We all love Lego. Whether you're a fan of the video games or building kits, the enduring brick building toy continues to thrill children of all ages.

The Mindstorms range feature an "intelligent" programmable Lego brick that can be used to extend the possibilities of the kit. Mindstorms kits are an enduringly popular tool for makers of all skill levels and interests.

Looking for some Lego Mindstorms project ideas? Check these astonishing builds to find out just what you can do with Lego Mindstorms EV3 and EV2 kits.

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 vs Lego Mindstorms EV3

The Lego projects featured here rely on the Mindstorms kits. First launched in 1998 as the Robotics Invention System, there are three generations of Mindstorms still in regular use: NXT, NXT 2.0, and EV3. All systems have one thing in common: a programmable "brick", a small computer with a display.

But what is the difference between Mindstorms kits?

  • Released in 2006, Lego Mindstorms NXT included the NXT Intelligent Brick, with three servos, four sensors, and 577 bricks.
  • The 2009 update added touch sensors, ultrasonic sensor, and a color sensor, with 619 bricks. Meanwhile the NXT 2.0 brick used floating point operations, an update of the earlier use of integer operations.
  • In 2013 the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit was introduced, with 550 Technic pieces, and a new EV3 programmable brick. The brick features a microSD slot for booting alternative operating systems, and can be controlled by smart devices.

Now you know the difference, let's look at some of the best Lego NXT 2.0 and Lego Mindstorms EV3 projects.

1. Lego Mindstorms EV3 Guitar Playing Robot

You're feeling slightly envious of Lego all of a sudden, aren't you? After all, years of practice has resulted in a vague approximation of a Nirvana riff that you play at parties. Meanwhile, some wizkid knocked up a guitar playing Lego robot with his Mindstorms kit. Sickening, isn't it?

The tune you can gasp at above is "Little Talks" by English-language Icelandic five piece Of Monsters and Men. If you're unfamiliar with the original, compare it on YouTube.

2. Can't Handle Rubik's Cube? Lego Can

Most people can't manage the Rubik's Cube without taking it apart or peeling off and moving the labels. If this sounds like you, don't feel bad. While it's quite possible to learn the method of solving the Rubik's Cube, a robot can also do the job.

While it might be quicker to cheat than it is to build a robot to do it for you, this is an amazing project. This Lego Mindstorms robot features facial detection, row turning, and a pulling mechanism that tumbles the cube over.

Brilliant. But if you want inspiration for a quicker Rubik's Cube solving robot, this beauty should suit your needs.

3. A Lego NXT ATM Machine

Here's a great Lego Mindstorms project using an older NXT kit. It not only dispenses money, but also accepts it as a deposit!

Featuring a HiTechnic IRLink and a Codatex RFID Sensor, this build can be calibrated to accept a specified banknote. There's a functional numeric keypad, while RFID-capable cards are used to withdraw money.

It can even retain a card if the wrong PIN is entered, with flash memory to save the customer database. In short, this is a complete, working ATM, albeit one constructed from easily opened Lego. Useless in a banking scenario, it is nevertheless a great way to learn how ATMs work.

If you own a later Mindstorms kit, check this ATM project instead.

4. Lego Mindstorms T-Shirt Folding Machine

Struggling to fold your own t-shirts? Rather than rely on your mom, using a t-shirt folding device can help to save space in your wardrobe. These are inexpensive and can be fashioned from cardboard…

Or you could go all-out and build a t-shirt folding machine using a Lego Mindstorms EV3 kit.

It's an OTT solution to a relatively trivial task but that's the beauty of it. Technic Lego combined with a programmable brick and some imagination and you get something like this.

Struggle with t-shirt folding no longer and maximize clothes storage!

5. This Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Vehicle Lays Its Own Bridge!

This is poetry in motion. Well, in Lego. Actually, no, it's Lego in motion.

So, in short, a vehicle dispenses its own bridge, and then crosses it.

It might seem slow, but this is a truly glorious Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 build, which according to the description:

...utilizes four servo motors, two linear actuators, two ultrasonic sensors, two touch sensors and two color sensors to accomplish its task. The robot was programmed in Robot C.

Make sure you watch this right to the end, to see the robot tidy up after itself. Who wouldn't be proud of building that?

6. Build a Lego Car Production Line With Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

"Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black." That's how Henry Ford explained the speed of his Model T assembly line when a new quick drying paint, available only in black, was introduced.

It's also the only color available in this Lego car production line, fully automated thanks to Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0. What's great about this setup is that it could be reprogrammed to mass-produce a variety of simple of Lego builds, from cars and bikes to minifigs... and beyond.

Or even actual robots. Still: Lego building Lego. It's like the world of Terminator, only plastic and Danish.

7. Knit a Jumper With Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Ever wondered how a loom works? You're not alone. But were you expecting the question to be solved by watching some Lego bricks?

In a superb Lego loom that could have considerable repercussions for your future sartorial purchases, this Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 build automates the creation of a scarf. Presumably with a bit of sewing and stitching, larger garments can also be created.

For a closer look and to get an idea of the full details of the build, take a look at the designer's gallery.

8. Charlie the Chess Robot

Bored? Want to engage in a complex strategy game based on ancient game design, but no one to play with? Sure, you could play a chess video game. However, if you're more of a "real world" gamer, this Lego Mindstorms robot could be the answer to your dreams.

Says the designer:

Three motors are used for the movement; the first one for the movement on the X axis, the second one for the movement on the Y axis and the third one for picking up and putting down pieces.

Sound complex? Time to decide: video game, or a DIY chess playing robot built with a Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit?

9. Combine Mindstorms NXT 2.0 With EV3 for This Radio-Controlled Car

The other builds on this page use either Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 or the later EV3 kit. But this build uses both. While the NXT 2.0 module powers the remote control, the EV3 module receives data to drive the car.

In the words of the YouTube video:

This Lego Mindstorms RC car has a 5 speed gearbox and is controlled by the NXT 2.0. We used the EV3 to give commands to the NXT about transmission, gear, speed and steer angle. It's our first project that uses a connection between EV3 and NXT.

That pretty much tells you all you need to know, other than the inclusion of an Android app. The end result is complex, but impressive.

10. Piano Playing Lego Mindstorms EV3

We finish much as we began, with music!

While the guitar playing Mindstorms robot at the top was amazing, the complexity of this build is also worth sharing. As per the YouTube video description, this Mindstorms EV3 build:

...uses one main driving motor, and 3 motors to control positioning of: the single finger of the left hand on the first note, the two fingers of the right hand on the third note, and the third finger of the right hand on the 4th note (sometimes).

Sounds amazing, doesn't it?

Notice how the Lego wheels act as counterweights---the arrangement is good too. There are simpler ways to get a piano accompaniment, of course, but the sheer art in this is considerable. Imagine teaming this project up with the guitar...!

Try These 10 Cool Lego Mindstorms Projects

We've looked at an incredible array of projects suitable for Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 and EV3 kits:

  1. Guitar playing robot
  2. Rubik's Cube solver
  3. ATM
  4. T-shirt folding machine
  5. Bridge-laying vehicle
  6. Lego car production line
  7. Robotic scarf-knitting loom
  8. Chess robot
  9. Five gear RC vehicle
  10. Piano playing robot

While pricy the Lego Mindstorms kits are one of the best Lego gifts you can buy.