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Lego Mindstorms EV3 intros three new models, ready for summer tour (video)
When Lego introduced the Mindstorms EV3 earlier this year, it bundled building instructions for five "hero" models, several of which can be seen in our CES hands-on. But that complex kit of sensors, modules and bricks lends itself to endless possibilities, and Lego community members have come up with 12 more designs, three of which were unveiled today. These include a dinosaur, a guitar and a whack-a-mole-style arcade game. From our brief hands-on, all three models seem worthy additions to the original lineup. We enjoyed the sauntering steps of the mini triceratops and the way it snaps and backs off from obstacles, the fun bloops and bleeps of the guitar, and delighted in the sheer satisfaction of bopping a popped "mole." The latter two, particularly, are decidedly whimsical implementations compared to the usual ambling robot -- and we can't wait for Lego to reveal the rest of the bonus models later this year.
Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit gets an education, school-friendly platform to ship August 2013
Lego's new Mindstorms EV3 kit isn't all just gun-firing robots and killer scorpions. Unfortunately, there's also some learning to be done, with the new Mindstorm EV3 kit ready to land in schools this August. Lego reckons the kit touches on several curriculum areas like computer science, math, engineering mixed with (we hope) a little fun -- c'mon, it's class-time Lego! We got to have a brief play with it back at CES, and as far as Lego goes, it appears to have more than enough additions to keep young minds ticking over, including Linux firmware that connects to Android and iOS apps, infrared and its very own 3D construction guide from Autodesk. The core kit includes the EV3 brick nerve center, a rechargeable battery, sensors, motors, a pile of bricks, a new ball wheel and (thankfully) instructions. Added to that, the teaching set includes a "customizable curriculum", digital workbook and 48 step-by-step tutorials to get the lil' tykes started.
Autodesk partners with Lego to create 3D interactive Mindstorm EV3 instructions
If you think it's hard putting the "Lego Discovery Fire Station" together, how about building and wiring a fully-functioning Mindstorm EV3 robot? To give you a leg up, the Danish toy outfit's joining forces with Autodesk to put together 3D interactive building instructions for the latest generation of Mindstorm mechs. The effects and 3D software firm will use its Inventor Publisher software to create interactive plans that run on iPads, Android devices and web browsers for five different 'bots. That way, you'll be able to actually put on your builder's hat and not just giggle enthusiastically at the final result.
Hands-on with Lego's Mindstorms EV3 kit (video)
Lego's third-generation Mindstorms kit has been redesigned to appeal to both kids desperate to craft and modders looking for even more customizability. With assembly instructions now provided by a 3D animated diagram on an iPad app, this isn't the Lego you'll have remember from childhood. If you'd like to see what it's like in action, head on past the break to watch the video.
Lego Mindstorms EV3 arrives tailored for mobile, infrared and more hackability
Lego's Mindstorms kits were born into a world where the PC reigned supreme for control; the company is ushering in 2013 with an acknowledgment that its build-it-yourself toy is part of a much wider universe. Its updated Mindstorms EV3 runs on new Linux firmware that's ready for Android and iOS control out of the box, creates an overall more hackable platform and allows further programming on the core Intelligent Brick itself; accordingly, there's an SD card slot for local storage. A built-in infrared sensor expands the possibilities for a more autonomous design, as well -- Lego suggests that EV3 constructs can follow other moving gadgets, or even their creators, around the room. It should also be the first Lego bundle with its own 3D construction guide, as a new app built with Autodesk's help lets builders see the process from every angle. We won't have the chance to put a kit together until the EV3 line ships in the second half of the year, but Lego already expects the core unit to sell for $350. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.