Capabilities and FeaturesUse the MATLAB® Support Package for LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Hardware to control LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robots. The support package provides MATLAB functions to control the motors and interface with the hardware input sensors and output capabilities. Show Perform the following tasks directly from MATLAB:
You can connect your LEGO EV3 robot to your desktop MATLAB using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB. You can then use MATLAB and the LEGO EV3 sensors to program your robot to do tasks such as line following, object detection, object sorting, and collision avoidance. About LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is based on a brick that includes an ARM®9-based processor, micro SD card reader, and USB port for Wi-Fi connectivity. It connects to a variety of sensors, such as ultrasound, color/light, gyroscope, and touch. It also connects to up to four servo motors, so you can use it to build mobile robots. Platform and Release SupportAvailable on 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft® Windows®, 64-bit Mac and 64-bit Linux®. If you have LEGO news, new images or something else to tell us about, send us a message. If you have a lot to tell us, use this contact form. Frequently Asked Questions | About Brickset | Privacy and Cookies | Affiliate Marketing Disclosure | Site Map | Contact Us LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group of Companies. ©2022 The LEGO Group. Brickset, the Brickset logo and all content not covered by The LEGO Group's copyright is, unless otherwise stated, ©1997-2022 Brickset ltd. 1.0 out of 5 stars I did not receive a Lego Mindstorms. As you can see from the photos, we received random pieces of Lego and other bits of plastic in this box. There are some Nerf pieces, a rubber lion, even a toothpick! What a disappointment for my 11 year old son. This had to be shipped to Saudi Arabia via an overseas account and I have no idea how I will be reimbursed for this. I'm being ignored by the seller. I've never spent so much money on a toy. It was a group effort between 2 grandparents and parents. I really wish somebody would make good on this and at least acknowledge it. Reviews with imagesTop reviews from the United StatesThere was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2013 I am a seasoned RC vehicle veteran. Over the last several years I've owned and operated nearly 50 different RC vehicles, ranging from basic starter trucks all the way up to $500+ vehicles. My experience with RC vehicles led me to a Parrot AR.Drone, which has a few features on it that allow it to fly somewhat autonomously. These autonomous features made me start looking into ways to make a regular RC truck more autonomous, which of course led me to start looking into robotics. Years ago, when the very first LEGO Mindstorms set was released, I actually purchased one. Upon getting it home, I decided that it was probably too advanced for me, and I ended up returning it. Fast forward to this year. While looking into ways to start getting into robotics, I headed to the store to buy a Robosapien X. Although basic, the Robosapien X seemed like a good place to start with robotics, as it had a basic way of being programmed, and it had some options for modifying it to add features and accessories. While at the store, I saw the Mindstorms EV3 set. I was immediately in awe, as the box just draws you in. I liked the looks of the models that it was showing, and knowing LEGO quality I knew it would be a product that functioned as good as it looked. It was a bit pricey for me, so I passed on it initially. A few days later, I kept thinking about the EV3 set, so I just went ahead and ordered one on Amazon. It arrived quickly, as is the case for most of the things shipped from Amazon, and I was all set to get started. Upon opening the packaging, you quickly realize that the outside sleeve is a "course" for the robots that you are going to build to navigate on. It's a nice feature, and a good way to include something like this. The cardboard is more sturdy than just a poster that folds up, so it seems like it will last longer than if it was made out of regular paper and included in the box. After getting the box open, I started inspecting the things that were included. Lots of parts, the motors, sensors, and that all important "brain" type of brick. The instructions included are for building the first model, which is called Track3r. I set about following the instructions to get the Track3r built. It was a fairly quick build, with no real issues that popped up. As is always the case the instructions were clear and concise and didn't leave me guessing at any point. After getting the model built, I headed to my PC to download the EV3 software, which installed quickly and easily. I then went about following the instructions for setting up my first program. Now, I'm pretty tech savvy...however, I've never really tried any kind of computer programming. This was the part of the Mindstorms EV3 kit that had me a bit concerned, as I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to wrap my head around it. Luckily, the LEGO programming method is extremely easy to use. It's a graphic system where you drag and drop "blocks" that serve as the commands, and then in those blocks you change settings in order to change what the robot will do when it reaches that portion of the program. In a matter of minutes I had the first program written and installed, and the robot very quickly did exactly what it was supposed to do...it moved forward, spun a blade and knocked a tire off of a spot, then moved back to the starting point. I was impressed. I had managed to program a robot all by myself, and it didn't even seem to frustrate at all. Over the next several days, I continued using the EV3 software to progress through the different models and "missions" that went with the Track3r. I continued to not have many problems with the programming, and by about the third mission I realized something...the LEGO EV3 software was slowly, subtly, but surely TEACHING me programming. Each mission was bringing new variables to the table that required different programming blocks and options. It was so subtle that at first you don't even realize that you're being taught something, and to me this is ingenious. Any time learning can be disguised as fun, I feel that it's something that will be more easily recalled and will be something that people WANT to continue to do. After the first four missions, before even progressing to the final mission with the Track3r, I decided to give it a go at creating a program completely from scratch. What I wanted to do was effectively "reverse" the Track3r, so that it's back was it's front and it's front was it's back, so that it could use the IR sensor as an "eye." I then wanted the Track3r to move around on it's own, and when it came into a certain proximity of an object it would back up and turn around, then continue going. It took me a little while to figure out a couple of the functions, mainly because I wanted the speed it reversed and the amount it turned to be "random," but with the help of the great Mindstorms Community on LEGO's site, I was able to figure it out...and in fact, I figured it out while waiting for a response from that site, but then used the response just to check my own work. After about a night worth of work, I had managed to create a program that had the Track3r roam about on it's own. Whenever it would get within about 8" of an object, it would back up (at a random speed), growl, turn around (a random amount at a random speed) and then move forward again. With this program, the Track3r is effectively able to just autonomously roam around the room and not get stuck on anything. Success!!! I had built a robot, and programmed it myself with a program that I had built from the ground up. I've had so much fun tweaking and adjusting this program that I've made, that I haven't really felt a need to move on to any more of the models. That's not to say I'm not looking forward to moving on to those other models, I am, and I probably will start a new one this next week...but the ways I've been able to slowly tweak my program to do EXACTLY what I wanted it to do has been a lot of fun for me. I believe that even though I've only gone through a small portion of what this set has to offer, I'm already convinced of this set's awesomeness. This is, without a doubt, the best LEGO set I've ever had...and, dare I say, one of the best products I've ever bought, period. Is it pricey?? Absolutely, but I believe it is worth every penny. I've had so much fun with the first set of builds for the Track3r that I feel I've already gotten value out of the kit...and the fact that I have a ton of stuff left to do before I even start moving on to ground up models with ground up programs just says to me that this kit's value is through the roof. Highly, highly recommended!! Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2013 ********UPDATE 5 December 2013************ Original Writeup: I purchased this kit because I regularly mentor a First Lego League (FLL) team (well 2 teams, from the same school) and wanted to be able to work on things from home without having to borrow their equipment (they have 2 new EV3 Education kits). Not being an educator (in the formal sense) I purchased this version (i.e. not the education version) and figured that the biggest difference would be the data logging portion of the software not being part of the home edition. I realize that with a little research, I might/should have known what I was getting (or not getting as it were) but at the end of the day some of the `deltas' between the Education version and this version are just so glaring, that I can't be satisfied with my purchase. To start off positive, First, the things I like about EV3: 1 - I like the look of the new software, and some of the changes. (see below) A - One good example is how less brain power is involved in connecting data wires between certain types of blocks. The effort it took to convert a number to text, although minor, seemed unnecessary to me in NXT; its much easier now in EV3 (although ironically I had to look up some info to make a basic motor test code because I was expecting to have to do extra steps) B - I like that there are arrows on the sides and top/bottom of the screen so that you can scroll left, right, up, down without having to change to the `hand' cursor and click and drag the screen over (or zoom out/in, or do a click drag sort of deal which isn't possible on all peripherals). C - I like that you now have a project, and then tabbed programs as part of one overall project. This makes organizing the codes we have for each task much easier. (on the brick menu, you open a project folder, then the programs are listed underneath). 2 - I like the new look of the brick display(s) - the tabbed browsing and way that everything is displayed is much more intuitive, and space efficient 3 - I love the motor control, and port view functions on the EV3 - I was able to do a lot of good teaching about how the sensors work to the kids just by using a brick, wire and sensor (assembled robot not required) 4 - Its great that there are now 4 motor control ports (versus 3 on the NXT). This opened up the possibility of 4 motors in an FLL match, which increased the kids options in bots and assemblies that they build. 5 - SD card slot and USB - good, common sense add-ons Now, my issues with it: 1 - The Software A - Its super bloated and slow! I have a dual, dual core Xeon server board, velociraptor hard drive, nVidia GTX 265 with 1GB memory, 8 GB of RAM, and windows 7 64 bit ultimate, and it still lags for me! I realize that my Xeon 5200 series CPU isn't quite `with the times' but that should be more than enough computing power to run this thing effortlessly. I suppose Lego only has LabView to blame in this case. . . . *******UPDATE******* C - you can't open NXT programs in the EV3 software, and to my knowledge, there is no conversion available. This is a problem, because the NXT community is well defined with lots of codes available to help the kids learn, and work their game board. Having to transpose codes over, when you consider the differences mentioned above (data wires and such) won't necessarily be a drag and drop situation. *********UPDATE********** 2 - You can't build the basic 'tribot' with the parts included. The biggest part missing is the ball bearing (referred to as the 'ball pivot' on legoeducation.us). Other parts are some basic angled connectors (seriously standard parts here), some basic axles of specific sizes (again. . . these are COMMON parts that aren't included) and some bigger wheels. This is probably the MOST glaring difference between the kit, because these are parts that probably cost pennies. 3- LEGO's promises of the brick not acting up when the battery gets low were false. I had 6 double A's in, brand new out of the box, and after a couple hours occasional use (we were working on and troubleshooting a line following bot) the brick FLIPPED OUT, during the line follower competition (yes, the competition). The two robots the 2 teams built have had the same issue (although theirs is rechargeable - I have to take my robot apart to change the batteries, which is a real pain) In conclusion, I think this product line is great. There is a ton you can do to educate, compete, challenge yourself, or just plain have fun. The problems I have with it are the price tag considering how little has changed from the previous kit, and the glaring differences between the regular version and the education kit. It made it uniquely hard, and required extra spending on my part, for me to most effectively help my team(s). Top reviews from other countries5.0 out of 5 stars Mucho mas que un juguete Reviewed in Mexico on May 4, 2017 Lejos de ser un juguete mas, este paquete de LEGO esta practicamente enfocado al estudio y aprendizaje de la robotica, siendo un herramienta esencial para estudiantes o simplemente para quien quiere aprender algo nuevo y con buen reto. Lo recomiendo ampliamente, no solo es crear los modelos que vienen prediseñados si no que habre una ventana de posibilidades a nuevas aplicaciones, la programacion es intuitiva aunque a mi punto de vista lo que mas se necesita es tiempo y paciencia para poder disfrutarlo al 100%. El contenido en linea es bueno y la comunidad de LEGO es amplia asi que es una compra recomendada tanto niños o adultos. El producto llego 1 dia despues de la compra en perfecto estado, el empaquetado muy bueno, todo en orden. Gracias Amazon 3.0 out of 5 stars It's a Battery Operated EV3 Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2019 LEGO is always fun, especially the technic and the mindstorm products. This EV3 came very well packaged. A few things that I was not aware of and they are a little bit of a disappointment: I will update my review when I get more data on the battery usage and other build instructions 5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente producto, vale la pena la inversión! Reviewed in Mexico on May 3, 2020 Lo compre de descuento! Es un súper juguete, mantiene a mi hijo de 12 entretenido por horas,
la calidad de Lego es única y el servicio el mejor. 5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente producto, vale la pena la inversión! Lo compre de descuento! Es un súper juguete, mantiene a mi hijo de 12 entretenido por horas, la calidad de Lego es única y el servicio el mejor. Images in this review Cliente de compra verificada 5.0 out of 5 stars Gran juguete educativo Reviewed in Mexico on April 28, 2018 Es un juguete que no solo permite que se adentren en el mundo de la robótica si no que también despierta la imaginación y el interés por la ciencia del movimiento y los sensores artificiales. Existen además en internet tanto guías para construir muchos tipos de robots como videos al respecto. Aun no experimentamos con la programación del robot pero seguramente lo harermos. Es muy bueno para niñ@s mayores de 9 años. 5.0 out of 5 stars Llegó a estar más barato después de que lo pedí. Reviewed in Mexico on March 19, 2019 Aquí el nivel de aprovechamiento del producto depende de tu imaginación y capacidad de
lógica. En cuanto a los materiales, los productos LEGO se caracterizan por la alta calidad de sus componentes. Obvio los motores, sensores y central de procesamiento no podían ser la excepción. |