Specs:
- Kit includes 601 pieces
- Infrared, color and touch sensors
- 3 servo motors
- Compatible with other Lego sets (and so it should be!)
- Ages 10+
Build:
LEGO gives you 5 different robot build instructions but if you’re tech savvy than you can build whatever your imagination desires. The company encourages ‘fan made’ robots and there are many designs available via the LEGO website. With just of 600 pieces, there are plenty of little bits and bobs. The main hitters are the sensors (IR, color, touch) and the servo motors – these are what you are paying for. Quality parts are is what sets the Mindstorm Robot Kit apart from other competition.
Although I consider this a bit more than a hobby robot, it’s still friendly enough for new robot enthusiasts or the builder looking for something more creative. Slightly more complicated than beginner robot kits to put together and can take time depending on what you’re building. However, no engineering degree required for this build.
Building options are unlimited. Simply add more LEGO blocks onto the robot. Design almost anything your imagination can think of.
Software:
The app that commands the robot is easy to use and works with most smart devices. The infrared remote control is very responsive. The programming software is drag and drop and can be used with Mac or PC. Once you’re comfortable with the basic programming, you can move on to more advanced features. Some programming can be done on smaller devices, like tablets, but the majority of the ‘heavy lifting’ requires a computer.
Check out the EV3 in action in the video below.
Final Thoughts:
Although pricey, this robot kit goes beyond expectation. I like that LEGO has set up the software and app to be really user friendly and not restricting. They encourage creative building and have set up a great forum for fellow enthusiasts. The EV3 is featured on our programmable robot kits for beginners too.
