Snap Together Your Own Robots! LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Unveiled

Somewhere amongst the giant TVs and piles of Android tablets LEGO created a DIY sensation with the unveiling of the newest edition of their robotics building kit, LEGO Mindstorms.

This third edition of Mindstorms features a number of improvements over its seven year-old second generation NXT papa. The Linux powered EV3 version of Mindstorm’s “Intelligent Brick” features an ARM9 processor, 16MB of flash memory, 64MB of RAM, and an SD card slot. Kids of all ages will be able to communicate and program their creations via USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even iOS and Android devices using a free app. The brain brick is adorned with a black and white LCD, control d-pad, and four of LEGO’s own connectors for the included sensors and motors. Somewhere inside is even a speaker for creating suitably threating robot noises.

Speaking of sensors and motors, the base Mindstorms EV3 package will include three servo motors, two touch sensors, and an infrared sensor capable of detecting different colors and judging distance.

LEGO Mindsorms EV3 is expected to ship in the second half of 2013 as a giant 400+ brick set for $350. The overthrow of humanity is expected to follow shortly thereafter. Check out more at LEGO’s education site.

LEGO: The Lord of the Rings Live Stream | Twitchy Tuesday

The cast of Growing Up Otaku had a blast during our Scribblenauts live stream last week that we’re doing it again! The streaming part that is. This week we’re taking a look at what happens when two well loved yet well worn franchises splice genes. Spoiler alert: Great fun! We were so impressed with Traveler’s Tales latest LEGO title that we’re bringing it to you live. We’ve ironed out the bugs from our maiden broadcast, added some new tech, and caffeinated the hamsters running our equipment, so this should be a much smoother (and more accessible) show.

Join The Mrs. and myself as we embark on an epic quest to collect uncountable numbers of LEGO studs and chuck jewelry at volcanoes in this perfectly plastic, family-friendly retelling of the Tolkien classic.

The show is over, but you can catch a recording of our live play through of The Two Towers after the page break. In this episode you’ll find out that Brandon makes us hungry for Chinese food, Elizabeth indiscriminately wields the ban hammer, and bragging about your Internet connection live causes it to die.

Full Size K’nex Skeeball One-Ups Many LEGO Creations

Coming in from the OMG You Gotta See This department is YouTuber Shadown39’s absolutely amazing K’nex project: A fully functional skeeball game. Powered off of K’nex battery powered motors, this year-long project features a working coin slot at only accepts quarters and fully functional analog scoreboard.

Happy 80th Birthday LEGO–Weekend Watchlist

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the LEGO company. Once a workshop for the production of wooden toys, LEGO has grown into a worldwide capitalist juggernaut with its interlocking, foot destroying plastic bricks. The modular building system gives children of all ages the ability to create and destroy with only a modicum of skill or talent required in other artistic hobbies.

We kick of this latest Watchlist with a computer animated short film produced by LEGO for this very occasion. Er, the birthday, not the Watchlist. Beginning before the formation of the company itself, The LEGO® Story chronicles the history of the famed toy company and the family behind it.

Video: Disney World's LEGO Store on Christmas Morning

Growing Up Otaku producer ryte2byte skipped opening presents this year and instead headed out to be with his fellow squares at the LEGO store in the Downtown Disney portion Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Enjoy these sights and sounds from a truly international marketplace as he braves the crowd (and the Florida sun!) on a day where shopping is usually the furthest thing from anyone's mind.

Space Shuttle Endeavor Sent to Space Station to Deliver… Legos?

 

Yep. Thirteen Lego sets will be delivered to the ISS for use later this year as part of Lego’s Bricks in Space program to investigate how simple machines react in microgravity. Details at Lego education.

…and I thought finding them in the carpet was hard!

Lego AT-AT

Brandon just finished up on the new (Hoth) version of the Lego AT-AT and man, does it rule!

Nice to see someone ‘round here knows how to take good pictures LOL

Ohio State Professor Builds Massive Lego Stadium | Playbook

Ohio State Professor Builds Massive Lego Stadium | Playbook

Lego Zombie Apocalypse — Bricks and Brains

Lego Zombie Apocalypse — Bricks and Brains: "

Image by Andrew Becraft via Flickr

According to The Brothers Brick at least 35 participants contributed nearly 30 original buildings, dozens of vehicles, and hundreds of minifig zombies and survivors to make this awesome Zombie Apocalypse at BrickCon 2008. There are some great ideas in this diorama and the one from 2009 for anyone looking to spruce up a Halloween project or creep out a Christmas one.

Check out Andrew Becraft’s Flickr stream of Zombie Apocafest 2008 and Zombie Apocafest 2009. Sadly I could not find one for 2010 but I did find the The Lego Zombie Apocalypse Flickr Group for more undead brick zombies goodness.

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LEGO® STAR WARS™: BOMBAD BOUNTY

Lego Racer!

Here's a pic of Brandon's Lego racer from the Brickmaster 500 @ Toys R Us

So cool!

The Day After Tomorrow in Legos

Depictions: The Day After Tomorrow in Legos

Lego Carnage

I noticed that the new Emperor's Shuttle from LEgo comes with the bite-sized and extra-crispy remain of Anikin Skywalker. I had to get a look at how all that gruesome would carry over to a Lego Minifig:

So cute!

Lego Cthulu

And its official! part of their Atlantis line:

LEGO Bugatti Veyron.

Awesome Awesomeness

http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20100227/lego-star-wars-foosball-table/