the first smartphone controlled robot, it is not but still, the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is one heck of ‘toy’ that both children (10 years and up) and grown ups can enjoy. we shall not delve into the MINDSTORMS’ beginning some fifteen years ago cos’ what you really need to know is how awesome this latest incarnation is. this third generation robotic kit from the Danish firm features a Linux-based controller, dubbed the EV3 intelligent brick, powered by an ARM processor. with this new ‘brain’, it also marks the first time you can program commands directly into the controller without being tethered to a computer. also onboard this tiny computer are 16MB of flash memory, 64MB of internal storage, SD expansion slot plus a USB port suitable for adding WiFi or Bluetooth module for wireless communication. additionally, the EV3 also boasts full iOS and Android compatibility, which allows you to use the respective devices to control your EV3 creation. the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 comes with building instructions for seventeen robot models and the kit includes a motor, an infrared “seeker”, and a touch sensor for you to start with. advanced builders can choose to add LEGO Technic pieces, motors or sensors to further beef up their robot – a feature that really gets us going. the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is also the first ever LEGO play set to feature 3D building instruction viewable on iPad or Android devices, facilitating easier comprehension of the build with the ability to zoom in and out and rotate each step of the build process. the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 will hit both online and brick-and-mortar stores in Q2 2013 with a SRP of $350 per set. scroll down for a few more larger views.
LEGO via Geek Sugar via DesignBoom
