Tag: sturdiness

How to build and safely use a bridge tester

Bridge

Because I described how my students and I used a bridge tester to prepare for scaling up our walking machine in my TrotBot post, I thought I should describe how to use a bridge tester safely, and how I built mine. Overview There are probably better, or simpler bridge testing methods for LEGO bridges than […]

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TrotBot Walking Machine

TrotBot

After teaching a challenge-based LEGO Engineering class for two years, I wanted to offer a really difficult challenge for a dozen of my most motivated students (grades 6-8). I settled on linkage-based walkers, like Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest. Rather than copy prototypes or plans, I had the class study various linkage mechanisms, their trade-offs, and how they can […]

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RCX constructopedia

Giraffe

The RCX constructopedia (PDF, 55Mb) includes an extensive set of instructions designed to introduce beginners and advanced builders alike to new concepts in building with the RCX. 418 pages! Contents include: Stationary builds Sturdy structures Bracing Change axis Moving parts Motors Gears Pulleys Special gears Cam Differential Worm gear Gear rack Animal parts Beaks and jaws […]

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NXT building tips

Screen Shot 2013-06-25 at 10.21.15 AM

NXT Building Tips is a brief PDF guide to tips and tricks for building with the LEGO NXT, including: Basic LEGO brick stacking Using pegs to connect beams Connecting beams using axles and bushings Constructing sturdy shapes Attaching a wheel to a motor so that the motor turns Attaching motors to your NXT Resources NXT […]

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RCX quick guide

crown

Building a sturdy structure The keys to building a sturdy structure are as follows: 1. Use interconnecting bricks. When you interconnect your bricks, the structure will not fall apart when you move it. 2.  Flick Test: Test the durability of your structure with a simple flick of your finger. If the structure falls apart, look […]

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