LEGO Boost: To create robots from 7 years old

LEGO had launched a teasing campaign on social media and many saw it as the upcoming launch of a new version of the Mindstorms concept. It is rather a similar product but intended for the youngest (from 7 years old) that LEGO has just announced with the LEGO Boost system.

A dedicated micro-site is now available at this address.

The first set of this new range of robotics education (LEGO reference 17101 Creative Toolbox) will be available in the second half of 2017. Public price FR 159.99 €. In the box, 840 pieces and three "Boost Bricks" including an Move hub, the central building block of the concept with motion sensor and inputs / outputs, a distance / color sensor and a motor equipped with a tachometer.

Instructions for assembling five starter models will be provided: Vernie The Robot, Frankie the Cat, the Guitar 4000, the Multi-Tool Rover 4 (MTR4) and an "Autobuilder" capable of assembling small creations from LEGO bricks.

Everything will be managed via Bluetooth via an essential iOS / Android application that will allow programming and controlling the robots created. The application will be accessible to the youngest: A system of different colors for the actions to be programmed (green for movement, purple for audio functions, blue for actions), icons without text and horizontal placement of the code, on the left to the right. Note that the audio functions (microphone/speakers) are not managed via the programmable modules but only via the tablet that hosts the application.

The LEGO Boost system will consist of the starter kit and future expansion boxes and will of course be compatible with classic LEGO bricks.