We experimented with building a box robot powered entirely by chains—a unique approach inspired by the original LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Robots. Chains like these can be hard to find, but we thought: why not try to power both the robot and its attachments with them? This design not only powers the entire robot but also provides a great demonstration of how and when chains can be effectively used in robotics.

To build this robot, you'll need approximately 180 chain links (part 3711a), which are available in the NXT kits and some Technic sets.

Please note that this robot requires additional components beyond those included in the LEGO Education SPIKE Prime and SPIKE Essential kits. Check out the additional parts required.

This is Kriket. Kriket is an example for a Box robot assembled form LEGO Education SPIKE Prime and could be used during competition like FIRST LEGO League to achieve a smooth, repeatable behaviour of the robot. In fact. this is why it was designed. The goal of Kriket is to be a "Box Robot" and to allow for attachments to be glided on top of it. Check the courses for Kriket to understand more about how it could be used.

The robot requires a few more parts than the standard LEGO Education SPIKE Prime + Extension sets, but it is worth purchasing and having them

Thinking about box robots with LEGO Education SPIKE Prime, Boxver is a good example. It is tiny, kind of small and has the brick in a vertical position. Two motors at the front. The goal of this robot is to achieve reliability and consistency of the behavior of the robot.

Mitko is an example for a small robot from LEGO Education SPIKE Prime. It has no sensors, but it has a big container, like a big mouth. So it can collect things, although it can not see them. Like a small animal that is blind, but hungry. Mitko could be used as a base for a robot that needs to collect. In was one of the versions of a robot that we used for a World Robot Olympiad competition.

Do you remember the Chain Monster Box Robot? This one is the same but without the chains. What is cool about this robot is you can use almost all Chain Monster attachments and build a lot more.

The Unchained Monster box robot requires additional parts on top of the LEGO Education SPIKE Prime and LEGO Education SPIKE Essentials. Check out the additional parts required.

Introducing Kufar! In Bulgarian, Kufar means "suitcase," and just like a suitcase, this robot is easy to "pack" with different attachments for each task.

Unlike traditional box robots, Kufar is an "out-of-box" design, enabling fast, easy attachment swaps. This flexibility allows teams to build a new chassis with customized attachments for each run, making transitions quick but requiring more parts and careful handling due to its gear transmission, which can sometimes cause gear slippage or play.

To improve precision, Kufar’s gear transmission is optimized for lower speeds. Kufar also includes a color sensor to detect specific colored bricks on attachments and a force sensor to start corresponding programs. With two motors for movement and one for attachments, Kufar is compact, efficient, and easy to handle, especially with its sturdy top handle.

We thoroughly enjoyed exploring this innovative concept and hope you find it equally fun and inspiring!