More than just construction toys: TOP 5 Smartphone-controlled LEGO sets

Mario the Plumber is the protagonist of the Super Mario video game series and is also the mascot for Nintendo. In the assortment of Lego constructors, a separate branch is dedicated to this character. Kids aged 6+ will love the Lego Adventures with Mario Starter Course 71360 set.

The plot set consists of 231 parts of the classic block connection. Its focus is on an interactive Mario figure with LCD screens built into the eyes, mouth and belly. Relying on color sensors and a barcode scanner underfoot, the figurine displays over a hundred reactions to user actions. For example, lying on his back, Mario falls asleep, snoring sweetly, while jumping he fervently shouts “Whoo!”, and seven activation dice make the most famous plumber demonstrate various reactions.

The principle of the game with the set is tied to collecting virtual coins. Mario is tasked with reaching the Lego finish line by overcoming obstacles and jumping onto blocks with question marks in order to earn extra coins. You have 1 minute to complete the entire distance. Whoever collects more coins at the finish line wins. Their account is kept by an interactive figure of the character.

Detailed instructions for building the set and using the building blocks in the game are provided in the Lego Super Mario mobile app. It does not always want to be installed on some Android smartphones the first time, but after a successful launch it works for a solid "five". Paper "recipe" for the assembly of Lego Adventures with Mario Starter Course 71360 is not included in the kit. The set is also compatible with colleagues from the Lego Super Mario series, thanks to which you can significantly expand the habitat of the mustachioed plumber.

For cross-country rides or off-road conquest, it is not necessary to buy a radio-controlled buggy. After all, you can assemble such an SUV yourself from the Lego Off-Road Buggy 42124 set.

It usually takes a couple of hours to assemble a cross-country vehicle. In total , the model consists of 374 parts, incl. Smart Hub control systems with powerful electric motors, the torque from which is transmitted to all four wheels. Together with a working suspension on the front and rear axles, the buggy easily overcomes small obstacles and confidently rushes off-road. Also, the machine easily conquers steep climbs.

Externally, the model is similar to radio-controlled buggies in the style of the "80s" (that's when they appeared and began to march around the world). The machine is controlled from the screen of a paired smartphone through the Lego Technic CONTROL + mobile application. By default, it is proposed to “steer” its movements using a virtual joystick, which is inconvenient to do with one hand. An alternative way to control the buggy involves using the gyroscope of a mobile device - it turns the car by tilting the smartphone in the required directions.

Oddly enough, the buggy does not have its own steering wheel, as well as a driver's seat in the cockpit. Its floor is covered with an electronic control unit. The power supply for the electronic components of the machine-designer is supplied from six “finger-type” batteries, which are purchased separately. As a bonus , buggy drivers get the opportunity to “beep” from the mobile application with one of five signals to choose from: from the classic horn to the sound of a crowing rooster.

The six-axle dump truck A60H is one of the largest trucks of the Volvo brand. It is designed for the transport of heavy loads in the most difficult operating conditions, for example, in mines and quarries. You can taste the pleasures of driving this hulk without leaving your home - the self-propelled colossus can be assembled from the Lego 6x6 Volvo Articulated Hauler 42114 set.

The model belongs to the Lego Technic series - designers with the most technical bias. During their assembly, young users discover the fascinating world of engineering and learn the principles of operation of all kinds of mechanisms. So, on board the dump truck in question, an automated transmission debuted with one gear for moving backward, three speeds for traveling forward and an additional gear for raising / lowering the body.

The transmission unit is the most painstaking area in terms of truck assembly. All the gears in it should take their proper places, and the transmission stretches almost along the entire body of the car, about 60 cm long. “On the nose”, it connects to the dump truck engine - with the hood open while driving, the work of the pistons of the power unit is visible. Inside the cab of the truck, under the driver's seat, a servo is placed to rotate the "head". Behind the cab is a battery pack for 6 AA batteries.

In total, the constructor consists of 2193 block-type parts. You will have to puff a lot on the assembly of the model. The dimensions of the assembled dump truck are 610x230x220 mm, and its weight is over 2 kg. And this hulk knows how to move under its own power! The truck is controlled from the Lego Technic CONTROL+ mobile app. From the smartphone, the movement vector of the car is set, gears are switched, the body is lowered and raised. Also in the mobile programme, you can perform tasks for the transportation of goods, which improves driving skills and allows you to receive virtual achievements. Is the set worth the money? Definitely yes. However, it will be really difficult to collect it.

The first programmable Lego robot appeared on store shelves back in 1998. It started the Mindstorms series. The current generation of Lego robots is presented by the Robot Invertor 51515 set from the 2020 model range.

From one box of the designer, the user has the right to collect 5 robotic characters at once. The highest of them is called Explosion. He is 36 cm tall, can make his way through obstacles, shoot and grab objects. The second robot is named after Charlie. This is a kind of dancing merry fellow who plays the drums. The four-legged Gelo can run around obstacles and perform tricks. The cunning robot Tricky (play on words in English) is fond of sports: football, basketball, tennis and even boxing. Finally, the fifth piece of the set is the MVP modular vehicle platform.

All five characters have a total of 949 parts. Assembling robots requires the correct sequence of actions and increased care. The fun begins later - the Lego MINDSTORMS Robot Invertor application provides a programming environment based on the Scratch language. More savvy "programmers" can write commands to robots in the Python language. Block characters from the set perform tasks and missions according to pre-programmed algorithms.

The construction set includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, color sensors (8 colors are distinguished) and distance sensors for detecting obstacles. The set makes a great gift for any occasion for boys aged 10+ and adults with an engineering mindset. After all, robots animated by a wave of the hand cause real delight at any age, whether they are under the supervision of schoolchildren or already gray-haired pensioners.

With an eye on the “18+” audience, Lego’s extensive portfolio has a remarkable Grand Piano 21323 set. No, you don’t think - no vulgarity is expected in the designer, just the level of complexity of its assembly is considered one of the most difficult in the class.

From the plastic blocks of the set in the amount of 3662 pcs. step by step the contours of an exquisite grand piano emerge. The elaboration of its appearance deserves special respect - the authentic design of the concert instrument is not inferior to its "adult" prototype. The toy piano features a detachable 25-key keyboard that strikes the strings realistically, movable dampers and pedals. Its lid leans back, and the seat of the banquette is adjustable in height.

On the music stand of the piano, the user has the right to place the original song called "Playday", which was written by the designer of the set Donnie Chen, or a smartphone with a pre-installed Lego Powered Up application. To interact with a musical instrument, the modes "Play" and "Listen" are provided. In the first one, you can touch the piano keys with your fingers, in the second, they are set in motion by means of a built-in drive, while melodies are played through the smartphone speaker. Please note that the piano itself does not make sounds - they come exclusively from a mobile device.

To enable the function of simulating keystrokes in automatic mode, the electronic "brain" of the piano must be understaffed with six AA batteries. Also keep in mind that when assembled, the tool takes up a lot of space (225x305x355 mm) and weighs more than 2 kg. Well, you will have to pay a lot for the set. However, the biting price tag will never stop sophisticated Lego fans.