Summary of OPEN SOURCE LEGO CONTROLLER
Tyler Collins, a mechanical engineer, developed the open-source Evlōno One, an advanced Lego controller based on the ESP32 MCU. Compatible with existing Lego sensors and actuators, it features WiFi, Bluetooth, IR transmission, USB-C power, three motor controllers, speakers, LEDs, and a button. The project aims to offer greater flexibility than Lego Mindstorms, with both hardware and firmware available on GitHub.
Parts used in the Evlōno One:
- ESP32 dual-core microcontroller
- WiFi module
- Bluetooth module
- IR transmitter
- USB-C power delivery interface
- Three motor controllers
- Speakers
- LEDs
- Button
A mechanical and manufacturing engineer by day, [Tyler Collins] taught himself electronics and firmware development in his spare time and created an open source Lego controller called Evlōno One. It is based on the STM32 and Arduino ecosystems, and compatible with a impressive variety of existing Lego controllers, sensors and actuators. [Tyler] encountered Lego Mindstorms while helping in an after-school program, and got to wondering whether he could make a more flexible controller. We’d have to say he succeeded, and it’s amazing how much he has packed into this 4 x 4 single-height brick format.
The Evlōno One is based on an ESP32 dual-core MCU, and has WiFi, Bluetooth, and an IR transmitter for wireless connectivity. It also boasts USB-C power delivery, three motor controllers, speakers, LEDs and a button. Dig through the Kickstarted page for more details on these interfaces and specifications. Both the firmware and the hardware will be published as open source on GitHub.
Although [Tyler] has the prototypes all running, he notes this is his first big production effort. FCC certification testing and production mold tooling are the two biggest items driving the scheduled Feb 2021 shipments. If computer driven Lego modeling is one of your hobbies, definitely check out [Tyler]’s project. And if you missed our [Daniel Pikora]’s FOSSCON 2018 presentation about the intersection (collision) of Legos and Open Source, our article must-read for you folks in the Adult Fan of Lego (AFOL) community.
Source: OPEN SOURCE LEGO CONTROLLER
- What is the Evlōno One?
An open source Lego controller created by Tyler Collins based on the ESP32 ecosystem. - Does the Evlōno One support wireless connectivity?
Yes, it includes WiFi, Bluetooth, and an IR transmitter for wireless communication. - Can the Evlōno One work with existing Lego parts?
It is compatible with a variety of existing Lego controllers, sensors, and actuators. - Where will the firmware and hardware be published?
Both will be published as open source on GitHub. - What are the two biggest items driving the scheduled Feb 2021 shipments?
FCC certification testing and production mold tooling are the primary drivers. - Is the Evlōno One larger than a standard Lego brick?
No, it fits into a 4 x 4 single-height brick format. - What led Tyler Collins to create this controller?
He encountered Lego Mindstorms while helping in an after-school program and wanted a more flexible option. - What power interface does the device use?
The device boasts USB-C power delivery.
