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LEGO Mindstorms EV3

The LEGO Group (Denmark) · 2013 · All LEGO robots

Was $349.99
Discontinued · used/leftover onlyVia SSH / web / bridgeLinux brickev3devFIRST LEGO LeagueDiscontinued
≤ 1 weekShipping: Used, days.
Remote control: Boot ev3dev from microSD and SSH in over USB/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth to run Python on the brick, or push programs from LEGO's desktop software.

Overview

The third-generation Mindstorms brick and a decade-long standard for school robotics and FIRST LEGO League. Its ARM9 Linux brick made it hackable, since ev3dev turns it into a small Debian computer with Python. LEGO retired the retail set in 2020 and the whole Mindstorms line at the end of 2022, but huge numbers of used sets remain.

At a glance
Type
Modular robot · Consumer & education kits
Maker
The LEGO Group (Denmark)
Released
2013
Price
Was $349.99
Status
Discontinued · used/leftover only
Best for
Ages 10+
Programming
Full SDK

Price and shipping

Retail set 31313 RRP (Brickset). On sale Sept 2013 – July 2020. Education Core Set 45544 sold separately.

Shipping: Used, days. Discontinued. Used and new-old-stock sets are widely available on eBay and from school surplus.

Specifications

CategoryModular & reconfigurable · Consumer & education kits
Released2013
CountryDenmark
AvailabilityDiscontinued · used/leftover only
ProgrammabilityFull SDK
Built-in autonomyReactive · Responds to its surroundings without a map, such as avoiding obstacles or following a person
LLM supportPossible via SDK · No built-in LLM. Its SDK lets software on a computer control it.
MuJoCo simulationNone found · Nothing found.
NVIDIA Isaac simulationNone found · Nothing found.
Gazebo simulationNone found · Nothing found for the EV3 kit itself.
Best forAges 10+ (maker rating)
Vision sensorsSonar / ultrasonic
ActuatorsDC / gear motors
AudioSpeaker
Compute typeOther ARM chip
Remote controlVia SSH / web / bridge
SizeEV3 brick plus 601 Technic pieces (retail set), robot size varies
LocomotionAny LEGO Technic build, typically 2 large motors for differential drive + 1 medium motor
ComputeEV3 Intelligent Brick: ARM9 CPU running Linux, USB, microSD (up to 32 GB)
CameraNone (color sensor only)
SensorsTouch, color, infrared (retail) or ultrasonic and gyro (Education set), NXT sensors compatible
RuntimeNot published
SpeedNot published
SDKLEGO's graphical EV3 software, ev3dev Debian Linux from microSD (Python, C, etc.), LeJOS (Java), Open Roberta

Common questions

How much does LEGO Mindstorms EV3 cost?

It sold for $349.99. Retail set 31313 RRP (Brickset). On sale Sept 2013 – July 2020. Education Core Set 45544 sold separately.

Can LEGO Mindstorms EV3 be bought today?

It is discontinued, though used or leftover units still turn up. Discontinued. Used and new-old-stock sets are widely available on eBay and from school surplus.

Who makes LEGO Mindstorms EV3?

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is made by The LEGO Group (Denmark). It came out in 2013.

Can LEGO Mindstorms EV3 be programmed?

Full SDK. LEGO's graphical EV3 software, ev3dev Debian Linux from microSD (Python, C, etc.), LeJOS (Java), Open Roberta.

Does LEGO Mindstorms EV3 have AI chat or LLM support?

Possible via SDK. No built-in LLM. Its SDK lets software on a computer control it.

What age is LEGO Mindstorms EV3 for?

Ages 10+, per the maker.

Ratings & reviews

Similar robots

Sources

Brickset 31313 ↗ · ev3dev ↗

Image credits