The LEGO Group has announced LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, a new platform for consumer robotics designed for both younger generation and robotics enthusiasts, at CES 2013. MINDSTORMS system is powered by the new EV3 Intelligent Brick, that comes with more memory (64 MB + 16 MB internal flash memory) and a faster processor (ARM9 @ 300MHz), and runs a Linux-based firmware.
EV3 Intelligent Brick also features an infrared port, a 178×128 LCD interface, a USB host port and SD expansion slot, and is now compatible with iOS and Android for remote control via Bluetooth 2.1. Thanks to 6 buttons present on the EV3, users can now program many functions directly, in addition to the ability to download programs from a desktop computer. Lego claims a simple robot can be built in 20 minutes without having to plug it into a PC. Beside EV3 intelligent brick, the set comes with 550 Lego Technic elements, infrared, color and touch sensors, 3 motors, and a remote control.
LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 will initially include building instructions for 17 different robots such as “Everstorm” a Mohawk-sporting humanoid that shoots mini-spheres as it walks (Pictured above), “Spiker” a scorpion-like robot that searches for an IR beacon “bug” or “Reptar”, a robotic snake that slithers, shakes and strikes. Builders can then add LEGO Technic pieces, motors or sensors to change the functionality of the robot.
Watch the promo video below to see what can be done with Lego Mindstorms EV3.
MINDSTORMS EV3 also provides a new 3D instructions apps (iOS only for now) powered by Autodesk Inventor Publisher that allows builders to zoom in and rotate each step in the building process. The new desktop programming interface is backward compatible to earlier NXT bricks, offering object-oriented programming tools and extensions to major robotics languages, and should be available for Windows and Mac.
LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 will be available for $349.99 US, €349.99 and $399.99 (CAD) in the second half of 2013. You can check out the Brochure for more details.
An education version “The LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 platform” will also be released later this year for educators interested in teaching robotics in middle and high school classrooms. More information on LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 can be found at www.LEGOeducation.us/MINDSTORMS.
Via: Linux.com
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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…” for $349.99 US, €349.99″… LEGO – the next company who has problems with currency FX rates and treat EU customers like idiots 🙂 I vote with my money, don’t buy, too costly !
@Tom
All companies do about the same, it’s partly due to higher taxes and VAT.
I suppose that both prices are net without VAT tax.
@Tom
I think most big companies announce retail price including VAT. If it’s not the case for the Lego kit, that’s really a rip off for EU customers.