Using LEGO® bricks to conduct engineering experiments

Abstract

When developing a new laboratory experience for undergraduates, the primary logistical requirements tend to be low cost and high availability. One popular method of meeting these somewhat conflicting requirements is to create on-line laboratory experiments. This paper explores another method that utilizes the LEGO® programmable brick (RCX) as a portable data acquisition system. Students both design and conduct the experiments at home. Students also have the ability to conduct personal engineering experiments to investigate phenomena of personal interest. In this paper, we describe several experiments that we have conducted with the LEGO® programmable brick and Robolab (LabVIEW) that give students first hand experience with "typical" engineering concepts that would normally be covered in sophomore or junior-level laboratory courses. Examples on data acquisition, numerical methods, dynamics, statics, motor performance, fluid dynamics, feedback control, and strength of materials are presented.