This article was last modified on 11 December 2016.Most people do not need all the features of a Mindstorms kit or cannot afford to pay a high price for it. Do you want to know what are the best alternatives of the LEGO Mindstorms kits? In the first part of this post, I will explore the basics of a Mindstorms kit. The features that make users to love the imagination kit for all ages. In the second part, I will explore the best alternatives of Mindstorms EV3 and NXT. Probably the best three books to learn more about Mindstorms EV3:The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book (Full Color): A Beginner’s Guide to Building and Programming RobotsThe Art of LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Programming (Full Color)LEGO EV3 Robotics: A Guide for EducatorsMost Important Features of the Lego Mindstorms KitsThe instinct of building things using plastic bricks is the key of Lego. The Mindstorms kits engage the users to build creative toys by allowing the mind to explore and do what it wants.As an ultimate construction toy, the Lego integrates into the Mindstorms series a long list of features.
In the following, I explore 12 of the most important features of the Mindstorms kits.The Mindstorms kits encourage people to think and hack robots;These are the ultimate DIY kits which are based on the instinct of building things;All of the Lego kits are built with a remarkable quality;Its popularity is at a high level because they eliminate a lot of problems, concerns about materials, and its resistance to various external forces;The DIY Mindstorms kits introduce people in programming in a fun and intuitive way;All the programmable kits can be programed via computer;The Lego products are surrounded by a large community with a great spirit of sharing;All the products are very well documented;Any of the Lego kits can be bought from all over the world;The Lego products are accommodated to the global markets and for multiple languages;They pay attention to so much detail to the manufacturing process so that is very difficult to find a broken Lego piece;The Lego bricks can be assembled and connected in many ways, and all the pieces can be reused to build new things;
Best Lego AlternativesAny of Mindstorms kits allow the users to explore countless machines, creatures, and structures by combining modular pieces and intelligent bricks. In this part, I explore the best modular kits with similar characteristics with Mindstorms series.I hope that these modular kits will inspire you to get creative and create unique projects by combining microcontrollers, motors, sensors and servo motors.CubeletsThe Cubelets kit is designed to introduce you into robotics with modular and reactive Cubelet cubes. Anyone can use Cubelets and start build robots able to respond to different stimulations.ATOMSThe ATOMS kit contains a series of sensors, power supply and action blocks ready to build and play an endless combination of fun robots.Fischertechnik Robo TXBuilt in Germany, the Robo TX is a high quality construction kit with 470 components to build industrial robotic models.Building Robot Construction KitThis affordable kit is engineered to build and play robotic creatures.
The kit contains a wide range of components including sensors, LEDs, a gripper, and a lot of mechanical parts. In addition, the kit is Arduino compatible.MakeblockThe Makeblock kit is designed to serve as a flexible system to build a wide range of robots.Monster KitThe Monster kit is created to build really amazing robots. With a long list of components including sensors, gearmotors, servos, and controllers, you can build autonomous robots able to detect objects and navigate without human intervention.ROBOTIS OLLO Explorer KitOLLO Explorer is targeted for beginners without any electronics and programming skills. It could be used as an educational tool to play and learn about robots. The kit includes all the components required to build a walking or running robot.BioloidFlexibility is the key of the Bioloid kit. This robot kit has a modular structure that allows anyone to build a wide range of robots.Super KitEngineered around VEX Controller, Super Kit is one of the most advanced modular robotic kits that can be programmed using an LCD or via computer and a graphical programming software.
The package includes all components to build autonomous robot able to navigate and detect objects.Wonder Workshop Dash RobotDash Robot is a modular kit engineered to produce satisfaction while builds kinematic robots able to run without wires and makes learning to code fun for kids.11 in 1 Programmable Robot Kit11 in 1 Programmable Robot Kit is designed for a new generation of kids who wants to learn robotics, electronics and Arduino programming.The little bits - Gizmos & Gadgets Kit is a cheaper alternative to consider compared to the Lego Mindstorms. From the comments I understand that your son is more interested in programming the Mindstorms than in playing with the Lego bricks. It is interesting that the Gizmo set does not come with a coding software but the components used are very much like the blocks in the coding software.If you are planning to go with the NXT brick as David suggested below, I can say that the software development kit that you use for the NXT and EV3 are pretty similar.
- ) The EV3 however has some advanced options and blocks which are not compatible with the NXT.It probably depends on what he likes about the EV3. If he really has his heart set on LEGO-compatible robots, it'll be tricky-- I'm not aware of many off-the-shelf products that are LEGO-compatible, cheaper, and easy to use.A few options:(1) The RCX (not recommended). LEGO Mindstorms started in 1999 with the RCX brick. It was amazing, but the software wasn't all that great. These are still out there, and they're cheaper-- At BrickLink, the cheapest new copy of the set is about $168 (as of right now):BrickLink Price Guide - Set 9747-1Keep in mind: The software's outdated. It may not even run on your PC anymore, and you'd have to make sure you got the USB tower rather than the old serial one.(2) The NXT (recommended). The upgrade to the RCX was the NXT in 2006. It's much better software-wise, and still runs without any trouble on my home system. And I believe all the EV3 sensors and motors are compatible.
Amazon seems to have these for crazy prices, but good-ol' BrickLink has at least one of them still in new condition for $200 (again, as of now):BrickLink Price Guide - Set 8527-1The NXT is basically the same as the EV3, but with a bit less memory, and a few other details that I forget. I'm told by several reputable LEGO robotics enthusiasts that the EV3 isn't worth the extra money to them. It's nice and all, but it's basically a slightly upgraded NXT.I don't know too much about these-- they were LEGO compatible, but I'm not sure if they included motors. Plus, I can't find anyone selling them anymore, so probably not all that helpful.There are a range of alternatives. This site lists several of them. I have the MOSS and Cubelets at home and they are easier to use in some ways, but don’t have the breadth that a full EV3 kit has. Of course, for less money. A colleague is going to try out the MakeBlock.The link to the VEX Superkit doesn’t work for me but the VEX IQ should be considered a close alternative to the EV3, including the provision of a curriculum (free) and regional competitions (which EV3 also has).
In one word: no.If you want a system that can seamlessly work with LEGO bricks and parts, you’ll want a MINDSTORMS EV3.If you want a robotics system that uses a programming language that is actively used in laboratories and universities worldwide (LabView), you’ll want a MINDSTORMS EV3.If you want a robotics system that, with some of his friends, can create a robot and project for an international competition (FIRST LEGO League), you’ll want a MINDSTORMS EV3.You get what you pay for in this case. I would save for this and then share time with your son building and programming.Well if the brand new ev3 crosses your budget, try purchasing 2nd hand ones, they might be cheaper. Although the older version of lego mindstorsms (NXT) is out of most markets, perhaps you’ll find it in the stores over there. Possibility of purchasing a 2nd hand NXT online is also quite viable. RCX is believe is not available any more in the market unfortunately.To be fair, there are many schools which provide their students with such kits, and they form a club of some sort.