Hobbies And Interests
Puzzle Solvers
Need help with a difficult puzzle? Why not make a robot to do it for you? Using the Mindstorm's advanced color sensors and thinking capabilities, Lego machines have easy access to a wide variety of complex puzzle games. One builder attached a pen and character recognizing sensor to his robot so that could easily solve sudoku puzzles. Another builder utilized a variety of movable turntables that allow the robot to solve a Rubik's Cube. An even more advanced builder created a robot that could play a game of Connect Four against a human opponent and actually think two moves ahead.
Household Helpers
What good are robots if they can't make day-to-day life easier? Try to come up with some designs for robots that can help around the house. One particularly forgetful builder created a robot that will flush his toilet for him after politely saying "thank you." Worried about his valuables, one builder created a safe made out of Legos that boasts five different combinations as well as intelligent motion sensors that let the safe know when it is being picked up.
Replicas
Why build new machines when there are plenty of interesting ones already in existence. One particularly lucrative builder created a Lego vending machine that not only dispenses snacks, but give exact change from the bills entered. Another builder created her very own Las Vegas style 5 reel slot machine. Prize-based claw machines, soda fountains and even shoot-out games have all been been made by a variety of builders who recognize the interesting and complex machines around us everyday.
Exploratory Vehicles
Why should NASA be the only ones to explore uncharted planets? Challenge yourself by using a variety of motors and designs to create a robot that can go where you can't. Self guided off-road vehicles are some of the most common creations by Lego builders. Once your robot reaches its destination, why not have it collect samples or information when it returns. Builders often attach arms, cranes and hooks to their vehicles to grab items, while others use the sensors to collect sensitive information like spies.