Wednesday

Lego Mindstorms EV3

The new Lego Mindstorms EV3 programmable robot
kit adds the versatility you have come to expect from Lego with what the company is calling their most advanced technology ever developed. Allowing you to create and design your own walking, talking and even thinking robots, this new Mindstorms edition lets creative minds from 10 years of age and up take on preset missions, and can even be controlled by your smart device through a free app download. Let us take a deeper look into the ins and outs of the EV3 robotics technology powered by an ARM9 processor and two AAA batteries.

Key Features of The  EV3

* Includes over 550 Lego Technic elements
* Control offered by included remote or your smart device
* Free download bonus was created by actual Mindstorms EV3 customers!
* Supported by active community of users like yourself at Lego.com/mindstorms
* TRACK3R, R3PTAR, SPIK3R, EV3RSTORM and GRIPP3R robot design instructions included

Is the Lego Mindstorms EV3 Built for You?

If you are familiar with the Lego Mindstorms line of programmable robotics and construction toys and products, you already understand the appeal of the EV3. This product allows young, intelligent minds to design a robot which actually walks and talks. Excellent for motor skill and mental growth, the Lego Mindstorms EV3 contains more than 550 elements, and is visually appealing with red, silver, black and white coloring.

Shipping weight is 5.0 pounds, and while this may be considered by some as a toy, the onboard USB port, microSD card reader, infrared sensor and redesigned color and touch sensor technologies testify to its high-tech abilities. Combine those features with Lego Technic elements and easy-to-follow design instructions, and both youngsters and adults can appreciate the walking, talking and intuitive robotic creations they can create with the EV3 system.

You do pay for the excellent mix of robotics technology and Lego functionality, but this is not a simple toy which will be easily forgotten. Lego has created an online community of Mindstorms customers where an EV3 owner can bounce ideas off like-minded individuals, and included in this set is a bonus package of 12 design ideas which were created by other Mindstorms EV3 owners like yourself. One really neat feature is the ability to modify the code and create your own customized experience.

For the tech minded, the P-Brick and center of the EV3 runs Linux on an ARM9 processor. 64MB RAM system memory has been included, along with 16MB Flash, and up to 32GB of external storage is supported through the microSD slot. There are also Bluetooth wireless control capabilities, and aside from the higher end price tag and the requirements of two standard AAA batteries, the fact that the Mindstorms EV3 offers control over 4 motors in comparison to the single motor NXT is just one of the many technologically advanced features this product offers.

The Mindstorms EV3 also runs on the open-source Linux platform, meaning that extreme customization and personalization options are present. Lego has another hit on their hands with this product, which will appeal to tech-minded youngsters and young adults alike. I mean, who doesn't like robots? Smartphone integration and multiple online apps join a boatload of tech-savvy features that easily justify the price tag, and the Lego Mindstorms EV3 is that rare product which is fun and enjoyable, while also challenging young minds to grow.