LEGO Mindstorms EV3: the better, faster, stronger generation of robotic programming

January 7, 2013
mindstorms

(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.