LEGO 31313 Mindstorms EV3 Robotics Kit, 5 in 1 App Controlled Model with Programmable Interactive Toy Robot, RC, Servo Motor and Bluetooth Hub, Coding Skills Boost Set for Kids

I bought this for my eldest son who is 9, it is a toy but it it is also an education.It is well manufactured, and the apps to help build and control it work well.My son built two robots in the first week he had it and enjoyed the building and playing with them afterwards.There are a lot of tiny bits so I recommend you provide a DIY store storage box with drawers along with this, I did and it has really payed off especially if it's for a younger child.My son has only grazed the surface of what this can do, he has plenty of building and programming challenges ahead of him if he wants them. This is a gift that will continue to deliver over years.My only criticism is the lack of proper rechargeable battery packs as it uses a lot of power and the AA batteries it can use don't last that long...and it can be difficult to change them out from a built model.Overall this is excellent for the right person, everyone is investing in robots right now, Google and Dyson etc.....it's a good time to get your little one up to speed with motors, sensors and automation.

I'm an engineer who went into the field to work with robotics. I've owned just about every LEGO Mindstorms kit and accessory prior to the EV3. The EV3 kit has come a long way from its humble roots with the RCX system. The visual programming environment (provided as a heavily customized version of LabView) is relatively easy to get started. I wouldn't say the average kid under ten years could write software right away. But, the ease-of-use vs. capability ratio is greater than any visual programming platform I've used.Technologically speaking, the EV3 is a great platform for a large range of hobby roboticists. This could even be a serious tool in a commercial-grade rapid-prototyping environment. If you find the Raspberry Pi-esque DIY movement exciting, you can even boot into a familiar Linux environment, and start programming your creations with Python or C.If I had anything bad to say about it, the choice to use fairly obscure connectors for the motors and sensors limits a lot of DIY potential. Nobody has an RJ12-style telephone system in their house anymore, so I'm not sure why they felt the need to "protect" the ports from people trying to plug in their POTs lines. Instead, the DIYers either buy a bunch of these (expensive) "offset" connectors/jacks, or you buy the official LEGO cables, and cut them in half.

Pros :Very good set with an infinity of possibilities. The technic bricks included have been very well chosen by Lego and you can build many different things such as autonomous robots, remote controlled vehicles, or fix robots with precise functions. For example, I found on the internet directions to build a robot that physically solves the Rubik's cube and the program associated was given too. I tried it and it worked, only using the bricks included in this set.It's a really interesting set too learn the basics in programming, in mechanics and in robotics.Cons :The box could have been better. It opens by the side so you cannot use it to put all the parts and search the ones you need...There are very few instructions included in the set. If you want to use all its potential, you will have too search on the internet or to buy a book explaining how to program with the Lego software and how to construct models with enough mechanical resistance. If you are not used to programming, you'll need some time to understand how it works.Last, the EV3 brick works with 6 AA batteries not included. I advise you to buy rechargeable batteries.

I know, this set is not the cheapest and you don't get many bricks either. What you do get is that large computer brick, a selection of motors and sensors and some usual Technic parts. Plus, the box wrapper is actually printed inside, so it becomes a playground mat when unfolded. I will be honest when I opened the box I thought - "is that it?" as there's really not that much in the box. The paper booklet provided contains instructions for only one model (Track3r) - other models require a PDF instructions download from the LEGO Mindstorms website.Now, the reality is that it doesn't matter - the bricks provided are enough to build 5 different robots from instructions provided. These are just the models advertised on the packaging. There's plenty of instructions for different robots on the official Mindstorms' website. Building-wise - you're connecting bricks same way as any current Technic set and it does things. No surprises there.The biggest thing about Mindstorms is the programming bit (obviously) - if you've done anything with Scratch before (that little cat that teaches people how to program) - you'll be fine. In fact - you can really tell similarities between Mindstorms and Scratch - and that's a good thing. The software works with both Windows & OSX and it might be a little intuitive at the beginning but LEGO got that covered & added some basic videos on their website to help you out. Then using the Scratch-like interface - you'd simply chain blocks together, change some values for power/time etc and voila! Your program is up and running. Then you can connect your EV3 brick via the USB cable provided (or any micro USB cable) and copy that to the robot which will execute it.This is clearly the most fun part for me - unlike Scratch where action happens on screen all of a sudden your LEGO robot does what you told it to do, moves, makes noises etc. Initially you'll spend some time adjusting action timings, power and other values to perfect the challenges.So, challenges - each of the 5 robots shown on the packaging contains a set of challenges to solve. For example, the Track3r requires building 4 different attachments to the front that are performing different actions - rotating to remove objects out of the way, mini cannon (LEGO calls it 'bazooka') shooting LEGO balls, handles to grab objects and a mini-hammer, and using those either smash, shoot, move tyres or hit you with the hammer when its sensor detects your hand. Then the objectives should be set on the mat provided and program the robot accordingly. I'd suggest to build and complete the challenges as these are fun and allow you to learn the EV3 programming rules gradually. Once challenges are completed, the fun doesn't end there - as with any LEGO - use your imagination to build things you want. And that's the true beauty of this set. Enjoy!