Video tutorials -

• FIRST LEGO League

Last part of the series. The final touch of the program makes sure that it works and is following the line with the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Color Sensor in a smooth and fast way. 

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M8 Artificial Habitat of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a simple active pinless attachment mounted at the front of the robot, designed for precise engagement with the mission model.

The goal is to position all four crabs upright with their yellow bases touching the mat for maximum points, a task requiring careful alignment and controlled movements. While it is possible to complete the mission with fewer crabs upright, this run is programmed for the full score, using dedicated movement commands in a separate run for maximum accuracy. This approach combines a reliable mechanical design with precise navigation to meet the mission’s demanding scoring conditions.

This video tutorial demonstrates a 10 out of 10 on M13 Change Shipping Lanes, along with partial completion of M09 Unexpected Encounter and M12 Feed the Whale in the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge, using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot).

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M13 Change Shipping Lanes, and partially M09 Unexpected Encounter and M12 Feed the Whale of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot).

In this run, the robot flips the shipping lane model, collects the small Krill, and retrieves the Unknown Creature from the field by pushing on the mission model. These tasks are executed with precision to ensure that the robot not only scores the primary mission points but also safely returns the collected elements back to base. The sequence is optimized to minimize travel time between missions while maintaining accuracy and control over the robot’s attachments.

We use a pinless, three-in-one design attachment for completing multiple missions in one run. At the front, an angled rubber band mechanism handles M13 Change Shipping Lanes, allowing the robot to launch straight from base without extra positioning.

On one side, a passive curtain mechanism like a cage captures the single Krill for M12 Feed the Whale. On top, a secure basket catches the Unknown Creature from M09 Unexpected Encounter after a push with the robot’s back. The attachment is optimized for quick and reliable mission execution without additional motors.

This video discusses the fact the robot requires a few more parts that are available in the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robotics sets. We have a number of other constructions that require less parts, but for this particular robot construction we have decided to go beyond the standard sets, cheaply buy a few more parts and build a whole box robot with them. 

This 10 out of 10 video tutorial focuses on the flawless accomplishment of M05 Angler Fish, M09 Unexpected Encounter, M10 Send over the Submersible, and M11 Sonar Discovery of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot.

The run uses a combination of aligning, front, and back attachments to execute multiple tasks in one run, including a rotation transfer system using a single long axle for M11, early execution of M10 for a strategic edge, and sensor-based alignment for precision. Despite the reduced per-run accuracy due to the mission count, this method ensures that when the run works, it secures an exceptionally high score.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M05 Angler Fish, M09 Unexpected Encounter, M10 Send over the Submersible, and M11 Sonar Discovery of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses three attachments in sequence: an aligning attachment at the start to reduce initial inaccuracies, a front attachment for solving M05 and M10 while collecting krill, reef segments, and the water sample, and a back attachment for solving M11, delivering the unknown creature for M09, and collecting plankton and seabed samples.

The front attachment is particularly interesting in this configuration because it integrates two color sensors and one motor directly onto the attachment itself. These sensors are used to align the robot to the black line near M10, while the aligning attachment at the start ensures a precise launch position.

This version of the big run takes on significantly more missions in a single attempt than a standard sequence, which naturally comes at the cost of reduced accuracy. In the current FLL competition format—where only your best score from three attempts is counted—this trade-off can be highly strategic. A run that works perfectly even just once can yield a massive point boost, making this kind of high-reward, lower-consistency approach a potential game-changer for teams willing to take the risk.

In this episode we look at the way this robot is balanced. A well-balanced robot could handle heavier attachments without losing track of its position on the robotics competition field. 

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M10 Send Over the Submersible of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot. In this series of test runs, the goal is to achieve 10 out of 10 successful deliveries where the submersible reaches the opposing field, and the robot disengages without touching the mission model at the match’s end.

The run uses a simple pinless attachment with stopping beams for consistent positioning, combined with programming that integrates a parallel timer for perfect match-end execution. This setup gives the robot the highest possible success rate for both mission requirements across repeated trials.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M10 Send Over the Submersible of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a simple pinless attachment that engages with the front gearwheel of the robot to raise the yellow slider. Built-in stopping beams ensure the attachment always starts from the same position for consistent operation.

This minimalistic but reliable design allows the robot to perform the lift with stability and repeatability, making it well-suited for a time-sensitive mission. The attachment’s simplicity also enables quick setup between runs, keeping it competition-ready.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M11 Sonar Discovery and M12 Feed the Whale of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot. The goal is to achieve 10 out of 10 successful completions, with the robot reliably rotating the sonar and feeding the whale in every trial.

The run uses a combined two-part attachment where the front section opens the whale’s mouth and drops the krill while the rear section uses a chain and hook mechanism to rotate the sonar. The programming ensures precise timing, correct hook positioning, and a small forward adjustment to avoid snagging, enabling consistent results across all attempts.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M11 Sonar Discovery and M12 Feed the Whale of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a combined two-part attachment for maximum efficiency. The front section is designed to drop the krill into the Whale for M12, using a stationary beam to open the whale’s mouth and an angled beam to tip the krill container so they fall inside. Wheels are added as counterweights to prevent the container from opening during movement.

The rear section operates the sonar rotation for M11, using a chain-driven mechanism to transfer power from the robot to the mission model. A hooked beam is integrated at the end, allowing it to easily catch the yellow part of the sonar for rotation. This combined design allows the robot to complete both missions in one smooth, coordinated run without swapping attachments.

The third robot has the brick and motors placed vertically. This is quite unusual and difficult, but the construction is very powerful because it saves space.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M15 Research Vessel of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot. In this series of test runs, the goal is to achieve 10 out of 10 successful deliveries, with the robot pushing the loaded ship to its destination, releasing it cleanly, and moving to the other launch area without a single failed attempt.

The run uses a pinless attachment with a locking mechanism and friction pins to secure the cargo during movement and allow smooth release upon arrival. The precise programming and stable design ensure consistent performance across the trials.

In this video we look at the way this robot uses the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 motors. How are they attached and the what the rotation of the motor is transferred to the attachments.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M15 Research Vessel of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a pinless attachment designed to push the ship loaded with cargo to its destination. After the previous run, the hook part is removed and replaced with a locking component that holds the ship securely during transport.

The locking mechanism uses friction pins to keep the ship stable until it reaches its destination, where it can then be released smoothly. This approach ensures the cargo remains secure throughout the journey while allowing for safe delivery and quick unloading at the final position.

In Episode 58 we introduced you to a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Modular robot. In this tutorial, we show you how we reached that construction. We start from a construction found on the Internet and take you through the process of examining and improving it, till we reach a more stable and reliable robot.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M15 Research Vessel of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot. In this series of test runs, the aim is to complete 10 out of 10 flawless retrievals, with the robot successfully latching onto the vessel and pulling it back to base every single time.

This video tutorial focuses on taking the Research Vessel for M15 of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot).

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M15 Research Vessel of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a pinless latched attachment mounted under the robot for maximum stability. The attachment features a hook that catches the research vessel and pulls it back to the launch area, after which the hook can be removed and the remaining parts reused for the next run.

Important: Before starting this run, ensure the part that locks the boat for the next run is raised; otherwise, the robot cannot hook the vessel correctly. This simple but effective mechanism allows for a quick and reliable retrieval, setting up the next sequence of missions without additional adjustments.

Second active pinless attachment for the robot construction. It is placed in the top/right corner of the robot and includes an interesting gear system for transferring the power. The attachment is suitable for complete rotations.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M02 Shark, collecting the trident for M14 Sample Collection, and collecting a Krill for M12 Feed the Whale of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). In this series of test runs, our goal is to achieve 10 out of 10 successful attempts, meaning the robot completes all three missions flawlessly in every trial.

The robot uses a pinless attachment with locking beams for stability, enabling it to push the shark into its habitat, trigger a drop wall to catch the Krill, and lower a motorized arm with rubber parts to grab the Trident. This efficient approach ensures consistent results across the attempts while maintaining stability and precision throughout the runs. You can watch the full explaining tutorial here.

This is a third example for adding an active attachment. This third attachment is now connected to the wheel at the front of the robot. Again, the attachment could be easily extended. 

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M02 Shark, collecting the trident for M14 Sample Collection, and collecting a Krill for M12 Feed the Whale of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a pinless attachment with two locking beams for stability, featuring two main “chambers” and a motor-powered arm with rubber parts for handling multiple mission elements.

The left chamber is used to push the shark from M02 into its habitat, while the opposite side has a passive beam-trigger mechanism to drop a wall and catch the Krill in front of the shipwreck. The motorized arm slowly lowers to grab the Trident from the bottom using rubber parts, a solution that is not 100% reliable due to the challenge of the element but is the best tested option. The side locking beams are essential for keeping the attachment secured during these precise maneuvers, preventing it from detaching during the run.

We start a course for following a line with crosses and gaps. This is a challenge that one of the users at FLLCasts.com was trying to accomplish and asked us for advice. We present the whole challenge to you step-by-step. But first, let's also see the whole run of the line following algorithm. With this course, we also do an introduction of using State Machine as a programming pattern.

This is a 10 out of 10 video tutorial that focuses on accomplishing M01 Coral Nursery, M02 Shark, M03 Coral Reef, and M04 Scuba Diver of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot).

The robot pushes the shark, flips the coral buds and coral reef, and collects and delivers the Scuba Diver with precision. This efficient multi-mission run is designed for speed and reliability, ensuring maximum points with minimal wasted movement. You can watch the full explaining tutorial here.

In Episode 58 we introduced you to an LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Modular robot. Mic Lowne wrote to us and had that robot remade, because it used too many blue lego pins and could not be build using one EV3 kit.

This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M01 Coral Nursery, M02 Shark, M03 Coral Reef, and M04 Scuba Diver of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a two-part pinless attachment designed to complete multiple missions in a single sequence. The small angled surface mounted under the robot flips the coral buds from M01 and pushes the shark from M02, while the front arm catches and delivers the Scuba Diver from the coral nursery to the coral reef support.

The back section of the attachment flips the coral reef from M03 using a friction-pin mechanism that stays straight during travel but drops the horizontal arm at the mission model to push the yellow plate and raise the coral reef. Extra axles on the front arm prevent the Scuba Diver from falling during delivery, ensuring reliable scoring. This coordinated multi-mission approach maximizes efficiency by combining pushing, collecting, and delivering into one smooth run.