CES 2013: LEGO Debuts iOS-Compatible LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3

[MacRumors]

As noted by Engadget, Lego has announced Mindstorms EV3, a new line of kid-friendly robotics designed to introduce children to building and programming robots while also attracting hobbyists and other robot enthusiasts.

The new Mindstorms system is powered by the EV3 Intelligent Brick, which features an ARM9 processor, 16MB of flash memory, 64MB of RAM, and the ability to function without the PC that previous Mindstorm systems have been dependent on. Lego has been producing Mindstorms since 1998, but the EV3 is the first version that can be programmed without a computer.

The Intelligent Brick offers full compatibility with iOS and Android devices right out of the box, and a new infrared sensor provides additional control over robots. Mindstorms EV3 also features Linux-based firmware, a USB port, and an SD expansion slot.

We are equipping today's tech-literate generation of children with a more accessible, yet sophisticated robotics kit that meets their tech play expectations and abilities to truly unleash their potential so that they may surprise, impress and excite the world with their creativity.

At launch, the set will include building instructions for 17 robots, like "Reptar" the robotic snake that slithers and "Everstorm" the mohawk-sporting humanoid that can shoot mini spheres while it walks.

Lego has partnered with Autodesk to incorporate its first set of 3D building instructions, which will be released in the form of an iPad app.

Lego Mindstorms EV3 will be available for purchase in the summer of 2013 for $349.99.

Article Link: CES 2013: LEGO Debuts iOS-Compatible LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3

 

[thuchu1]

I really wish I had kids so I had an excuse to buy this...

 

[Gemütlichkeit]

All of those molded parts don't remind me of the Lego's I remember...

 

[Candunc]

Holy crap! 64 GB of RAM? Typo there

 

[samcolson4]

64gb of RAM?! Why does it need that much? (Genuine question)

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

I loved the Mindstorms NXT, such an amazing piece of kit. Had days of fun building some really awesome things. Wish I had taken it a step further like this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUtS52lqL5w

Would be a dream come true! (And a gaping hole blown through the middle of my credit rating...)

 

[GoCubsGo]

I really wish I had kids so I had an excuse to buy this...

I'm disappointed, you don't need kids to buy this! In fact, I would buy this because I don't have kids! Kids will just mess it all up! haha

 

[hmeerlo]

64GB RAM can't be right

 

[ChristianVirtual]

I really wish I had kids so I had an excuse to buy this...

Lucky me, I have a seven years old "excuse" ...

This is actually nice; combine physical toys with virtual components.

 

[Brian Y]

I doubt it has 64GB of RAM - the nxt brick had 64kb!!!

I wonder if the guys who build Lejos will port it over when this is available. These make incredibly fun experimental/weekend toys for geeks/programmers - especially when combined with a raspberry pi and/or a computer with bluetooth!

 

[ChristianVirtual]

All of those molded parts don't remind me of the Lego's I remember...

That's true; last time I saw an old Lego Spaceship in Lego museum which we had too. Felt transported back 30 years

 

[whooleytoo]

I really wish I had kids so I had an excuse to buy this...

...I think I need to research this product, so I know what to buy my future children. It's just good future-parenting.

 

[ChristianVirtual]

I doubt it has 64GB of RAM - the nxt brick had 64kb!!!

I wonder if the guys who build Lejos will port it over when this is available. These make incredibly fun experimental/weekend toys for geeks/programmers - especially when combined with a raspberry pi and/or a computer with bluetooth!

64GB could be it they offer a little camera (USB ?) in or for sound files ... Maybe 64MB ...

 

[Brian Y]

64GB could be it they offer a little camera (USB ?) in or for sound files ... Maybe 64MB ...

Looking at other reports it has 64MB. That's pretty good. That's 1000 times what the old one had!

 

[669532]

I never had enough money for these when I was young.

 

[Dave-Z]

I really wish I had kids so I had an excuse to buy this...

Thankfully, I just had a kid last year; so now I have an excuse to buy this!

 

[jjhoekstra]

I really wish I had kids so I had an excuse to buy this...

My one year old twin girls are all the excuse I need!!!

 

[Formul]

I really wish I had kids so I had an excuse to buy this...

If you are old enough to have kids you are old enough to buy anything you want

 

[EmmEff]

This is a very cool, albeit expensive toy! I don't think I can wait until next Christmas to get this for my 8 year old

 

[designs216]

My son is all over the place -- except when it comes to Legos. Too bad this little toy is so expensive.

 

[Jimmy James]

It needs a smartphone to operate? That is a computer.

 

[macs4nw]

But will it serve dinner?

 

[tbrinkma]

All of those molded parts don't remind me of the Lego's I remember...

Wait...

You had *unmolded* Lego bricks!!!

 

[notjustjay]

Wait...

You had *unmolded* Lego bricks!!!

Haha. I'm sure you knew this but I bet he's referring to all of the "custom" parts that LEGO creates for all the different theme kits. And I agree with the poster you quoted... it's less fun when the pieces assemble more like a model kit and less like a generic "assemble anything you want" building block set.

As for the NXT, when I read the headline, I thought maybe LEGO had come up with a way to use an iPhone or iPod touch as the actual "brain". Instead of that big grey brick, they could just create a piece of LEGO with a dock connector and the wiring to connect sensors and motors. Then the iDevice itself could control everything and you'd have access to even more powerful sensors like the camera, gyroscope, compass, even GPS.

Actually it would probably still be a big brick because you would want batteries to power the LEGO motors. But you could probably sell a "dumb" battery box with a dock connector for much less than an NXT microcontroller.

I'd buy one

 

[Speedy Gonzalez]

This may be even better than the curiosity rover on Mars "