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Build and Program Smart LEGO Mindstorm EV3 Robot

Packt Publishing

LEGO EV3 robot has changed the way we think about robotics by making it possible for anyone to build real, working robots.

This course starts off by showing you how to setup and program your own robot using the Lego Mindstorm EV3 Kit. It provides step-by-step instructions on the entire programming process of the Robot. The complexity of the robot increases gradually as your progress through the sections. With the examples in the course, you will learn how to build and program various robots using LEGO EV3. It provides clear explanations, fun examples and sample codes.

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LEGO EV3 robot has changed the way we think about robotics by making it possible for anyone to build real, working robots.

This course starts off by showing you how to setup and program your own robot using the Lego Mindstorm EV3 Kit. It provides step-by-step instructions on the entire programming process of the Robot. The complexity of the robot increases gradually as your progress through the sections. With the examples in the course, you will learn how to build and program various robots using LEGO EV3. It provides clear explanations, fun examples and sample codes.

By the end of the course, you will be able to build and program your own robot using LEGO EV3.

About the Author

Janika Leoste, the owner of Future Robotics, is an adults robotics educator specialized in creating educational robotics online courses for beginners. She holds knowledge about more than 13 different robotic platforms. Also, she has been involved with organizing several international robotics competitions. Currently, a PhD student at Tallinn University conducting an extensive experimental study about robots influence on learning outcomes in basic education math classes. Future Robotics organizes VR and educational robotics entertainment for adults gives robotics workshops for encouraging future workplaces and designs STEM programmes for educational robotics.

Karl Aleksander Leoste, is a member of Future Robotics and has been involved with robotics for 10 years. Knows everything about what's important in programming and building robots and has taken part in many robotics competitions over the years. Currently, he is studying software development.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Build your own lego ev3 robot for optimum navigation and place sensors for optimal calibration
  • Control your lego ev3 robot with the programming app
  • Let the robot use its multiple sensors to make sense of the functional environment you have created for it
  • React to different environments and respond to commands
  • Use beams, gears, and connector blocks effectively in your own designs
  • Calibrate the sensors using buttons on the robot

Syllabus

Learn to make the robot communicate with us.

  • Get familiarized with the robot outputs

  • Take a look at the sound blocks

  • Try out a few sounds on the robot

Read more
Getting Started with LEGO EV3

This video provides an overview of the entire course.

Learn to start using the robot and the programming app.

  • Have a look at how to start with the robot

  • Take a look at how to start with the programming app

  • Connect the robot to the app

Programming Your Robot to Move

Learn how to make the robot move and let’s look at the motors.

  • Getting familiarized with the motors

  • Take a look at the motor programming blocks

  • Try a few programs on the robot

Make the robot steer instead of just driving straight.

  • Learn the steering programming blocks

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Explore how to make the robot drive in a rectangle.

  • Learn the programming blocks required for making the program

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make the robot drive in a triangle.

  • Learn the programming blocks required for making the program

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make the robot park in a designated parking spot.

  • Familiarize with the challenge

  • Solve the challenge using our knowledge

  • Take a look at the challenge solution

Communicate with the Robot

Discover how to make the robot display an image on the screen.

  • Learn the display programming blocks

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make the robot change its button backlight colors.

  • Learn the backlight programming blocks

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Understand how to make the robot say our own custom sounds.

  • Learn the custom sound recording

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Explore how to make the robot our companion.

  • Get familiarized with the challenge

  • Solve the challenge using our knowledge

  • Take a look at the challenge solution

Let's Make the Robot Feel

Show how to make the robot communicate with us.

  • Getting familiarized with the touch sensor

  • Take a look at the touch sensor programming blocks

  • Try out a few programs on the robot

Make the robot stop when it drives into an obstacle.

  • Learn the programming blocks required for making the program

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Learn how to make a simple remote to control the robot movements using the touch sensor

  • Learn the programming blocks required for making the program

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

The robot has lots of buttons, let’s see what we can do with those.

  • Learn the robot buttons programming blocks

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Discuss how to make the robot surprise us with the buttons and touch sensor.

  • Familiarize yourselves with the challenge

  • Solve the challenge using our knowledge

  • Take a look at the challenge solution

Let's Give the Robot Eyes

Learn to use the robots ultrasonic sensor.

  • Get familiarized with the ultrasonic sensor

  • Take a look at the ultrasonic sensor programming blocks

  • Try out a few programs on the robot utilizing the sensor

Make the robot stop when it sees an obstacle, instead of driving into it.

  • Learn the programming blocks required for making the program

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Create a simple remote to control the robot movements using the touch sensor.

  • Learn the programming blocks required for making the program

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make the robot autonomously explore the room.

  • Learn the programming blocks required for making the program

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Learn how to make the robot stop to let the pedestrians pass, and then continue moving.

  • Familiarize yourselves with the challenge

  • Solve the challenge using our knowledge

  • Take a look at the challenge solution

Let’s Discover Colors

Discuss how to make robot sense colors using its color sensor.

  • Familiarize yourselves with the color sensor

  • Take a look at the color sensor programming

  • Try a few programs with the color sensor

Learn to make the robot tell us what colors it is seeing.

  • Look at the color detecting programming block

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make the robot detect surface darkness and lightness.

  • Look at the brightness detecting programming block

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Show the robot how to follow a line using the color sensor.

  • Look at the basic line following principle

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make the robot detect roadworks area, and then act accordingly.

  • Get familiarize with the challenge

  • Solve the challenge using our knowledge

  • Take a look at the challenge solution

Exact Turns

Make robot measure its turns and turn exact degrees.

  • Familiarize yourselves with the gyro sensor

  • Take a look at gyro programming blocks

  • Try out a few exact turns

Explain how to make robot drive in an exact circle using a gyroscope sensor.

  • Learn how to drive circle with programming blocks

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Learn how to make robot drive in an exact rectangle using a gyroscope sensor.

  • Learn how to drive rectangle with programming blocks

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make robot drive in an exact triangle using a gyroscope sensor.

  • Learn how to drive triangle with programming blocks

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Explore how to make the robot drive along the road making very exact turns.

  • Get familiarized with the challenge

  • Solve the challenge

  • Take a look at the challenge solution

Let’s Move Objects

Take a look at what the robot can do with the medium motor.

  • Familiarize yourselves with the medium motor

  • Take a look at the motor blocks

  • Try out a few ways to move the medium motor

Make the robot grab an object.

  • Learn how to grab objects with the motor

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Learn how to make the robot release the object.

  • Learn how to release objects with the motor

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Make the robot detect an object and then move it around.

  • Learn how to use the distance sensor and medium motor together

  • Compile the program for the robot

  • Load the program into the robot

Explore how to make the robot clean the road to move forward.

  • Get familiarized with the challenge

  • Solve the challenge using our knowledge

  • Look at the challenge solution

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides step-by-step instructions on programming LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots, making it accessible for individuals with little to no prior robotics experience
Offers insights into integrating robotics into educational settings, as the author is involved in STEM program design and robotics competitions
Focuses on building and programming robots using LEGO EV3, which may appeal to individuals who enjoy working with LEGO construction sets
Teaches fundamental programming concepts through the lens of robotics, which can be a fun and engaging way to learn coding basics
Includes practical examples and challenges that mirror real-world robotics scenarios, which can be valuable for those preparing for robotics competitions
Requires access to a LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kit, which may be an additional cost for some learners, but is essential for completing the course

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build and Program Smart LEGO Mindstorm EV3 Robot with these activities:
Review Basic Programming Concepts
Reinforce fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditional statements, and variables. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the EV3 programming environment.
Browse courses on Programming Logic
Show steps
  • Review online tutorials on basic programming concepts.
  • Complete practice exercises on coding websites.
  • Write pseudocode for simple robot behaviors.
Review 'The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book'
Deepen your understanding of EV3 programming and robot building. This book offers a beginner-friendly approach to mastering the platform.
View The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book: A... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introductory chapters on EV3 hardware and software.
  • Follow the building instructions for one of the example robots.
  • Experiment with modifying the example programs.
Build a Simple Line Following Robot
Apply your knowledge of sensors and programming to create a robot that can follow a line. This project reinforces concepts related to sensor calibration and feedback control.
Show steps
  • Design a robot chassis that can accommodate a color sensor.
  • Write a program that reads the color sensor and adjusts the robot's steering.
  • Calibrate the color sensor for different lighting conditions.
  • Test and refine the program to achieve smooth line following.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Sensor Calibration Techniques
Master the art of calibrating different sensors (touch, ultrasonic, color, gyro). Accurate sensor readings are crucial for reliable robot behavior.
Show steps
  • Write programs to display raw sensor values.
  • Experiment with different calibration methods for each sensor.
  • Document the optimal calibration settings for various environments.
Create a Video Tutorial on a Specific EV3 Programming Concept
Solidify your understanding by explaining a complex programming concept (e.g., using the gyro sensor for precise turns) in a video tutorial. Teaching others is a great way to learn.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific EV3 programming concept to explain.
  • Write a script and create visual aids (e.g., code snippets, robot demonstrations).
  • Record and edit the video tutorial.
  • Share the video with other students and solicit feedback.
Contribute to an Open-Source EV3 Project
Enhance your skills by contributing to an open-source project related to LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3. This provides real-world experience and exposure to collaborative development.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source EV3 project on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project's documentation and code.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
Read 'Building Smart LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robots'
Expand your knowledge of advanced robotics concepts and apply them to EV3. This book explores topics like robot kinematics and path planning.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on advanced robot building techniques.
  • Implement one of the advanced programming strategies discussed in the book.
  • Compare your results with the book's examples.

Career center

Learners who complete Build and Program Smart LEGO Mindstorm EV3 Robot will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Robotics Technician
A Robotics Technician builds, tests, and maintains robotic systems. This course is an excellent starting point for aspiring robotics technicians. This course provides hands-on experience in building and programming robots using LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kits, which allows technicians to develop the practical skills needed for their field. The specific focus on sensor implementation and calibration in the course directly translates into the skills needed to work with various types of robotic systems. The focus on programming for motion also offers a critical foundation for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Technician
Educational Robotics Specialist
An Educational Robotics Specialist designs and implements robotics programs for educational purposes. This course may be very useful for an educational robotics specialist in that it offers a practical, hands-on approach to learning about the design, building, and programming of robots. The course’s focus on using the LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kit aligns well with the tools that are often found in educational settings. The course’s progressive lessons, moving from simple movement to more complex programming with sensors, presents a possible model for a good robotics curriculum. The work in the course, such as making the robot park, navigate through a course, and identify colors, can be emulated in class projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Robotics Specialist
Technical Trainer
A Technical Trainer develops and delivers training programs on technical topics. This course may be a helpful experience for a technical trainer who intends to help others learn about robotics. The course’s learning structure, starting from the basic setup of the robot and gradually progressing to more complex sensor and programming techniques, is helpful for a trainer. The trainer may be able to translate their own experience in the course to a training program for their students. The trainer may also find use in the course’s challenges, such as navigation or color detection, as they develop their own course content . This course can be an excellent preparation for a technical trainer in robotics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Trainer
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and tests robotic systems. This course helps to build a foundational understanding of robotics engineering by providing experience with building and programming an actual robot. The course work in sensor integration, calibration, and programming for motion and navigation directly applies to practical robotics engineering challenges. Additionally, the course introduces the use of different sensors and their impact, which is directly relevant to the design process of a robotics engineer. While advanced robotics engineering may require further study, this course can serve as a beneficial entry point.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and creates educational materials. The hands-on nature of this course in building and programming a robot makes it helpful for a curriculum developer focused on STEM or robotics education. The course is structured in such a way that a developer may use the lesson plan as a template for their own curriculum. The course provides a progression from basic robot movement to more advanced sensor integration and control. The user may take their own experience with this course to develop a curriculum for students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Mechatronics Engineer
A Mechatronics Engineer works with the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer systems. This course can be helpful for a future mechatronics engineer, as it gives the user experience in combining mechanical construction with electrical hardware and software control. The course’s focus on building physical robots, integrating sensors, and programming motion makes it a relevant stepping stone to the complex systems a mechatronics engineer would work with. The course’s work with sensors such as touch, ultrasonic, color, and gyro are common to the field, and this practice may be especially useful. The skills developed in this course may prepare an aspiring mechatronics engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer
Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer designs and implements automated systems using robotics and other technologies. This course can be valuable for an automation engineer because it teaches how to build and program a robotic system, similar to industrial automation. The course’s focus on programming robot movement using motor programming blocks, integrating sensors, and calibrating sensors directly translate to the skills required for an automation engineer. The practical, hands-on approach, provides the user a direct understanding of the challenges and solutions to robotic automation. The work in this course may help an Automation Engineer to understand industrial automation principles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer
STEM Educator
A STEM Educator teaches science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. This course may be particularly relevant to a STEM educator, especially one who wants to incorporate robotics into their curriculum. The course's hands-on approach to building and programming a robot using LEGO Mindstorm kits makes it a beneficial experience for any educator. Moreover, it covers core concepts in robotics including movement, sensing, and programming. The lessons covered, such as sound outputs, touch and ultrasonic sensors, and color sensors, will help the educator to explain these systems to students. The educator can take what they have learned here to develop lessons and activities in their own classroom.
See salaries and explore the career path for STEM Educator
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer develops firmware and software for embedded systems. While this course does not explicitly teach embedded systems, it does cover many relevant concepts and practices. The course's hands-on approach to programming and controlling the robot using sensors and actuators makes it a possibly useful introduction to the field. The work done in the course, such as using the touch, ultrasonic, color, and gyro sensors, shows the user a diverse set of inputs, which is key to embedded systems engineering. The course is directly applicable to the practical concerns of an Embedded Systems Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineer
A Control Systems Engineer designs and implements control systems for various applications. This course may help one understand basic principles of control, although control theory itself will require further study. The course allows users to program a robot's movement using motors and sensors, which is a practical, hands-on example of control systems in action. The work in the course, such as making the robot follow a line, utilize a gyro sensor, and respond to obstacles, can exemplify some basic principles of control. The course's work with feedback loops, such as using the touch sensor to stop the robot, can also be valuable. This course may provide a tangible introduction to control systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer
Research Assistant
A Research Assistant supports research projects. This course may be useful for a research assistant working on robotics-related projects, particularly those that involve experimental design. This course provides one with an understanding of robot building, programming, and sensor integration. The work done in the course, such as making the robot respond to different stimuli and navigate, may be helpful to the researcher. An assistant could take their experience here to better understand the needs of a robotic experiment. This course may serve as a helpful introduction for a research assistant in robotics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Assistant
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course may be relevant to a project manager overseeing a robotics or automation project, as it lets one see the challenges of robotic design. The course’s step-by-step approach to building, programming, and sensor implementation gives a project manager insight into the development process. The course’s challenges, such as getting the robot to park, drive in specified shapes, or clean a path, show the planning required for a successful robot design. The project manager who understands the process better, may be better equipped to manage a project effectively. A project manager in a robotics field may benefit from this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Software Developer
A Software Developer creates and maintains software applications. This course may introduce aspects of software development, particularly as it relates to programming robots. The course demonstrates how to program a robot to perform different functions, which is a direct software development task. The experience of using programming blocks to control the robot's actions, such as movement and sensor operation, may help build an understanding of basic programming concepts. While this role often requires more formal software training, this course may help to introduce someone to a different application of programming.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Product Designer
A Product Designer conceptualizes and designs new products. This course may help a product designer to think about the design process, especially as it relates to physical and functional products. The course’s focus on designing robot functionality, as well as its physical assembly, may offer a unique insight into the design process. The work in the course, such as developing a design to move an object, follow a line, or identify a color, shows how design choices can affect functionality. While this role focuses on a user’s experience, this course may offer a more mechanical take. This course may provide insight for a better understanding of the design process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Technology Consultant
A Technology Consultant provides advice on the implementation of technology solutions. This course may help a technology consultant who specializes in robotics or automation, by giving a basic understanding of the inner workings of a robotic system. The course’s approach to building and programming a Lego robot may provide a helpful overview of the challenges of robot implementation, especially in educational settings. The work in the course, such as making the robot respond to a variety of sensors, allows a consultant to understand the process. A tech consultant specializing in robotics could use this course as a starting point to make good recommendations to clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Consultant

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Build and Program Smart LEGO Mindstorm EV3 Robot.
Cover image
The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to building and programming LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robots. It covers basic programming concepts, robot design principles, and sensor integration. It valuable resource for beginners and provides step-by-step instructions for building and programming various robots. This book serves as a useful reference throughout the course.
The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book: A...
Paperback
$$
The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book: A...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Delves into advanced robot building techniques and programming strategies for LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3. It covers topics such as robot kinematics, path planning, and sensor fusion. It is more valuable as additional reading for those who want to take their EV3 skills to the next level. This book provides a deeper understanding of robotics principles and their application to the EV3 platform.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
2 total hours
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Udemy
Instructor
Packt Publishing
Language
English
Good to know
Provides step-by-step instructions on programming LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots, making it accessible for individuals with little to no prior robotics experience
Offers insights into integrating robotics into educational settings, as the author is involved in STEM program design and robotics competitions
Focuses on building and programming robots using LEGO EV3, which may appeal to individuals who enjoy working with LEGO construction sets
Teaches fundamental programming concepts through the lens of robotics, which can be a fun and engaging way to learn coding basics
Includes practical examples and challenges that mirror real-world robotics scenarios, which can be valuable for those preparing for robotics competitions
Requires access to a LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kit, which may be an additional cost for some learners, but is essential for completing the course
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