Mastering Lego Mindstorms: Build Better Robots With Python and Word Blocks

Take your robotics skills to the next level with this guide to mastering LEGO® MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor and LEGO® SPIKE Prime.

You’ve learned the basics of LEGO® robotics with your Robot Inventor or SPIKE Prime kit, and now you’re ready for more. This full-color, illustrated guidebook to programming your robotic creations teaches you everything you need to know to level up your engineering skills, using examples relevant to both sets. In no time, you’ll be coding movements for autonomous robot vehicles, building interactive games, making LEGO® musical instruments, and more.

Rather than feature step-by-step instructions for building a handful of models, you’ll find essential information and expert tips and tricks for designing, building, and programming your own robotic creations. The book teaches the fundamentals of writing text-based code for your robots using the popular Python programming language; shows how to harness gears, linkages, and other mechanisms to create all kinds of motion; and explores sophisticated programming techniques for popular applications such as line following and obstacle avoidance, using both Python and Scratch-based Word Blocks. As you learn, loads of challenges and open-ended projects will inspire you to try out ideas.

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this book.

Barbara Bratzel is a K-8 STEM teacher who consults at the Center for Engineering and Education Outreach at Tufts University. She has been a keynote speaker and workshop leader at LEGO robotics educational conferences around the world, and she’s the author of several robotics books for teachers, including Makerspace LEGO® (College House Books).

Rob Torok teaches Computer Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Design at a senior secondary school in Tasmania. He has run robotics workshops for teachers and students, and consulted for LEGO Education Australia and the Center for Engineering and Education Outreach at Tufts University. He contributed a chapter to The LEGO® MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book (No Starch Press).