, properly storing your Sphero robots during the summer (or any extended amount of time) is key to keeping them in top shape. Follow these tips to help preserve battery life and ensure your robots are ready to roll when school resumes.
🤖 Why is proper summer storage important?
Sphero robots use lithium-ion batteries, which can degrade if stored improperly for extended periods. Taking a few simple steps can help maximize the lifespan and performance of your robots.
🛠️ General Storage Tips (Applies to All Sphero Robots)
Fully Power Down
Before storing, make sure all robots are powered off completely. Do not simply put them to sleep—fully shut them down.
Clean and Dry
Wipe down your robots with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or debris. If needed, you can use disinfecting wipes to clean most Sphero products.
Ensure they are completely dry before storage, especially if used in a wet or humid environment.
Use Original Packaging or Storage Cases
Store robots in their original boxes or protective cases to prevent dust and accidental damage.
Keep in a Cool, Dry Place
Store in an environment between 32°F and 77°F (0°C to 25°C).
Avoid leaving robots in hot cars, near windows, or areas with high humidity.
🤖 Robot-Specific Battery Guidelines
indi: Charge the battery to about 70% and store unplugged in a cool space.
BOLT/BOLT+: Charge the battery to about 70%. Fully power down the robots, unplug chargers and Power Packs, and store the robots in their cradles until you’re ready to use them again.
RVR/RVR+: Charge the battery to about 70% so that it illuminates two LEDs when you press the indicator button. Remove the battery from your robot and store it in a temperature-controlled environment. Don’t forget to take the treads off to keep their shape.
By charging 70% before leaving for the summer, you will still have some charge when you return in the fall. Then, you can charge the robot batteries to 100% when you’re ready to use them again in the classroom.
🔋 More Battery Guidelines
Different Sphero robots have slightly different battery care instructions, as mentioned above. Below are general battery tips that apply to most of our robots:
✅ Ideal Charge Level Before Storage:
Charge the robot to its ideal % (see list above) before storing. Avoid storing it at 0% or 100% for long periods, as this can reduce battery capacity over time.
🔌 Mid-Summer Check-In (Recommended for RVR/RVR+ & Other Long-Term Storage Models):
If possible, recharge the robots to 50–60% halfway through the summer (especially for RVR/RVR+ and any robot that hasn’t been used in several months). This helps maintain battery health.
🧠 Special Notes:
Do not keep robots plugged in for the entire summer.
Do not store robots in sleep mode. Always power them off fully.
🚫 What to Avoid
❌ Leaving robots completely discharged for weeks or months.
❌ Storing in hot, unventilated spaces.
❌ Keeping them plugged in or on charging docks long-term.
📅 When You Return in the Fall
Before using your robots again:
Fully recharge each robot.
Check for firmware updates using the Sphero Edu app.
Inspect for any visible damage or battery issues.
Need More Help?
Visit Sphero Support or contact our team for assistance. We've got your back so you can start the new school year on the right foot!