The new Lego Boost kit teaches kids to build and program robots

Date
4 January 2017
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Lego Boost

Lego has released Boost, a new kit that aims to teach 7-12-year-olds how to build and program robotic toys. The range, being launched this week at Las Vegas technology fair CES, uses traditional Lego bricks together with special modules that are programmable through an app.

The kit features instructions for five different models including a robot called Vernie, a cat, a guitar, a vehicle and the Autobuilder, a toy that builds mini Lego creations. The Boost kit is also designed to be used with other Lego creations outside these five models, so kids can add the custom Boost modules to any of their constructions.

One of the three custom Boost components is the Move Hub, a battery-powered brick with a tilt sensor, two input and output ports, a power button and a light, which forms the core to any robotic construction. The others are an interactive motor, and a colour and distance sensor. The corresponding Boost app will lead the user through the construction process, and a choice of 60 coding activities for making the models move, light up and interact in myriad ways. It also includes a voice-recording feature for kids to add sound effects, for example. The set also comes with hundreds of standard Lego bricks.

The release follows last year’s Lego WeDo 2.0 robotics kit, part of the brand’s educational initiative to help teach primary-level school children about engineering and coding. Boost will be available from summer 2017 for around $160.

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Lego Boost

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Lego Boost

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Lego Boost

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Lego Boost

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Jenny Brewer

Jenny oversees our editorial output across work, news and features. She was previously It’s Nice That's news editor. Get in touch with any big creative stories, tips, pitches, news and opinions, or questions about all things editorial.

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