Lego Group, the world famous toy maker, has launched a new platform called Lego Mindstorms EV3 which is designed to inspire and teach young people about building and programming robots.
The platform is an overhaul of previous Lego Mindstorms offerings.
The interactive program from Lego will be supported by 3D design software from Autodesk, the company behind popular industry CAD design programs such as AutoCAD. The Lego platform is based in Autodesk’s Inventor Publisher technology.
The technology will give 3D build and design instructions to users of Lego Mindstorms EV3 who will be able to digitally view and interact with the Lego bricks at each step of their robot build process. Users will also be able to call up component information about the parts they are using.
Available components for building with on the platform include motors, infrared sensors and a programmable microcomputer.
Young people will be able to access the platform online or via mobile apps. Autodesk hopes its partnership with the project will help build CAD and industrial design skills at an early age as well as knowledge of programming, robotics and automation.
Lego Mindstorms EV3 will become accessible in the second half of 2013.
Future Factory: Automate UK
On February 26 TM will host a London-based conference, Automate UK.
Content will clarify the competitive requirement for higher levels of investment in automation technology in UK manufacturing and highlight where opportunities for automation may lie in UK factories, in production and beyond.
Workforce skills requirements for automation will also be addressed.
More information here.
