Is it worth it for a LEGO Mindstorms kit?

Question

I just recently got out of a summer lego robotics camp and have found robotics to be very fun. I was wondering, are there any other and/or better options for robotic kits out there other than lego mindstorms that are also worth the most for the price?

kas.lewis · Answer

I think in terms of different things you can do with it, Lego is pretty versatile and endless. There is also a large community around NXT and its newer kits as well. That being said there are other things that may be missing, I can't say forsure. I do know there are "aftermarket" things available that may make up for anything I feel is lacking but because I never really went down the NXT rabbit hole I can't say for sure. Things like programing in C, learning proper abstraction as well as real motion control, PID and other robotic and embedded things that come up. Does it have a lot of value, for sure, can it provide a lot of learning opportunities, 100%. How far can you go with it... I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure with some ingenuity and time pretty far. Kas

beacon_dave · Answer

Perhaps take a look at the Fischertechnik range of robotic constructor kits

https://www.fischertechnik.de/en/products/playing/robotics

Similar idea to Lego in many ways but has the advantage of using aluminium extrusion to make larger and stronger structures.

They also have a range for factory simulation training purposes if that is of interest

https://www.fischertechnik.de/en/products/simulating

shabaz · Answer

Here's how to justify it https://www.telegraph.co.uk/investing/shares/lego-a-better-investment-than-shares-and-gold/

Fred27 · Answer

There are also cheaper Lego kits that may or may not suit what you're after - Logo Boost and Lego WeDo. They're more aimed at kids learning simple programming in Scratch so probably not exactly what you're after.

shabaz · Answer

I found these cubes these cubes recently, they are like lego for engineers : ) They are nickel plated brass, so I guess solderable (not tried that yet - might work better filing off into the brass where the solder joint is needed) but accept M3 screws anyway, and are really great for making structures with (say) custom PCBs etc. I used it for this battery holder project (you can see them on the base, used to hold up the vertical boards):

kas.lewis · Answer

beacon_dave , Why did you have to show us those kits.... I'm in major wishlist mode at the moment but I'm scared to look at pricing, not that you can find distributors or pricing on their website. Kas

camwess · Answer

Personally, I think the Mindstorms are best for beginner roboticists or if you need a robotics platform that is compatible specifically with LEGO.

beacon_dave · Answer

I'm still buying the stuff after first having been introduced to it around 40 years ago...

You may be able to pick up some of the older Robo TX kits at a significant discount. The new kits are based around the Robo TXT controller.

The controllers are perhaps expensive but there are now some alternatives appearing like the Arduino based FtDuino:

https://harbaum.github.io/ftduino/www/de/

There is some interesting community content here although it's mainly in the German language:

https://www.ftcommunity.de/ftpedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89GUCIJnR-k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-i2kSZUxhM

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjA0RIopsSThlzNqa-jOsCw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1NIK23P1Ks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBpiVlUsb34

beacon_dave · Answer

One of the exciting things these days however is the access to the likes of 3D printing. You can buy some of the creator parts boxes, some aluminium extrusion and then use 3D printing to make custom blocks to add 'maker' type sensors / actuators to the Fischertechnik system and then control it from the likes of Arduino / R-Pi etc.

camwess · Answer

I think that a good Vex IQ or Vex EDR kit is worth the money.

shabaz · Answer

Some Fischertechnik kits for kids are sub-$100, but once you scratch below the surface you'll find the series has a lot of bits and pieces for building full-on industrial machinery-like toys or simulations, and then you're into the eye-watering range really quickly, $1000+ : )

Fred27 · Answer

I used to play with Fischertechnik about 40 years ago too. Not touched it since though.

Is it worth it for a LEGO Mindstorms kit?

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