Lego Mindstorms Robot Inventor/Spike Prime (51515/45678) Adapterplatine für den Ultraschallsensor

Gastbeitrag von brickobotik:

Der SPIKETM Prime von LEGO Education ist inzwischen seit über einem Jahr auf dem Markt. Wir haben ihn euch in unserem großen Test ausführlich vorgestellt. Inzwischen ist auch der Inventor 51515 also die Home-Variante des SPIKETM Prime erhältlich. Bei beiden ist die Software nun auf einem adäquaten Level angekommen. Inzwischen haben wir auch unser E-Book zur SPIKETM Prime Classroom-Software veröffentlicht, das für alle, die noch Fragen zur Programmierung der Roboters haben, definitiv einen Blick wert ist.

Für uns bei brickobotik geht die Arbeit mit dem SPIKETM Prime aber trotzdem weiter. Zum einen natürlich in unseren Workshops und Fortbildungen, die wir zu diesem Roboter durchführen. Aber auch die Elektrotechnik des SPIKETM beschäftigt uns. Deshalb geben wir euch in diesem Artikel einen kleinen Einblick in unsere „brickobotik-Bastelstube“ und stellen ein Projekt vor, an dem wir gerade arbeiten.


Viele von euch ist sicher aufgefallen, dass der Ultraschallsensor von SPIKETM Prime und Mindstorms Inventor im Gegensatz zu den anderen Sensoren auf seiner Rückseite zwei Torx-Schrauben zeigt. Wenn man diese herausschraubt, kann man die weiße Sensoreinheit des Ultraschallsensors entfernen und hält dann nur die schwarze Schale in der Hand. Darin kommt das Kabel des LEGO Powered-Up-Steckers an und wird auf eine Buchsenleiste verteilt.

Diese Buchsenleiste (es handelt sich um einen 8-Pin Female Header) ist mit einem Rastermaß von 1,27 mm sehr klein und es kann deshalb ziemlich fummelig werden, sie mit herkömmlichen Arduino-Kabeln zu nutzen. Darum haben wir eine passende Adapterplatine entwickelt, welche die kleine Buchsenleiste auf das typische Rastermaß von 2,54 mm übersetzt, wie man es vom Arduino, Steckbrettern, Lochrasterplatinen, etc. kennt.

Technische Details zur Platine

Die Power-Funotions-2.O-Verbindung führt sechs Kontakte:

1X 3,3 V Spannungsversorgung
1X GND
2 digitale Ein-/Ausgänge (GPIO), welche auch für UART (115200 Baud, 8N1) verwendet werden können.
Achtung! Die GPlOs liefern nicht genug Strom, um LEDs direkt zu betreiben! Es wird eine Transistorschaltung benötigt, um eine LED aus der 3,3 V Spannungsversorgung zu speisen.

2x PWM für Motoren

Achtung! Die Spannung dieser Signale kommt direkt vom Akku des SPIKETM Prime! Diese liegt nach unseren Messungen zwischen 8,4 V und 6,3 V.

Für die GPlO-Kontakte ist auf der Platine je ein Widerstand vorgesehen, welcher einen minimalen Schutz gegen falsche GPlO-Konfigurationen darstellt. Sie können aber auch einfach überbrückt werden.

Nach links und rechts sind die gleichen Kontakte noch einmal ausgeführt. So sind auf der einen Seite der Platine die GPlO-Kontakte mit Spannungsversorgung ausgeführt und auf der anderen Seite die PWM-Kontakte mit Spannungsversorgung – und zwar sowohl im Rastermaß 2,54 mm als auch im Rastermaß 2,00 mm für das Grove-Stecksystem. Für die Kontakte links und rechts ist die Spannungsversorgung von 3,3 V durch eine offene Lötbrücke unterbrochen, damit zum Beispiel bei Verwendung eines Calliope mini die unabhängigen Spannungsversorgungen beider Geräte nicht zerstörerisch konkurrieren. Die offene Lötbrücke kann bei Bedarf mit etwas Lötzinn geschlossen werden.

Neue Möglichkeiten durch die Platine

Mit der Platine ist es deutlich einfacher, weitere Sensoren oder Motoren anzuschließen und mit dem SPIKETM Prime zu nutzen. Auch eine Verbindung zu Mikrocontrollern wie dem Calliope mini ist möglich. Aber es gibt eine wichtige Einschränkung: Solche Projekte sind eher für fortgeschrittene Nutzer*innen geeignet. Sowohl die Verdrahtung als auch das Programmieren erfordern Erfahrung mit der Elektronik und den entsprechenden Sensorprotokollen.

Technische Details zur Ansteuerung

Das direkte Ansteuern der Kontakte funktioniert über die SPIKETM-Prime-App, allerdings nur in Python-Projekten und auf eigene Faust. Es gibt kein von LEGO gestelltes „UltrasonicBreakout“ Python-Modul o.ä. Beschreibungen und Anleitungen zur den entsprechenden Micropython-Klassen und -Methoden kursieren jedoch im Internet. Wer Erfahrung mit anderen Micropython-Geräten, speziell der Bedienung der Micropython-REPL, mitbringt, kann hier schnell Fuß fassen.

Bestellt eure eigene Adapterplatine!

Wir werden bei brickobotik mit der Platine weiterarbeiten, um die Verbindung mit verschiedenen Sensoren zu testen. Allen Bastler*innen, die jetzt Lust bekommen haben, ebenfalls mit Verbindungen zum SPIKETM Prime zu experimentieren, möchten wir die Möglichkeit geben, unsere Adapterplatine dafür zu nutzen. Wenn ihr also Interesse an der beschriebenen Platine habt und sie über uns erwerben wollte, dann schreibt uns eine E-Mail an [email protected]. Wir sammeln die Anfragen und wenn genügend Interessent*innen zusammenkommen, geben wir euch per Mail Bescheid, sobald die Platine vorbestellbar ist. Du willst nicht selbst basteln, bist aber interessiert an einem bestimmten Sensor, den man mit dem SPIKETM Prime verbinden könnte? Dann besuch uns auf www.brickobotik.de und lass uns einen Kommentar oder eine Nachricht mit deinen Wünschen da. Wir werden versuchen, sie für kommende Projekte zu berücksichtigen

MindCuber-RI uses LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor 51515 to solve Rubik’s Cube

MindCuber-RI is a robot that can solve the well-known Rubik’s Cube® puzzle. It is designed by David Gilday and Mike Dobson.


It is built using elements from a single LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor set 51515.

MindCuber-RI is significantly faster than previous MindCuber and PrimeCuber designs because it makes use of the fourth motor available in the Robot Inventor set to implement a faster tilting mechanism. Older MINDSTORMS and SPIKE Prime sets only included three motors.

Building instructions and software are now available on http://mindcuber.com/mindcuberri/mindcuberri.html alongside those for MindCuber for LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, MindCub3r for LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 and PrimeCuber for LEGO Education SPIKE® Prime.

Orange Tart – Meet a LEGO-compatible Soccer Player Robot

Orange Tart is your family’s newest friend, as it equally attracts girls and boys, kids, and adults. In fact, Orange Tart is a Lego-compatible robot kit that enables you to build amazing striker, chipper, header, and goalkeeper robots. You can’t stop playing with them. Just choose your nation or any color combination for team wear. Using a customized joystick app, Tart Arena, and the robots, you can bring all the soccer fun in your hands and enjoy every feature of realistic robotic soccer. 


What you can Build

Orange Tart has a special board called Orange Core with a Lego-compatible case. It consists of a built-in gyro sensor, RGB LEDs, and a wireless communication device. Rechargeable battery and powerful motors that can be easily connected to Orange Core. Very convenient for kids. Unleash your creativity by building amazing soccer robots or any creature you can imagine, from insect-like robots to industrial cranes. The only limit is your imagination and physics.



What you can Learn

On the learning side, you don’t need to design your own activities. The orange Tart set comes with many STEAM activities that help your kids learn the 21st century’s essential skills. The set has story-driven challenge cards, a block-based coding language, a STEAM activity mat, and a learn-to-code curriculum book. The challenge cards are step-by-step coding missions that lead your kids on the path to becoming a coder. The block-based coding language works by dragging and dropping the function blocks that use intuitive graphics and are divided into motions, loops, light, and sound. The learn-to-code curriculum book contains hints and suggested solutions for every challenge card. Kids can do trial and error to find solutions for each challenge, which improves their creativity and problem-solving skills. In addition to coding concepts such as algorithms, kids can learn the real-world applications of math, geometry, and AI.


Let your kid’s imagination go limitless, turn the LEDs on, move your robots, and do fascinating light painting photography for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your pictures with your friends!

Kickstarter campaign

For more information on the upcoming Kickstarter campaign please check out Orange Tart page.



CoderZ Announces CoderZ League World Champions

Students in grades four through 12 throughout the United States and the world joined in the cloud-based robotics tournament.

DERRY, N.H. (PRWEB) MARCH 02, 2021

CoderZ today announced the winners of the all-new CoderZ League: the Virtual Cyber Robotics Competition (formerly the Cyber Robotics Coding Competition or CRCC). Students in grades four through 12 throughout the United States and the world joined in the cloud-based robotics tournament. Three teams from each of the tournament’s two levels – Junior and Pro – became CoderZ League World Champions.

Beginning coders, schools new to the competition, and students in grades five through eight competed at the CoderZ League Junior level using Blockly. The three CoderZ League World Champion teams were the following:

  • The Legend Z team from Union High School (Pennsylvania)
  • The Avenues FLL MG team 1 from Avenues the World School (New York City)
  • The Method K20 all-girls team from Methodist Girls High School located (Ghana)

The CoderZ League Pro level was for students in grades seven through 12 who could use Blockly or Python. The three CoderZ League World Champion teams were the following:

  • The Virginia Beach ATC team from Virginia Beach City Public Schools (Virginia)
  • The Explosion team from School 1329 (Moscow)
  • The RoboGriffins team from the nonprofit Philadelphia Robotics Coalition (Pennsylvania)

During the tournament missions, students competed on the award-winning CoderZ Cyber Robotics Learning Environment, a cloud-based platform featuring a graphical simulation of LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robots. The students used the virtual 3D robots to complete the tournament challenges or “missions.”

“These six teams outperformed competitors from 18 countries, 29 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico,” said Ido Yerushalmi, CEO of CoderZ. “In all, over 150,000 students participated in the CoderZ League; amid the disruption and distress of 2020, all of them dedicated themselves to learning STEM, coding, tech literacy and soft skills like critical thinking and collaboration as they competed. We are so immensely proud of them all.”

Even before the pandemic hit, CoderZ’s successful engagement of students in cyber robotics learning had made its virtual coding tournaments an international phenomenon. In 2019, the vast majority (98%) of surveyed educators stated that the content delivered by CoderZ League’s predecessor, the CRCC, provided a foothold for computer science and STEM learning. And a whopping 100% reported that their students were engaged. “Our model works for both in-class and remote learning,” said Yerushalmi. “So, no matter where students are, CoderZ makes robotics far more accessible to them now and in the future.”

“Due to the pandemic, we were unable to meet in person and construct a physical robot, so students who wanted to continue growing their robotics skills were given the option of participating in CoderZ,” said physics teacher Sean Martin who served as the team coach for RoboGriffins. The RoboGriffins team formed through the Philadelphia Robotics Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting robotics programs in the city’s public high schools.

Most of the students on the team had previously focused on the mechanical side of robotics. “Students were eager to learn more about coding as it is a crucial component to our usual robotics activities,” Martin explained. “What appealed to us the most about CoderZ was that whatever code you wrote had an instantaneous effect on the robot. There was no waiting for things to compile, and there were no abstract exercises. You wrote a code, and immediately saw what the robot did as a result. The fact that the visual presentation is as appealing as it is certainly helped too.”

The RoboGriffins team took advantage of other CoderZ offerings before writing their world championship code. About 12 students on the team also completed the Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge. In addition, most of those 12 completed at least three units in either the Cyber Robotics 102 curriculum or the Python Gym course.

“School closures due to COVID-19 were what led to us seeking a virtual platform like CoderZ in the first place,” said Martin. “You allowed us to continue our work of spreading knowledge of robotics in spite of the lockdowns and we are very grateful for it.”

Educators who would like their students to learn or refine their coding skills in a fun, competitive format can still sign them up for the CoderZ League Sprint Challenge, which will run until March 31, 2021.

About CoderZ
CoderZ is an innovative and engaging online learning environment. Developed for students in grades 2 and above, the gamified STEM solution allows student to work at their own pace, easily programming real and virtual robots from anywhere in the world. The platform enables students to acquire computational thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills, together with coding and STEM learning, all via a flexible and scalable virtual solution. For more information go to http://www.gocoderz.com.

LEGO MINDSTORMS: Pass the Build – Tricky (Robot Inventor 51515)

The Robotmak3rs have had a lot of fun recently playing with the new LEGO Robot Inventor kit (51515), released last week. Watch as Tricky is passed around the world to be built by a few of us.
Several RobotMak3rs from around the world take it in turns to pass the build of Tricky from the LEGO® MINDSTORMS 51515 Robot Inventor kit, released on 15th October 2020. Thanks goes out to LEGO and the RobotMak3rs RLOC for supporting this project. RobotMak3rs Community Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robotmak3rs/
Music: „Small Guitar“ from Bensound.com
And Robots-Blog is also part of this video 😉

LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor #51515 Timelapse Video „Blast“

As one of the RobotMak3rs (http://www.robotmak3rs.com/Sebastian-Trella/) and with support by LEGO, I had the opportunity to get my hands on the new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Set #51515 early. Thank you to the RobotMak3rs RLOC and LEGO for making this possible! This is the second video featuring the new MINDSTORMS Set; you will see me doing a timelapse of the build of „Blast“. Blast is one of the 5 robots that come with the 5in1 Set #51515. The other robots will for sure also be shown on this website in the short future.

First LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor #51515 Timelapse Video „Tricky“

As one of the RobotMak3rs (http://www.robotmak3rs.com/Sebastian-Trella/) and with support by LEGO, I had the opportunity to get my hands on the new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Set #51515 early. Thank you to the RobotMak3rs RLOC and LEGO for making this possible!

In this first video featuring the new MINDSTORMS Set, you will see me doing a timelapse of the build of „Tricky“. Tricky is one of the 5 robots that come with the 5in1 Set #51515. The other robots will for sure also be shown on this website in the short future. But for now, enjoy the build of „Tricky“. The build of the first two stages took me about 20 minutes. So, after 20 minutes you have a driving base which can be extended with some „tools“ to make Tricky the amazing robot he is. More information about this amazing new LEGO MINDSTORMS set can be found here: https://robots-blog.com/2020/06/12/new-lego-mindstorms-robot-inventor-lets-creators-build-and-bring-to-life-anything-they-can-imagine/
There you will also find pictures and videos of the other robots, like Gelo, Blast, M.V.P. and Charlie.

New LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor lets creators build and bring to life anything they can imagine

  • Builders can create and code one of five personality-packed robots or dream-up and build their own creations
  • Robot Inventor uses drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch as well as Python to support those new to robotics
  • Over 50 new challenges and fun activities to help all abilities build coding confidence in a fun, exciting way

June 12th, 2020 – Billund: Today, the LEGO Group has announced the first addition to the much-loved LEGO® MINDSTORMS® theme in seven years. The new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 set unleashes a new world of fun, creative coding possibilities and provides the ultimate playful learning experience for young inventors and creators.

For over two decades, LEGO MINDSTORMS has inspired those of all ages to test and build their confidence with technology through play. By combining the LEGO building system with robotic and coding elements, builders can create anything they can imagine, while developing the STEM skills that 7 in 10 parents say are essential to their child’s future success.

This latest evolution of the much-loved theme continues this commitment to helping children develop STEM skills in a fun and exciting way at home. The new LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 model gives builders aged 10+ the power to bring one of the set’s five unique designs to life or take their own builds to the next level by programming them to walk, talk, think and do more than ever before. Kids can also code their own remote-control features for the models in the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor app or connect their own controllers to the app using Bluetooth.

Packed with 949 pieces and new LEGO Powered UP components, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor will be available in Autumn 2020 from LEGO.com, LEGO Retail Stores and retailers globally. The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 5-in-1 set will be priced at £329.99/$359.99/€359.99 and includes digital building and coding instructions for these five unique robots:

  • Blast – this master robot is a stoic action hero. It can fire or hammer its way through obstacles and grab items. Builders can be the ultimate commanders, programming it to scan its environment and fire darts if it senses danger. Perfect for guarding your room!
  • Charlie – this quirky sidekick helper can give out high fives, dance, play the drums, deliver small gifts, and charm friends with its smile.
  • Tricky – the sporty bot is the ultimate athlete. Code it to complete the perfect slam dunk or master a plethora of robot sports: basketball, bowling or soccer – the list goes on and on.
  • Gelo – a real life four-legged robot. Its unique mechanism means it can walk, avoid obstacles, and even perform tricks.
  • M.V.P. – The Modular Vehicle Platform gets the job done. Create and code your own remote control and build the M.V.P. into a buggy, a crane, a shooter turret or even a brick-eating truck to pick up LEGO bricks left by the other robots.

Lena Dixen, Head of Product and Marketing Development at the LEGO Group, commented: “Since the launch of LEGO MINDSTORMS over 20 years ago, we’ve been committed to helping children and adults develop STEM skills through play. We are extremely excited to introduce a new MINDSTORMS product that offers even more creative opportunities for those of all ages, and we thank our fans for continuing to show us what is possible with LEGO MINDSTORMS. We are continually inspired by the creations the community share with us and hope that the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor inspires many more children and playful adults to explore the exciting world of robotics and coding.”

LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor (51515)

The LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor Kit is intended for builders and coders ages 10+ to discover and expand on their STEM skills at home.

  • 949 pieces
  • 5 unique models to build and code
  • The largest robot Blast stands at over 14” (36 cm) tall
  • The free LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robot Inventor coding app for kids uses coding language based on Scratch and supports Python for more advanced coders.
  • The application works across PC Windows 10 + macOS, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones as well as specific Fire OS devices.

New elements:
The new Intelligent Hub is an advanced yet simple-to-use device featuring 6 input/output ports for connecting a variety of sensors and motors. The Hub can also be used with LEGO Technic and System elements to create fun robots, dynamic devices and other interactive models.

  • LED 5×5 matrix
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 6 axis gyro/accelerometer
  • Includes a micro USB port for connectivity with compatible devices
  • Speaker
  • Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery included

Colour sensor – able to distinguish between eight colors and measures reflected and ambient light from darkness to bright sunlight

Distance sensor – detects obstacles, programmable LED ‘eyes’ and an integrated 6-pin adaptor for third-party sensors, boards and DIY hardware.

4 x medium-angular motors feature low-profile design, integrated rotation sensor with absolute positioning

New 7 x 11 teal baseplate

New black wheels

New frames

Weiterlesen

LEGO® EDUCATION SPIKE™ PRIME, a new hands-on learning approach for classrooms

Adding to the LEGO®  Education portfolio of combined physical and digital learning experiences, SPIKE Prime has been unveiled today, along with new insights on students’ confidence in learning STEAM subjects.

Billund, Denmark (April 2, 2019) – Today, LEGO® Education announced LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime, the newest product in the LEGO Education hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning portfolio. SPIKE Prime brings together LEGO bricks, a programmable, multi-port Hub, sensors and motors all powered by the engaging SPIKE app based on the Scratch coding language. The SPIKE app includes lessons aligned to certain standards and many being able to be completed within a 45-minute class, making it easy for teachers to take SPIKE Prime into the classroom.

SPIKE Prime is a completely new design from LEGO Education. It has been created to reach all levels of learners, to be an inclusive, intuitive and naturally adaptive physical and digital creative approach, and engage all middle schoolers in technology-enabled STEAM learning with confidence. According to results from a new Confidence in Learning Poll, fielded by Harris Insights & Analytics and released today, hands-on learning builds confidence. Eighty seven percent of students say they learn and remember topics more when the learning involved hands-on projects, and 93 percent of parents say hands-on learning helps children retain knowledge for the future. Additionally, while the importance of hands-on learning is clear, only 40 percent of teachers say their students usually or always get substantial time during the school day for hands-on lessons.

When it comes to STEAM learning specifically, teachers and parents agree that the number one way their students can build confidence in STEAM subjects is working on a hands-on project with others. The poll showed students who are confident in STEAM are more likely to be confident at school overall and enjoy learning new things. The entire LEGO Education portfolio, now including SPIKE Prime, was specifically designed to get students hands-on with lessons that challenge them to think critically and creatively, to problem solve and to communicate effectively with others.

To help build students’ confidence in learning and to support teachers who are interested in incorporating more STEAM learning into their classrooms, LEGO Education is providing a Confidence in Learning toolkit and workshops to schools around the world with its continuum of hands-on learning products, including SPIKE Prime. LEGO Education learning experts will help teachers incorporate hands-on STEAM learning into the classroom to engage all students and promote building their confidence in learning.    

Esben Stærk Jørgensen, president of LEGO Education, said: “We are seeing a challenge globally in middle school children, typically aged 11-14. At that age, children start losing their confidence in learning. The Confidence Poll data shows that most students say if they failed at something once, they don’t want to try again. With SPIKE Prime and the lessons featured in the SPIKE app, these children will be inspired to experiment with different solutions, try new things and ultimately become more confident learners. And for teachers, time is the ultimate barrier. The lesson plans, resources and models make it so easy for teachers to integrate SPIKE Prime into the classroom.”

“Our mission at LEGO Education is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow, enabling every student to succeed – and that’s exactly what SPIKE Prime offers,” added Jørgensen.

SPIKE Prime joins the nearly 40 years of LEGO Education’s legacy of product development by an international team of designers, dedicated educators and leading technology experts. Each SPIKE Prime set has 523 pieces which can be used to build many different creations including corresponding STEAM lesson plans that were created by and for educators to help them bring more hands-on STEAM learning into their curriculum and get students more engaged and excited about STEAM subjects.

LEGO Education and the LEGO Group have also created 11 new innovative elements for the LEGO System in Play, which will be first seen with SPIKE Prime. These new elements include an innovative integrator brick, which allows for building together with both the LEGO Technic and the LEGO system platforms, further expanding systematic creativity and the building possibilities.

The new product will be ready for purchase in all markets in August 2019. SPIKE Prime is available today for pre-order in the US at the LEGO Education website.

About LEGO Education

LEGO® Education offers hands-on, playful STEAM learning experiences based on the LEGO® system of bricks, hardware, software and content for students and their teachers in early learning, primary, and secondary education as well as through after-school programs and competitions. These solutions create an environment for active, collaborative learning where students build skills for their future, a lifelong love for learning and confidence in their ability to learn and solve problems, setting them up for lifelong success.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure and the SPIKE logo are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. ©2019 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.