Introduction: Lego Ev3 Build for Learning Programing and Robotics

By makerobots.eu
About: makerobots.eu

Better build for education purposes.

Step 1: Why.

Lego have great kit for learning robotics and programming. Standard builds are very good for playing, but not for education. Many builds could be found on official lego website, but none of them were good for my needs.

https://education.lego.com/en-us/support/mindstorms-ev3/building-instructions

There are problems with replacing batteries (as half of the robot need to be deconstructed) or nearly impossible to change sensors/motors (or adjust their position).

When using set to teach kids programming, these problems slowdown, distract and reduce fun.

Step 2: What.

In this example, I tried to solve most of annoying ones, by adjusting TRACK3R model. Tracks are good as allow rotation on spot and precise turns.

Here is build that allow install additional modules and have all cool features:

  • replace batteries without detaching anything
  • easy to change/rearrange sensors/gears
  • sdcard and usb are accessible any time
  • easy switch between development/play modes and languages (commander, programmer, ev3basic, lejos, ev3dev). In less than 1 minute!
  • stable platform with tracks
  • screen and buttons are accessible when robot is in play

Robot height is only 14cm, and could be reduced to 11cm, by rearranging IR sensor. That setup make robot very stable.

Step 3: Changing Batteries

Flip EV3 block, open battery case, put new batteries, done. Kids could do that themselves. There is even no need to detach wires.

Step 4: Pluggable Gear.

Some core gear like shooter fit without any modifications.

Here are few examples with color sensor, rotor blades and bumper.

Pictures show that most of them are connecting with red pins. This type of connection is easy even for preschool kids.

Step 5: Connector Ports.

Easily accessible from both sides.

Step 6: If Not Enough.

Even central motor could be replaced.It connected with blue pins to base. This a bit harder than with red pins.

Step 7: Sdcard and Usb

Sdcard access was super important for me. It allow to change running OS in less than a minute.

E.g. we could try to run Lego Programmer program, then switch to java, to see how it is implemented in real code, and then switch back to RC.

Step 8: EV3 Block Could Be Detatched.

It is attached to motors by only 4 pins (2 from each side).

Step 9: Video

You could see it in action (with my mumbling:) ) from youtube.

Controlling robot the way you want. Easy to advanced.