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New SPIKE App 3.2.0 Is Released by LEGO

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

LEGO Education released a new SPIKE App on December 1, 2022. This will be the third version of the software app since SPIKE Prime was released in January 2020. The first release was solely programming SPIKE Prime. With the addition of the SPIKE Essential, SPIKE 2 was released. SPIKE 3 will be used for both SPIKE Prime and SPIKE Essential. Officially this app is called the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App v. 3.2.0

This is an entirely new app for both the web software and the downloadable app. This app will upgrade both the firmware on your hub and the software. One of the nicest features this app will offer is a faster wireless hub connection on any device (Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, and Chromebook). The other bonuses include:

  • Simplified motor and movement blocks 
  • More precise model movement 
  • Greater capacity to support larger user programs 

Links:

SPIKE 3 App (official name: LEGO® Education SPIKE™ App v. 3.2.0)

SPIKE 2 App (name change: LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Legacy App v. 2.0.9)

If you using the web version of SPIKE App 3, use this link. Make sure you click on the blue box and select “Launch Web App.”

If you are using the web version of SPIKE App 2, use this link.

LEGO has provided this handy chart to help teachers decide when to make the transition to the new software.

I have heard from a teacher that there is a glitch with the new software when it comes to the color sensor not staying connected with the REFLECT function. If you are in the middle of competition season, you might want to hold off updating to SPIKE 3.

Things to Note About SPIKE 3

  • Python WILL NOT be available at launch time but is promised to come soon. When it is released, look for faster program execution and easier progression from Scratch to Python.
  • Upgrading is not compulsory. You get to decide when you would like to change apps.
  • Remember once you change from SPIKE 2 to SPIKE 3, your SPIKE 2 programs will not run on the newest software. So remember programs saved with SPIKE 2 will not be able to be opened with SPIKE 3. 
  • It is NOT recommended to switch back and forth between SPIKE 2 and 3. If you need to downgrade to SPIKE 2, you will need to contact LEGO Education Tech Support at success@lego.com.
  • If you were using the SPIKE Prime web app, you were not able to use bluetooth, just the USB cable. But SPIKE 3 has changed and you will have the bluetooth download capability. 
LEGO SPIKE 2 New Look
The New Look for SPIKE 2
  • The SPIKE App 2 will now be called LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Legacy App and will be available through June 2023. 
SPIKE 3.2.0 move for duration with steering at speed
Move for Duration with Steering at Speed
  • The More Movement block has been whittled down to three blocks of code instead of nine.
  • The More Movemement block no longer has “Move for Duration with Steering at Speed.” I used this block to program forward and backward movements, because you could control all three parameters on one block: direction, distance traveled (cm, in, time, degrees, or rotations), and power of the motors. If you used this like I did, you’ll need a new strategy to teach forward and reverse movement, probably using two blocks of code instead of just one handy-dandy block.

All in all, I think the app changes will benefit SPIKE Prime. My lingering question is: Which blocks will be the best for motor movement? When I find this out, I’ll update this blog post. Until then, go, bot, go!

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SPIKE-PRIME-VS-ROBOT-INVENTOR
Robotics

SPIKE Prime vs. Robot Inventor

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Dear TCEA Responds:

I am currently drafting a grant to upgrade my district’s LEGO competition robotics and am not sure which way competitions will go, considering the upcoming retirement of the EV3 platform.

I see the LEGO SPIKE Prime core set and the LEGO Inventor series are now available. The Inventor series looks like it would be more appropriate for my student body population (GT middle school), yet I see the LEGO SPIKE promoted on the TCEA site regarding competitions. I want to request funding for the LEGO product that will allow the broadest competition level (TCEA, FLL, and EcoBots, to name a few).

 Any guidance you can give is appreciated. Thank you!

Melba

Dear Melba:

Thanks for writing. What a great question to bring up for educational robotics. Look below for the information I have unearthed, plus a handy-dandy comparison chart between SPIKE Prime and Robot Inventor.

A Little Robot History

For the third generation of MINDSTORMS, LEGO built two sets around the EV3 Intelligent Brick. Both systems contained the exact same brick, but the sets were targeted to separate audiences. The #31313 retail set was developed for home users such as children and hobbyists. The #45544 was created for students and teachers in an educational setting. 

SPIKE Prime and MINDSTORMS Inventor

LEGO has now repeated this same strategy with the fourth evolution of the MINDSTORMS robotic system. LEGO sells the #51515 Robot Inventor as the retail version for home and hobby use. The #45678 SPIKE Prime core set is targeted for education. The programmable Hub is the exact same for both sets. The only differences between the two Hubs are the color and the pre-installed firmware. Look below for my comparison chart between these two systems: 

Helpful Websites

SPIKE Prime

Robot Inventor 

Additional Notes about the Robots

  • The fourth-generation Programmable Hub is half the weight of the EV3 Brick.
  • The sensor and motor cables have gone through a total redesign from the EV3 and NXT. The SPIKE Prime cables are softer and flatter than the EV3. And containing your cable around your builds is a nice upgrade. The cables are also non-detachable from the sensors and the motors. 
  • With the release of the new EV3 Classroom app, SPIKE Prime programming are both based on Scratch 3.0. The two systems have Python coding capability.
  • Check out this blog for more information on SPIKE Prime.
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Student working with a red tray from the EV3 robotics set.
RoboticsSTEM/STEAM

The EV3 Robot Retires

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

LEGO Education has announced the retirement plans for the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Education version robotics system. The third generation of LEGO robotics (#45544) will be officially retired on June 31, 2021.

The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Home/Retail Edition set (LEGO #31313) retirement was announced in the later part of 2020.

Time line with the 4 LEGO systems: RCX, NXT, EV3 and SPIKE Prime.
Timeline created in Google Slides by author.

The LEGO Bots History

I’ve been around the block for the four iterations of LEGO robotics. I’m not as old as the LEGO brick (I wasn’t even born when it came out in 1958), but I did teach with the very first LEGO MINDSTORMS system, the RCX back in the day. The first generation of LEGO MINDSTORMS was born in 1998. July 2006 brought the second generation on board with the NXT. The EV3 (the third evolution of LEGO robots) became available in September of 2013. And, believe it or not, SPIKE Prime has been roaming around mats since January of 2020. So if you do the math, LEGO releases a robotics system approximately every seven years. SPIKE Prime was right on target.

It’s Still a Good Robot

I taught for 24 years, so I remember dollars for robots are tight. I know it is disheartening that you have invested in a system and now something new has come along. Please remember that the EV3 is a very viable robot and you can still get a bunch of mileage out of your EV3 sets. The Classroom app based on Scratch 3.0 was just released for all platforms this year; so we have really new software that supports the EV3. If your EV3 equipment is fairly new, I would buy a couple more bricks or a couple more batteries. If your equipment is ready for a refresh, now is the time to invest in the SPIKE Prime.

Questions and Answers

Friendly little robot graphic.
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Will TCEA accept the EV3 in future robotics contests? Yes, most certainly.

How long will LEGO Education support updates to the current EV3 programming apps? June 2023

How long can one expect to receive technical support on EV3 robots? June 2023 (If LEGO support follows their past history, the company will support EV3 longer than just the two years as they did with the NXT.)

Can I purchase EV3 core sets now? Yes, sales will continue in the USA  until June 30, 2021,  depending on stock availability. My two cents: if you are going to buy more sets, I would not wait much longer to make your purchases. 

Can I purchase EV3 motors, sensors, and Technic Building Elements? LEGO will fulfill tech spare parts until 2023.

What’s next for LEGO robotics? According to LEGO Education, “SPIKE Prime is the future and foundation of the LEGO Education portfolio for secondary schools.”

Please note the answers I have provided were found on the LEGO® Education Community I belong to for US Master Educators. These answers were provided the first of February 2021, but might change as the days roll by.  If you are looking for a comparison between EV3 and SPIKE Prime, please check out this blog.

As always, go, bot, go!

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SPIKE Prime
Robotics

Unboxing SPIKE Prime

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

The fourth generation of LEGO Robotics was released in January 2020. My SPIKE Prime arrived shortly thereafter and, with the shelter in place, I finally have time to unbox the brand new TCEA set. Check out my first impression of the new robot on the block. 

The SPIKE Prime Programmable Brick

  • Programmable brick is named Smart Hub
  • 5×5 light matrix
  • 6 input/output ports
  • Integrated 6-axis gyro
  • Speaker
  • Bluetooth or USB connectivity
  • Rechargeable battery

The SPIKE Prime Software

  • Software is available for Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android tablets, and Chrome OS
  • Visual coding language based on Scratch
  • Lessons (Invention Squad, Kickstart a Business, Life Hacks, and Competition Ready)
  • Getting started tutorials
  • Building instructions
  • Help
A table comparing SPIKE Prime to EV3
Created by author.

LEGO SPIKE Prime numbered cellophane bags.
Numbered Cellophane Packages. Screenshot by author

The Ultimate BEST CHANGE EVER!

Unboxing a set is so easy – just POUR the numbered bags into correct compartments in the top two trays. No more sorting piece by piece! Anybody who has sorted a brand new kit will JUMP FOR JOY at this change.

The Other Best Changes

  • The sensor and motor cables are flat and you can build around them.
  • Includes an extra packet of 108 replaceable parts (Wishing for an extra ball and housing among this bag of parts, but there is one in the Expansion Set)
  • New names for the sensors: touch = force and ultrasonic = distance
  • The SPIKE Prime Expansion Set has an extra color sensor and large motor. 
  • I have high hopes for the newly designed wheel. 
  • The battery has a flush fit with the Smart Hub.
  • The Smart Hub has lots of attachment points.
  • The programming software has the same interface so it does not matter whether you are on an iPad, Chromebook, or a PC/Mac computer.

Features I Miss from the EV3

  • The cardboard insert for the bottom of the storage bin. (I made my own.)
  • No plastic storage for expansion set
  • The bazookas are gray, not the EV3 shade of red.
  • The connector pegs are the tan (less friction), not the blue.
  • Charging the battery with a power cord. SPIKE only comes with a USB cable.
  • To be contest ready, purchasing the Expansion Set is a must.
  • No backwards software compatibility with the EV3.
Base plate, frames, integrator bricks, wire clips, and biscuits.

Well-Designed New Parts

  • Larger frames (7×11 and 11×15)
  • 2×4 bricks with a cross axle hole
  • 11×19 base plates
  • Wire clips (keep your cables in check)
  • 3×3 biscuits (the biscuit allows for easy change of build direction)

In conclusion, I love the new parts and the color scheme of SPIKE Prime. Right in line with the previous three generations of LEGO robotics, the system just keeps getting better and better. LEGO is aiming the rollout for sixth to eighth-grade students. But in my opinion, SPIKE Prime can easily be introduced at the fourth-grade level. SPIKE Prime will be accepted for the 2020-2021 TCEA Robotics Contest.

If you are unboxing your SPIKE Prime now, please drop a comment and let me know your discoveries. Go Bot Go!

Featured Image photo by LEGO Education.

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