LEGO Mindstorms EV3: the better, faster, stronger generation of robotic programming
January 7, 2013
(Credit: Lego)
Lego is back with another generation of MindStorms, the company’s consumer robotics line aimed at introducing application programming to a younger generation, TechCrunch reports.
The new kit includes directions for up to 17 different robots, most of which look like scary-style animals, such as snakes and scorpions.
Mindstorms EV3 marks the first time that users can program directly onto the brand-new EV3 Intelligent Brick. In past iterations, users were only allowed to program their robots from the computer and then run the application through the robot. The Intelligent Brick allows users to add or change commands and actions directly from the brick.
This not only appeals to younger MindStorms users but also programming and robotics enthusiasts. Kids have a super simple, block-by-block interface with which to learn the basics of programming, while hobbyists can debug programs without going all the way back to the computer.
The Mindstorms EV3 kit also adds an infrared sensor, giving robots the ability to see and detect various objects. The system runs on Linux-based firmware and sports USB and SD ports.
The new kit will be available starting in the second half of 2013 for an MSRP of $349.99.
Comments (10)
by Helio Perroni Filho
I wonder if native / “bare metal” programming will get better support this time around? In previous iterations Lego made a decent job of making information available for advanced users – they even open-sourced the firmware – but it’s still quite tricky, and a bit dangerous (e.g. you might burn the LCD if you’re not careful) to get code running directly on the brick.
by asiwel
There is no doubt that 3D printers are wonderful things (I sure want a good one one day). But so are regular printers, now color, etc. So are/were DVRs and other storage/play back gadgets. When was the last time you printed a book on your ink jet printer? How expensive was it? How many “supplies” did you need to keep buying at prohibitive prices? More to the point, how long did it take? How long would it take to 3-D print a box of Lego parts today? One you could just buy at the store for ~$20. Why pay a $1 to download a song … instead of ,say, digitizing one from an old record or CD. I’d suggest that it is easier and much better quality control, documentation and support,etc. I think intellectual property will do just fine in a 3-D printing world .. and so will innovative high-tech companies like Lego and Fischer-Price and some others. (Unfortunately, Heath Kit and Allied Radio are sort of counter-examples …)
by GatorALLin
Here is a great Legos like toy that teaches kids the ability to create things way beyond what we had as kids for building blocks. Maybe Legos is stealing this idea from others…..or visa versa? who cares when it looks like the kids win. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/atoms/atoms-express-toys
by Mr.X
@Gorden Russel:
“It is going to be harder and harder to make a living with intellectual property in the future.”
At the same time, robots will replace most (or all) manual labor…
by Turk
LEGO is the greatest toy of the past century. I wonder how many scientists/engineers were brought up playing with LEGO blocks? I’m no scientist, but I know my childhood saw countless hours of building (and destroying!) stuff. Hopefully 3D printing doesn’t kill the pre-packaged LEGO kit as they become more affordable.
by Gorden Russell
LEGO can just sell their designs online. Otherwise you need to depend on open-source designs that might not be as much fun.
Of course, somebody could buy one set, then copy it photographically, and print up more pieces to expand the set. After that, they could map what they have and put the pirated design online. It is going to be harder and harder to make a living with intellectual property in the future.
by MajorTom
Just a lot more money going to lawyers for litigation, running up the price for everything… in fact my niece’s husband just made partner in an IP firm. He is “crazy-busy” – the litigation is rediculous, and the spoils usually go to the ones with the deepest pockets – they’ll bog you down in court with tons of legal nonsense or if they need to they’ll have something expedited very quickly.
by Bri
Pocket Watson your legal advisor should take care of that. At times I think being a lawyer is the most illegal legal profession. Just a bunch of snake oil salesmen. Did you see that Dominic Barbera ( of Jessica Hahn fame) lost his legal practice, and now sells vitamins?
by Mr.X
Once again you prove that you didn’t understand watson, not even on a superficial level.
” At times I think being a lawyer is the most illegal legal profession”
Makes perfect sense.You know the meaning of “legal”, right!?
by Turk
Sort of like buying plans for a boat or a car. Get the schematics, supply your own materials
. But you’re right, in the future intellectual property (ie prepackaged building kits a la LEGO) will be nearly impossible to secure. 3D printing will give the toy industry fits with how easily people can just print replacement parts and plastic figurines from home.