After EV3, the last Mindstorms construction kit from LEGO, the Danes are launching the long-awaited successor, Robot Inventor, on the market this autumn. This offers new components and can use Bluetooth. For professionals, there's Python and GPIO.
Compatibility and endless programming
Focus on fun and learning
The Robot Inventor is crying out for a review
This LEGO news has definitely got me hooked and I can hardly wait for the set. That's why I'll definitely be taking a closer look at it in autumn and writing a detailed review. If you don't want to miss this and any other robotics or gadget highlights, then follow me by clicking on the "Follow" button on my author profile.
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Header image: You can build all these robots and more with the new Mindstorms Robot Inventor set. Image source: LEGO
When I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
The Mindstorms EV3 robot construction set, which is popular with children of all ages, is seven years old. To mark the occasion, LEGO presents Robot Inventor, the successor to the best-selling set. The latest release from the block builders from the far north contains 949 parts, new power-up components and offers five different robots that can be built from the same set. Two different humanoid robots with arms, a catapult-like ball throwing machine, a crane including gripper arm or a robot on all fours can be assembled according to the instructions.
The new LEGO Mindstorms set also features a ball-throwing robot arm. Image source: LEGO
As with all other Mindstorms sets to date, the latest kit can also be combined with countless other LEGO creations. Almost all standard LEGO bricks fit, as well as various LEGO Technics and Systems parts. So you will be able to let off steam with the Robot Inventor both as an interested newcomer and as an experienced LEGO collector. The manufacturer recommends the kit for budding programmers and enthusiastic hobbyists aged 10 and over. Thanks to a variety of programming modes, it is also aimed at older age groups and experts. LEGO is trying to kill two birds with one stone with the Robot Inventor: young and old should be introduced to programming in a playful way. At the same time, experts should also be able to expand their know-how while having fun.
Fun while programming: This is the message LEGO wants to convey with the Robot Inventor. Image source: LEGO
The corresponding coding app will be available for MacOS, Windows 10, iOS, Android and some Fire OS devices. It is based on "Scratch", the most popular programming language for coding beginners. The programmer uses coding blocks that can be combined into command chains using drag-and-drop - such as with Ozobot Evo or the Sphero Bolt. The app also offers more than 50 challenges and learning modules for the user. For programming aces, LEGO will also implement the scripting language "Python" and thus expand the functionality. This means that both coding beginners and programming aficionados will get their money's worth.
The main module, which is used to control the robot, which can be customised, has six connections. These are intended for the sensors included in the set. A loudspeaker, a colour sensor, a distance sensor, an acceleration sensor and four motors including rotation sensors are included. On closer inspection, it is noticeable that the sensor connections differ from those of the Mindstorms EV3 set. This means that the predecessor will probably not be compatible with Robot Inventor. The base also has six GPIO pins - for all kinds of external sensors that have nothing to do with the coloured plastic blocks. These make the latest Mindstorms kit expandable with non-LEGO products.
The kit comes with lots of new features and even more accessories. Image source: LEGO
Communication with the Robot Inventor creations is via Bluetooth. This makes it possible, for example, to connect a remote control with on-screen buttons or a Bluetooth controller and use it to control the robot. The integrated battery is charged via a micro USB port. Other compatible sensors that do not support Bluetooth or GPIO can also be connected there. The hub also has a five by five pixel LED display that can be programmed. If you are building a humanoid robot, for example, you can use it to give it a face and make it laugh. But it's not just the technology that's new, LEGO has also tinkered with the tried and tested. The set contains many revised LEGO parts, such as new panelling, turquoise technical parts and wide black rubber tyres. According to the media release, the set will be released in autumn 2020 and will be similarly priced to its predecessor. The price is said to be around 360 euros or dollars.
