EV3

EV3 is LEGO Mindstorms' third generation robotics kit, released in 2013. It builds on the NXT platform and provides a programmable brick and modular LEGO elements to build and program autonomous machines. The EV3 system is used in education, hobbyist projects, and competitions.

The EV3 Intelligent Brick serves as the central controller. It features four input ports and four output ports for sensors and motors, a color LCD, a built-in speaker, and wireless and wired communication options. It supports a rechargeable battery and includes a slot for storage expansion.

The standard kit typically includes two servo motors and a selection of sensors, including touch, color, and infrared sensors. The EV3 platform is designed to be compatible with a wide range of LEGO Technic elements, allowing users to build complex, mobile robots.

Programming is done with the EV3 Software, a graphical, LabVIEW-based environment that runs on Windows and macOS. Programs are transferred to the brick via USB or wireless connections and run independently on the brick. In addition to LEGO's software, the platform supports third-party languages and firmware, such as ev3dev, enabling Python, Java, and C/C++ development.

EV3 was followed by newer LEGO Education products like SPIKE Prime, but remains widely used in classrooms, clubs, and hobbyist communities. It has an active user community and extensive online resources, including lessons, projects, and tutorials.