Video tutorials

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.

The after season review continues. No. We are not publishing a single solution for the next season before it is over, but let's learn from the previous season. The current tutorial is about three missions at once on a single run with the robot. Most FIRST LEGO League teams try to accomplish one-two missions on a single run out of the base, and three is really what makes the difference

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.

DIfferent wheels and tires will result in different behaviour of the robot. That is actually pretty common sense. The real question is what is the influence. Would the robot make smaller deviations if it has smaller wheels or it will make larger deviations? The tires could also be quite dirty or brand new. Or the wheels could be attached in different ways. 

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.

Should the robot be with a Front Wheel Drive or a Rear Wheel Drive to make it more precise? The answer is - front wheel will probably give you better results, but the wheel drive is not the most important thing. In this video tutorial on the LEGO Mindstorms Robots, we will do a few experiments to discuss the influence of the wheel drive on the precision of the movement.  

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.

The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 set comes with two LARGE motors. But even though these motors look almost the same they are not quite the same. There are always some differences in their behaviour. If you have more than two motors, because you bought them or you won them somewhere at a competition, it is worth doing an experiment to find which pair of motors works best. 

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.

You could use the LEGO Steel Balls as a third wheel on the robot. It is a caster wheel. But this is steel and as we know from basic existence on this planet, where there is steel there is also rust. The steel ball could get quite rusty and this could have an influence on the behaviour of the robot

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.

The balance of the construction of the robot has a great influence on how it will move. This is especially true if you would like to move in a straight line. If the robot is slightly heavier on the right it will move to the right. Here we have two robots - a Five Minute robot and a Box Robot and we will discuss the differences in the constructions and why the box robot is much better than the Five Minute even though it is using the same parts. 

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 robot can move with different speed by applying different power to the motors. It will most of the time make smaller deviations when it moves slower. But you can't just move with a power of 10 all the time. This is a way too slow especially for competitions like FIRST LEGO League or World Robot Olympiad. In this video tutorial I would like to discuss the balance between motor power and robot movement error, how does the battery influence the power of the robot and to conduct an EV3-G experiment that will record the values of the Gyro Sensor along with the current power. 

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.

This video tutorial contains a detailed description on how we accomplish the FIRST LEGO League 2018-2019 Into Orbit mission called Emergency Walk, which I think is one of the most interesting missions ever in FIRST LEGO League competitions. Join me in for a short explanation. 

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 the third run Nightbeast team solves Mission 04 - Crater Crossing and partly Mission 03 -  3D printing and Mission 014 Meteoroid Deflection:

1. Eject the 2x4 Brick by placing a Regolith Core Sample into the 3D Printer.
2. Crater Crossing
3. Tries to score a meteoroid( tries to shoot a ball)

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 is the first run of Team "Nightbeast", with which they solve M01 and M02 from FIRST LEGO League 2019 Into Orbit:

1. Starts with the Vehicle Payload
2. Places the Supply and Crew Payloads and rolls them to east.
3. Pushes the Solar Panel Array to the opposite side

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.

This is the fifth and the last run of the Nightbeast team. Robot goes out of the base, do missions:

1. M11 - Escape Velocity
2. M13 - Observatory 

and stays on the field. It's a common practice for the competitors to left the robot on the field after the last run. This allows them to do some important points at the end of the match. 

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.

In the second run Nightbeast team solves different tasks from two missions - M05 Extraction and M06 Space Station Modules:

1. Insert the Tube Module into the Habitation Hub port, west side 
2. Move all four Core Samples so they are no longer touching the axle that held them in the Core Site Model
3. Place the Gas Core Sample completely in Base

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.

There are a few main challenges with box robots and in the following tutorial we would like to resolve them. Read on and let's see how we could do this.