Comments on: What happens when computers are cheaper than LEGO blocks?

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:21:48 +0000

Plllthtfhfhtht, I am both a microcontroller/robot enthusiast and Lego enthusiast, I can attest that neither addiction is cheap. :) In fact, its easy to point out that Lego’s (Mindstorm/Technic kits) are the gateway drug to Arduino/Netduino/Tinyduino/Parallela/FreeSoC and Raspberry Pi :)

By: ChadF

ChadF — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:05:25 +0000

Makes me think of an idea I had many years ago about a Lego (or “blocks” generic) version of a parallel computing toy. Basically each block would be an ultra cheap 4-bit (or so) computer with a simple network I/O (maybe I2C) for inter-block communications. So when you place them next to each other it connects them. Then the child (or adult) would program each unit in a way to make the whole exponentially more powerful and teach them how to think in parallel terms at a young (or old) age, but in hopefully a fun way. Of course there would have to be some non-processor block for UI (like button/switch and led blocks), or other support functions.. Maybe a RAM block to augment the limited built-in processor memory, or persistent storage (like a flash block).

Basically it’s taking where Lego Mindstorms left off and doing a far more scaled parallel programming/asynchronous centric version. And ideally the computing blocks would be so cheap that if one breaks, you’re out less than a dollar (if that). So what could you do with a 64 node array of 4-bit computers? How about 128 node? A little blocks map/reduce anyone?? I know there must be some geeky people out there salivating at just the thought. =)

“Patent Pending!” ;)

By: Matty

Matty — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:36:57 +0000

“Legos” is not a word. Lego is both the singular and the plural like ‘sheep’ or ‘fish’.

By: Gary

Gary — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:29:26 +0000

FYSA – The Quadcopter Raspberry Pi link points to the voice controlled robot video.

By: underweis

underweis — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:15:59 +0000

@renur: according to Prof. Clayton Christensen the small fish eat away only when the small fish serve new or underserved markets. What is the new or underserved market, which problem is solved for them at which cost and should that scare the big fish? Just testing the theory. Thanks!

By: claudia

claudia — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:35:08 +0000

The quadcopter link is wrong.

By: JONI

JONI — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:04:43 +0000

Im glad. Im workink just now in a Arduino environment project to change the World. So i hope. So i think !!!!!???

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:30:46 +0000

What isn’t cheaper than Lego blocks?! I don’t know how Lego can justify what they charge for moulded plastic pieces that cost pennies to produce.

By: renur

renur — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 01:16:34 +0000

The point being the bottom fishers eat the top like the workstation did to mini, the PC did to everybody and now ARM doing to everybody.

Yes, sensor networks CPUs could. But the issue is Moore’s law is not ahead of us. I think a new paradigm of computing will emerge (10x lower power) and that will be the one taking over time. What t hat is, is anybody’s guess…

By: Cefn Hoile

Cefn Hoile — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:28:02 +0000

The cost point can go much lower than that of the Arduino! There’s a volunteer project which documents how to hand-make a #Shrimp, a £1.40 circuit which directly substitutes for an Arduino Uno, documented at http://shrimping.it Following this approach can reduce the cost of replicating existing projects using the Arduino by another order of magnitude for hobbyists and classrooms.