Next Generation Lego Mindstorms Module, EV3, Gets iPhone, Android Support [CES 2013]

(11:21 am PDT, Jan 7th)

Lego EV3

Lego Mindstorms has just evolved. The latest announcement from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from the Denmarased toy company is that their popular robotics hardware and software, Mindstorms, is getting a new command module, the EV3. It will be iOS and Android compatible from the start, letting even more kids and the young at heart program and control their robots from mobile devices.

Lego Mindstorms has used the NXT module for the last couple of years, allowing students and creative, tech-minded kids and young adults to get valuable programming and engineering experience. Building a robot and programming it takes far less time with Mindstorms, as it involved a familiar Lego-style plastic parts system along with a computer-based programming environment that’s easy to learn and use.

The new EV3 system will connect with mobile iOS and Android devices right out of the box, making it even more user-friendly to build and command robots. The command module will have an ARM9 processor with 16 Mb of RAM and will include an SD expansion slot. Up to four sensor and motor bricks can be connected to the EV3, up from a maximum of three in the NXT module.

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Comment »

  • http://www.facebook.com/sam.ackerman.71 Sam Ackerman

    “letting even more kids and the young at hard” Maybe they mean “young at heart”

    I remember when reporters and writers did this thing called proof reading.

    • http://twitter.com/roblef Rob LeFebvre

      Hi Sam! Thanks for the catch.

      • http://www.facebook.com/sam.ackerman.71 Sam Ackerman

        A reply from the writer, I’m shocked. Good job on both the replays and not getting bent out of shape over the comments. Have a great day.

        • http://twitter.com/roblef Rob LeFebvre

          Back at ya, man.

  • http://twitter.com/kevin13769 Kevin Hancox

    Was probably written quickly on an iPhone or Android while rushing around CES and not thinking about how accurate or useful his story is, just getting paid by the amount of stories he posts…! Autocorrect eh… ;)

    • http://twitter.com/roblef Rob LeFebvre

      Thanks, Kevin – I always try to post interesting or useful things. I’m also kind of excited about the EV3 itself, as my son is a Lego League kid who uses the NXT at school.

About the author

Rob LeFebvreRob LeFebvre is a freelance writer and editor living in Anchorage, Alaska. He contributes to online tech, gaming and iOS websites around the net, including Cult of Android, Cult of Mac, 148Apps, VentureBeat, and Paste Magazine. He owns and operates GamesAreEvil as well, so it's surprising he finds time to have two amazing kids, a disco band, and (yes) a day job. Feel free to find Rob on Twitter: @roblef

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Posted in Android, CES 2012 | Tagged: , , , , |


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