The LEGO Mindstorms EV3, the latest Mindstorms product to hit shelves, will make your child or your LEGO fans (whether they’re a child or not), shudder with glee. Sometimes, the best robots are the ones you can make and program yourself. Check out our list of best robot toys for kids to find the perfect robot for you!
Why We Like It – LEGO Mindstorms EV3 31313
LEGO has stepped up their game when it comes to robotics. The release of the Mindstorms NXT series was four years ago, and now LEGO has released the EV3 series. With its improved color sensor, the Intelligent Bricks wide variety of functions and customizability, and fair price, the LEGO EV3 would make a fantastic gift for any child or LEGO fan. And if you’re a robotics fan, you will love this review of how the Beachbot project makes patterns into enormous beach art.
- Improved Colour Sensor
- Crystal Clear Building instructions
- Lots of Technic Pieces
- Really only intended for older children or Robotics fans
- Slight lack of Servos
Performance
The color sensor on the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 has gotten an upgrade with the ability to see seven colors instead of six and a Reflected Light mode to remove background light. As the brain of your robot the intelligent brick has quite a few nice features including: eight connection cable ports, a mini-USB port for connecting to your computer, a micro-SD slot for expanding memory, built-in bluetooth, and an ARM9-based processor. If this all sounds too technical and you just want to play with an already built robot, please try the Sikaye RC Robot Toy for Kids.
Related: If you want a robotic dino, then check out our WoWee Miposaur review
Design
The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Brick can be programmed via your computer using USB and the EV3 software which, as a bonus, includes building instructions and programming files for each robot. And since this is technically a LEGO Technic set you can use your standard LEGO pieces or Technic pieces with it to customize your robot to your liking. Universal compatibility has always been one of LEGO’s most powerful assets. But if you just want to get outside and play instead of having to build and program, look for the Really RAD Robot Toy for Kids.
Value
You get a lot of goodies in the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 box like: the EV3 Intelligent Brick, an infrared remote control, three servo motors, a color sensor, a touch sensor, an infrared sensor, and 550 LEGO technic pieces. Of course, this LEGO set focuses on the robotic parts which is why you won’t be getting many LEGO bricks like you would in the Creator series. It retails for $350.00 which is a good price for everything you’re getting. Try the Top Race Robot Dog Toy for Kids if you’re on a budget or your kids aren’t old enough to start building and programming.
Related: Check out our Meccano Erector review
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 31313 Wrap Up
If you’ve ever been intrigued about robots and thought it would be cool to build your own someday, the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 has you covered. Now everyone, not just engineers and programmers, can build a robot and have a fun time doing it. And who knows, you might just learn something along the way.
