# LEGO Compatible Crickit Rover ## Overview https://youtu.be/NvkouG-F75k ## Prototyping Robotics Build a [CRICKIT](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit) powered rover robot using LEGO pieces and 3D printed mounts! Learn how to use the [Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express) and the LEGO brick system to build a two wheeled robot. Use [Microsoft MakeCode](https://makecode.adafruit.com) to program movements with interactive lights and sounds. LEGO is the breadboard equivalent to mechanical design. It's modularity makes it perfect for prototyping robotics. With just two motors, an [Adafruit CRICKIT](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit) and [Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express) board, you can quickly make a moving robot. It's expandable and completely customizable with 3D printing! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/977/medium800/3d_printing_lego-rover-1.jpg?1532435939) ## Building LEGO robotics without LEGO Mindstorms NXT Standard "off-the-shelf" components such as motors and servos are fairly inexpensive and widely available. The [LEGO Mindstorms](https://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms) components and accessories are pretty expensive and commonly included in a larger kit that will set you back about $350 USD. With 3D printing and low cost DIY electronics, you can make custom mounts and parts to adapt those off-the-shelf components into LEGO compatible modules. ![3d_printing_motor-mount-assembled.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/058/041/medium640/3d_printing_motor-mount-assembled.jpg?1532490924) ## What's a CRICKIT? With the [Adafruit CRICKIT](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit) robotics platform, you can control and program a bunch of cool stuff from motors to servos and even RGB LEDs and sound effects. No soldering required, you just plug stuff in and use the screw block terminals to keep everything together. This makes prototyping projects super easy and more importantly, fast and fun! Program CRICKIT over a USB cable using [Microsoft MakeCode](https://makecode.adafruit.com/), a drag and drop coding language that runs in the Google Chrome web browser. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/983/medium800/3d_printing_lego-rover-2.jpg?1532441133) ## Base Plate Design for CRICKIT The base plate serves as the rovers chaises and provides structural support. It features compatible elements like the stubs and tubes you'd find on a typical LEGO brick. It's octagonal shape follows the outline of Crickit PCB and matches up nicely. Using the LEGO system allows for easy to assemble prototyping and a plethora of parts, components and pieces available from LEGO.   ## Programming Robots The movements of the rover are programmed using [Microsoft MakeCode](https://makecode.adafruit.com/), a drag-and-drop block based coding language. The CRICKIT extension in MakeCode allows quick and easy programming of motors, servos, lights and sounds. You can create sequential animations or more interactive movements using the on-board sensors. Use the example demo code to get started and modify it to make it your own! ![3d_printing_adabot-closeup.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/058/037/medium640/3d_printing_adabot-closeup.jpg?1532479159) ## 3D Printed Parts Mounts and connecting parts are 3D printed in PLA filament on FDM type 3D printers. These parts are optimized to print without any support materials. They feature tight tolerances that allow parts to snap fit together. Mounting holes are also used to secure subassemblies together. ![3d_printing_3d-parts-cropped.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/058/042/medium640/3d_printing_3d-parts-cropped.jpg?1532491154) ## Electronics Here's a list of components used to build this project. The Adafruit Crickit requires an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, these are sold separately. The CRICKIT includes with M3 hardware screws and standoffs for bolting onto the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/863/medium800/3d_printing_electronics-cropped.jpg?1532201797) ### Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express [Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093) Sometimes we wonder if robotics engineers ever watch movies. If they did, they'd know that making robots into servants always ends up in a robot rebellion. Why even go down that path? Here at Adafruit, we believe in making robots our  **friends!** So if you find... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3093/guides) ![Top down view of a Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express with a circular board connected. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3093-07.jpg) ### Circuit Playground Express [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides) ![A Black woman's manicured hand holds a round microcontroller with lit up LEDs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3333-05.jpg) ### DC Gearbox Motor - "TT Motor" - 200RPM - 3 to 6VDC [DC Gearbox Motor - "TT Motor" - 200RPM - 3 to 6VDC](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3777) Perhaps you've been assembling a new robot friend, adding a computer for a brain and other fun personality touches. Now the time has come to let it leave the nest and fly on its own wings– err, _wheels!_  These durable (but affordable!) plastic gearbox motors... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3777) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3777/guides) ![DC Gearbox Motor - TT Motor with two long wires and yellow body](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3777-00.jpg) ### Micro Servo - MG90D High Torque Metal Gear [Micro Servo - MG90D High Torque Metal Gear](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1143) Add more power to your robot with this metal-geared MG90D servo. The tiny little servo can rotate approximately 90 degrees (45 in each direction) and works just like the standard kinds you're used to but _smaller_. You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1143) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1143/guides) ![High Torque Metal Gear Micro Servo with three pin cable](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1143-08.jpg) ## Hardware  You'll need some extra hardware like machine screws, nuts and hex standoffs to assemble this project. They're linked below, but feel free to source them from your favorite supplier. ![3d_printing_screws-cropped.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/058/036/medium640/3d_printing_screws-cropped.jpg?1532479091) ### Part: M3 x 12mm standoffs quantity: 6 Brass Hex Metric Standoffs [M3 x 12mm standoffs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3816) ### Part: m3 x 6mm machine screws quantity: 12 M3 Phillips Button Head Metric Machine Screws [m3 x 6mm machine screws](https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Phillips-Pan-Head-Machine-Screw-M3-x-5-p/1066-1008.htm) ### Part: M3 x 30mm Standoffs quantity: 4 M3 Brass Hex Metric Standoffs [M3 x 30mm Standoffs](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015A3LROO) ### Part: M3 Standoffs Assortment Kit quantity: 1 M3 Brass Hex Metric Standoffs [M3 Standoffs Assortment Kit](http://a.co/4R7WbPj) ### Part: M3 x 0.5 x 1.55mm Hex Nuts quantity: 4 Metric Sized Hex Jam Nuts [M3 x 0.5 x 1.55mm Hex Nuts ](https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Metric-Hex-Jam-Nuts-A2-Stainless-Steel-p/5580000.htm) ### Part: M3 x 8mm machine screws quantity: 4 M3 Phillips Pan Head Metric Machine Screws [M3 x 8mm machine screws](https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Phillips-Pan-Head-Machine-Screw-M3-x-5-p/1066-1008.htm) ### Part: m3 x 12mm machine screws quantity: 4 M3 Phillips Flat Head Metric Machine Screws [m3 x 12mm machine screws](https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/3-MM-x-5-Phillips-Flat-Head-Machine-Screw-p/1011-1006.htm) ## Power We'll need just a 4xAA battery packs to power our CRICKIT rover.  **We recommend NiMH rechargeables.**  For one, they have less waste, but they also perform better than alkalines in high-current draw robotics. So if you can, please use NiMH! ### Part: 4 x AA Battery Holder quantity: 1 Battery Pack with 2.1mm Plug [4 x AA Battery Holder](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3784) ### Part: AA Rechargeable Batteries quantity: 1 1.3V AA NiMH batteries [AA Rechargeable Batteries](http://a.co/gSp3lEj) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/985/medium800/3d_printing_lego-rover-3.jpg?1532441206) ## Prerequisite Guides There's resources in these guides that go beyond what's covered in this tutorial. MakeCode guide is all about setting up your Circuit Playground Express board. TheCircuit Playground Express introduction guide walks you through all of the pinouts, sensors and everything you need to know. - [MakeCode for Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/makecode) - [Introducing Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express) - [Introducing CRICKIT](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit) - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/lego-compatible-crickit-rover/3d-printing.md) ## Featured Products ### Circuit Playground Express [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides) ### Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express [Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093) Sometimes we wonder if robotics engineers ever watch movies. If they did, they'd know that making robots into servants always ends up in a robot rebellion. Why even go down that path? Here at Adafruit, we believe in making robots our  **friends!** So if you find... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3093/guides) ### DC Gearbox Motor - "TT Motor" - 200RPM - 3 to 6VDC [DC Gearbox Motor - "TT Motor" - 200RPM - 3 to 6VDC](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3777) Perhaps you've been assembling a new robot friend, adding a computer for a brain and other fun personality touches. Now the time has come to let it leave the nest and fly on its own wings– err, _wheels!_  These durable (but affordable!) plastic gearbox motors... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3777) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3777/guides) ### Micro Servo - MG90D High Torque Metal Gear [Micro Servo - MG90D High Torque Metal Gear](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1143) Add more power to your robot with this metal-geared MG90D servo. The tiny little servo can rotate approximately 90 degrees (45 in each direction) and works just like the standard kinds you're used to but _smaller_. You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1143) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1143/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md) - [LED Reactive Light-Up Hockey Puck in MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-hockey-puck.md) - [Animatronic Hand](https://learn.adafruit.com/animatronic-hands.md) - [Tightrope Unicycle Bot](https://learn.adafruit.com/tightrope-unicycle-bot.md) - [Make It Glow - Your First NeoPixel Project](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-glow-your-first-neopixel-project.md) - [Light Up Paper Dragon Wall Sconce](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-paper-dragon-wall-sconce.md) - [CRICKIT WobblyBot](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-wobblybot.md) - [Remote Control Tree Ornament with Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/remote-control-tree-ornament-with-circuit-playground-express.md) - [CircuitPython Sin Complicaciones para la Circuit Playground Express y la Bluefruit](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-sin-complicaciones-para-la-circuit-playground-express.md) - [Creating and sharing a CircuitPython library](https://learn.adafruit.com/creating-and-sharing-a-circuitpython-library.md) - [CPX Mystery Dreidel](https://learn.adafruit.com/cpx-mystery-dreidel.md) - [NeoPixie Dust Bag with Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixie-dust-bag-cpx.md) - [Stumble-Bot](https://learn.adafruit.com/stumble-bot-with-circuit-playground-and-crickit.md) - [Make It Glow: How to Solder NeoPixels, A Beginner's Guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-glow-how-to-solder-neopixels-a-beginners-guide.md) - [Crickit Powered Dancin' Snowman!](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-powered-dancin-snowman.md) - [Crickit Carnival Bumper Bot](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-carnival-bumper-car-bot.md)