We are still far removed from the point where LEGO robots can build copies of themselves, but the ‘Fabrik Mosaïque’ built by minkowsky shows an interesting first step. The factory building itself is nice, but when I first saw it, it didn’t strike me as all that remarkable. I’m glad I took a closer look, Continue reading →
Daniele Benedettelli was inspired by The Invention of Hugo Cabret to build a working automata that draws portraits. His Legonardo is powered by MINDSTORMS and custom software Daniele wrote himself. Watch the video of Legonardo in action here: Via MAKE.
Not surprisingly, one of my favorite non-LEGO blogs is the MAKE Blog, where Cult of LEGO author John Baichtel joins tech/geek luminaries like Boing Boing founder Mark Frauenfelder to highlight everything from steampunk art cars to the latest adventures in 3D printing. One frequent MAKE topic I’m fascinated by (though I certainly already have way Continue reading →
The next generation of Lego Mindstorms was just revealed and is scheduled for release this summer. You can read about the new features on TechnicBRICKs or in the official press release on Engadget. The retail value is $349.99(USD), €349.99(EUR) and $399.99(CAD).
Guy Himber, aka V&A Steamworks, has created a mind-blowing, mouth-watering, magnificent, and majestic Mold-A-Rama machine. I saw it at BrickCon and even got to breathe the same air as the builder. Let me tell you, it was a pleasure and the machine definitely deserved the “Best Use of NXT” award that it received. I didn’t Continue reading →
Freelance Technic blogger, Peer Kreuger (mahjqa) sends us this beauty. I agree! While most great ball contraptions are the result of a collaboration between many people, mechanical mastermind Akiyuki has been so busy building GBC modules that he made a damn impressive lineup all on his own. The intricate modules have an almost hypnotic quality Continue reading →
We’re generally not as quick to blog Technic and MINDSTORMS models here, so with apologies to our readers who’ve already seen this (but in the interest of completeness): Will Gorman and Doug Moran recently built a fairly functional version of the Mars Curiosity Rover, with four of six working wheels, robotic arm, and mast. According Continue reading →
I’m on a bit of a blogging hiatus lately thanks to a massive work overload, but when Moritz Nolting (nolnet) linked me to this LEGO tenori-on I absolutely had to break my break and share it. Some help to make your own can be found here. Beat Bricks – A LEGO Step Sequencer from superquadratic Continue reading →
Today is pioneering British computer scientist Alan Turing’s 100th birthday. Turing was instrumental in developing early computers, and worked during World War II to successfully crack the German Enigma machine. (Sadly, Turing was prosecuted for being gay in the early 1950s and committed suicide soon after, at age 41.) One of Alan Turing’s key contributions Continue reading →
Paul (Sariel), one of the greatest Technic builders, seems to achieve the impossible by building a remote-controlled Lego truck capable of hauling a load of almost 20 pounds. Don’t believe it? Take a look at the video below. Thanks for the tip vmln8r!
Anika Vuurzoon has combined two very different areas of our LEGO hobby and crafted a very cool, animated version of the Friends robolab. I would love to see the NXT used like this in more themes. Way to step it up, Anika! via Legomymamma
The BrickIt team in Denmark has built a robotic system to sort LEGO bricks. The “Dynaway Sorting Plant” uses 28 Mindstorms NXT motors, 7 processors, 4 color sensors, and 14 touch sensors, and took over 250 hours of programming time plus 800 hours to build. The result is an amazing system that separates 2×4 and Continue reading →
Though I prefer to earn my experience, medals, and achievements the old-fashioned way, I never cease to be impressed (and mildly amused) by those who design LEGO robots to accomplish their video game goals. Guy Himber built a robot to get the Onyx Active Reload medal in Gears of War 3 (watch him get the Continue reading →
Solving Rubkik’s Cubes isn’t the only thing that LEGO Mindstorms robotics are good for. Swedish robotics builder Hans Andersson has built a digital clock that even “blinks” with each second. Check out more of Hans’ robots, including a Sudoku solver of all things, on TiltedTwister.com. Thanks for the link, reader Thomas!
We featured Mike Dobson‘s first Rubik’s-solving CubeStormer last year. Now, Mike has teamed up with David Gilday to create an updated version that scans the cube, creates a solution, and then manipulates the cube to solve the puzzle. Read more about all the technical details on YouTube.
