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.Press Trust of India | May 28, 2010 Last Updated at 15:03 IST Funskool to tap market with movie-based toys Comm Ministry for safety norms on toymakers to ward off WTO action Rel Power acquires 433 MW of generation assets from Rel Infra Idea to roll out 3G services by third quarter SAIL posts 40% jump in Q4 net profit Toy maker Funskool, today, said it has secured the exclusive distribution rights from Danish kids play materials manufacturer Lego Group for marketing its complete range of products in India. Funskool will initially offer around 8-9 categories of toys from Lego's stable and then add more products from the Denmark-based group's portfolio, it said in a statement.
"Lego Group is one of the most popular names in the world toy industry and we are delighted to partner with them to distribute their products in the India market. With this association, we expect to further strengthen our leadership status in the Indian toy industry," Funskool (India) Ltd CEO K John Baby said. He said Funskool is also planning to launch a marketing campaign through the electronic and print media for Lego's range. The Lego toys will be available through Funskool's retail network of over 4,500 points of sale across the country, including large format departmental stores. To begin with, the India firm will offer Lego's selective ranges like Duplo, City, Creator and Atlantis. The Indian organised toy market is estimated to be worth around Rs 1,300 crore. Funskool is a joint venture between tyre major MRF and US-based Hasbro Inc. Besides its latest deal with Lego, the company also sells the complete range of toys from its joint venture partner Hasbro and also represents Japanese toy maker Tomy in India.