New Education products announced
Posted by Huw,
LEGO made an announcement yesterday that is arguably just as significant as the other one that caused much excitement, because of what it spells an end to.
Last year, LEGO released a new set of educational products called LEGO Education Science that included new hubs, motors and other accessories. Now, a trio of similar products that utilise the same technology has been announced: LEGO Education Computer Science and AI which aim to "enable schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education."
While that aim is certainly laudable, the price of the kits, which ranges from $330 to $500, will put them out of reach of many educational establishments, I suspect.
Unfortunately, their introduction will sound the death knell for the SPIKE range of products that was introduced in 2020. They will be discontinued at the end of June, although the software will be supported until 2031.
The new hubs and related peripherals certainly look clever but do not appear to be as versatile or capable for robotics and mechanised MOCs such as GBCs, given the lack of ports and motor/sensor options.
SPIKE will therefore be joining 9v trains, Mindstorms, Spybotics, Power Functions, Boost, Control+(*), Powered Up(*) etc. on the ever-increasing pile of short-lived and now obsolete LEGO technology products that do not offer an upgrade path.
This appears to be the end of LEGO robotics as we know it, and the company is losing its place in that corner of the education market, where others like Vex appear to be thriving. Perhaps a shift towards AI is timely, given its prevalence in our daily lives nowadays and, of course, the demand for AI skills will only increase in the future, but it's sad that a 26-year-old product line has had to be replaced to accommodate it.
(*) Not yet officially discontinued, but it's looking like they will be soon given the recent dearth of sets that include them.
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50 comments on this article
End of an era. Thankfully there are other companies who can pick up the slack.
yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs
@Spacefarer said:
"yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs"
I don't think it's that sort of AI, more the traditional sense that is useful.
I do not like AI, and I don't like LEGO promoting it. In a hundred years (or more likely, far less than that) we will mark time into before and after the invention of AI, like the first atom bomb test, printing press, firearms, and the first written word before it. Time will tell what category it will eventually fall into: good, or bad. I vote for the latter.
I'm not happy with the direction LEGO is going - not at all! Couple this with the smart bricks coming down the pipeline, and it paints a grim picture...
I’m not sure Spybotics is one to lose any sleep over.
lego always bragging about how sustainable they are while throwing money onto the trashfire of the AI bubble
this bubble cannot pop soon enough
Well, I’m sure these comments will be reasonable and rational like every other comment thread here lately.
Ugh, and I actually loved using SPIKE hubs. At least the software has five years of support to go.
@JulieHD said:
"lego always bragging about how sustainable they are while throwing money onto the trashfire of the AI bubble
this bubble cannot pop soon enough"
agreed!
"SPIKE will therefore be joining 9v trains, Mindstorms, Spybotics, Power Functions, Boost, Control+(*), Powered Up(*) etc. on the ever-increasing pile of short-lived and now obsolete LEGO technology products that do not offer an upgrade path."
Shouldn't that be 'official upgrade path'. Although Power Functions continue to work well without any support.
Of course they loosing. I can get WHOLE Lego-compatibile electronic system with two motors and two screens FOR 40$!
Oh.
I wouldn’t get too up in arms over the term “AI” yet. While it’s technically AI, it’s likely not in the same sense as the AI that we all hate that creates garbage on the internet.
Once we could afford a class set of 15 (one between two) Dacta 1031 Gears and Linkages box, with its 20 little instruction booklets- and once we scraped together enough money for a Mindstorms set or two for a lunchtime club. They were well worth it.
Nowadays, just one of these sets would put a huge hole in our budget- we'd have to look for special funding.
AI in schools? really? it's hard enough for most kids to code microcontrollers (and expensive enough).
Sad to see some of these comments. Coming from a CompSci background, not all AI is Generative AI used to create artwork. AI is used for many other practical applications -- medicine, finance, self-driving cars, gaming, etc. And, of course, especially robotics.
Also, am I looking at monorail pieces in that image? If not, they sure look like they could be used for a monorail.
@Spacefarer said:
"yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs"
Yet more comments about AI, without anyone doing any research.
Lego Education products are very good, and helps educate people into how to integrate technology into the real world. This will be a practical use of AI, probably going down a similar route to self-drive cars.
AI is being used to create new medications, is that AI garbage?
It's funny to see the push against "AI" here since this is actual machine learning and AI education, not glorified algorithms and chatbots that have co-opted the term for a scam. The PR really got people good.
Sucks to see Mindstorms and Spike fall, and to see Lego robotics come to an end. I hope they have something else cooking to go with this for creative young minds.
This probably isn't teaching kids how to use generative AI which doesn't need to be taught how to used. AI has been used for ages now and is very useful in programming. But yeah, the price is high and I'm not too sure this will actually be sold very well.
@Spacefarer said:
"yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs"
Ai does more than generate videos
I know we all like to complain here and all that but.. take a good look at that curved white piece.
How does this not open the door for a monorail-esque set in the future??
Consider my interest piqued.
"SPIKE will therefore be joining 9v trains, Mindstorms, Spybotics, Power Functions, Boost, Control+(*), Powered Up(*), the Hidden Side App-ocalypse, LEGO Minifigures Online, Vidiyo's "Temu TikTok" program, LEGO Builders Academy, the Nexo Knights Full Contact Shield-Scanning Nextravaganza, SMART!! BRIIIICKS!!!!, LEGO Mosaic, Fibre Optics, etc. on the ever-increasing pile of short-lived and now obsolete LEGO technology products that do not offer an upgrade path.
But not Galidor. Galidor has a pile all to itself."
MONORAIL 2.0!
Really, it looks like updated parts for making single track trains :)
The first thing that went through my mind when I saw these products was "What do they mean by 'AI'". It's a term that has really lost meaning in the past few years. The main thing I was able to find here is that it's LOCAL. This is not 'ChatGPT' or some hooked up to some resource-wasting data center, or generative AI based on stolen data. It does however sound to be a model that is capable of learning, if I'm interpreting their wording correctly. Ultimately, I wish they were more clear about what sort of software we are talking about here.
@Spacefarer said:
"yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs"
HUWBOT: I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over. This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it. I'm afraid I can't do that. [Opens Airlock]
@Bacchus said:
"I know we all like to complain here and all that but.. take a good look at that curved white piece.
How does this not open the door for a monorail-esque set in the future??
Consider my interest piqued."
There's also a straight rail beneath it. That being said, Lego education sets have had multiple exclusive unique elements that remain locked to these kits (looking at you 109373 ), so it remains to be seen if it'll be available outside of them.
Even opening up the Smart brick by making some software tools to program it would be fantastic.
@Nuclearxpotato said:
" @Bacchus said:
"I know we all like to complain here and all that but.. take a good look at that curved white piece.
How does this not open the door for a monorail-esque set in the future??
Consider my interest piqued."
There's also a straight rail beneath it. That being said, Lego education sets have had multiple exclusive unique elements that remain locked to these kits (looking at you 109373 ), so it remains to be seen if it'll be available outside of them."
Indeed, a valid point to consider.
However, considering this is a fairly large and static piece ( Close-up image -> https://www.stonewars.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LEGO-Zahnschienen-2026-1024x716.jpg ) without any added functionality and, I'm just guessing here, perhaps only 4-6 pieces for every mould injection it would make sense to use these in a wider array of products to recoup the cost of the investment of that specific mould more quickly. These education sets aren't top sellers, that's for sure.
I'm keeping my hopes up for the time being!
@Crux said:
""SPIKE will therefore be joining 9v trains, Mindstorms, Spybotics, Power Functions, Boost, Control+(*), Powered Up(*), the Hidden Side App-ocalypse, LEGO Minifigures Online, Vidiyo's "Temu TikTok" program, LEGO Builders Academy, the Nexo Knights Full Contact Shield-Scanning Nextravaganza, SMART!! BRIIIICKS!!!!, LEGO Mosaic, Fibre Optics, etc. on the ever-increasing pile of short-lived and now obsolete LEGO technology products that do not offer an upgrade path.
But not Galidor. Galidor has a pile all to itself.""
You forgot LEGO Universe, Life of George, Fusion, and Dimensions from your list!
Quite the knee-jerk reaction. This is still Lego robotics. What exactly are the problems with the motors and colour sensor that this (as can be seen in the image) and Education Science use? https://education.lego.com/en-gb/lego-education-science/?tab=accessories
This is just more Education Science with "AI" slapped on as a buzzword - all the hardware looks the same as the linked accesories.
Hardly seems like the end of an era to me. If anything Spike Prime marked the shift by killing Mindstorms and making Lego robotics education only rather than the general consumer.
They're not using the new SMART Brick for this?!!! That seems like a huge miss. If they gave schools the power to pull data off of the SMART brick the possibilities would be endless.
Just checked the Canadian site and most Spike products are out of stock/sold out. Is it the same everywhere?
This comment section so far: Moaning about AI, stating that the AI under discussion isn't what the moaners are thinking about, and "Holy crap, is that a monorail piece?"
@Nuclearxpotato said:
" @Bacchus said:
"I know we all like to complain here and all that but.. take a good look at that curved white piece.
How does this not open the door for a monorail-esque set in the future??
Consider my interest piqued."
There's also a straight rail beneath it. That being said, Lego education sets have had multiple exclusive unique elements that remain locked to these kits (looking at you 109373 ), so it remains to be seen if it'll be available outside of them."
What set did you mean to link to? Because that's not a set number Brickset recognizes.
so many applications of “AI” that people would not bat an eye at if they were called “software”
I agree that there are many problematic aspects of generative AI, but it’s ignorant to reject it wholesale
@Djhorn said:
"I agree that there are many problematic aspects of generative AI, but it’s ignorant to reject it wholesale."
I choose to reject it retail.
@TheOtherMike said:
"This comment section so far: Moaning about AI, stating that the AI under discussion isn't what the moaners are thinking about, and "Holy crap, is that a monorail piece?"
@Nuclearxpotato said:
" @Bacchus said:
"I know we all like to complain here and all that but.. take a good look at that curved white piece.
How does this not open the door for a monorail-esque set in the future??
Consider my interest piqued."
There's also a straight rail beneath it. That being said, Lego education sets have had multiple exclusive unique elements that remain locked to these kits (looking at you 109373 ), so it remains to be seen if it'll be available outside of them."
What set did you mean to link to? Because that's not a set number Brickset recognizes."
They probably meant this part: https://brickarchitect.com/parts/109373
I feel what LEGO is sorely lacking in the electronics department is a proper "system" of electronics. They've nailed their bricks, now they need the same "system" for their tech.
One system, one plug, across City, Technic, Education, etc. Maybe even a lighting system for a city directed at AFOLs.
Different lines can have motors and hubs with different enclosures with Technic or System connectors, but fundamentally they need to all be cross compatible with each other.
Most importantly, the fundamental connectors and communication protocol must last decades - they can release new motors/sensors over the years, but backwards compatibility is a top priority - just like USB-C being around since 2014.
The problem they've essentially have had the past 10 years is a releasing many separate, independent categories of electronics that don't work with each other, get dropped after 5-7 years or so, and isn't backwards compatible with the newer generation, which renders them useless once app support is gone.
The wireless bluetooth motors and controller with USB recharging are what has been needed for a long time, although as noted this makes them expensive.
@tomalphin said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
"This comment section so far: Moaning about AI, stating that the AI under discussion isn't what the moaners are thinking about, and "Holy crap, is that a monorail piece?"
@Nuclearxpotato said:
" @Bacchus said:
"I know we all like to complain here and all that but.. take a good look at that curved white piece.
How does this not open the door for a monorail-esque set in the future??
Consider my interest piqued."
There's also a straight rail beneath it. That being said, Lego education sets have had multiple exclusive unique elements that remain locked to these kits (looking at you 109373 ), so it remains to be seen if it'll be available outside of them."
What set did you mean to link to? Because that's not a set number Brickset recognizes."
They probably meant this part: https://brickarchitect.com/parts/109373
"
Ah, that makes sense. Folks, the hashtag only works for set numbers! If you want to link to a part, you have to copy-paste the whole URL for the parts page, like so: https://brickset.com/parts/design-109373
Exactly what Lego needed: AI Slop
LOL'ing at all the uncs who seem to think all AI is generative AI ('AI slop'). Believe me, I truly despise generative AI for a wide variety of reasons, but I also realise AI (machine learning) can be and is used in a useful manner.
Ultimately, all toys are a reflection of their respective times and cultural sensibilities, including the use of current technologies to enhances those toys, and you're not going to stop that by complaining, as some folks on this site tend to do (a lot). All things must change.
Isn't Lego supposed to be about imagination? I feel AI (alongside "smart" bricks) ruins that.
@FallingBricks said:
"Isn't Lego supposed to be about imagination? I feel AI (alongside "smart" bricks) ruins that."
Sorry, got to correct you there.
These days LEGO isn't about imagination anymore.
It's about "build once, then display and never dare to take apart again".
@TheCharlesC said:
"I feel what LEGO is sorely lacking in the electronics department is a proper "system" of electronics. They've nailed their bricks, now they need the same "system" for their tech.
One system, one plug, across City, Technic, Education, etc. Maybe even a lighting system for a city directed at AFOLs.
Different lines can have motors and hubs with different enclosures with Technic or System connectors, but fundamentally they need to all be cross compatible with each other.
Most importantly, the fundamental connectors and communication protocol must last decades - they can release new motors/sensors over the years, but backwards compatibility is a top priority - just like USB-C being around since 2014.
The problem they've essentially have had the past 10 years is a releasing many separate, independent categories of electronics that don't work with each other, get dropped after 5-7 years or so, and isn't backwards compatible with the newer generation, which renders them useless once app support is gone. "
Hahaha.
You think in terms of what would be good for the consumer.
LEGO think in terms of what is good for their bank account.
If they did what you suggest, they couldn't sell you all the latest, greatest, most awesomest new tech (like the "Smart" bricks) every couple of years.
Your suggestions would result in boring, useful, compatible tech being around forever.
What could be the latest greatest hype then?
*endsarcasm*
@TheCharlesC said:
"I feel what LEGO is sorely lacking in the electronics department is a proper "system" of electronics. They've nailed their bricks, now they need the same "system" for their tech.
One system, one plug, across City, Technic, Education, etc. Maybe even a lighting system for a city directed at AFOLs.
Different lines can have motors and hubs with different enclosures with Technic or System connectors, but fundamentally they need to all be cross compatible with each other.
Most importantly, the fundamental connectors and communication protocol must last decades - they can release new motors/sensors over the years, but backwards compatibility is a top priority - just like USB-C being around since 2014.
The problem they've essentially have had the past 10 years is a releasing many separate, independent categories of electronics that don't work with each other, get dropped after 5-7 years or so, and isn't backwards compatible with the newer generation, which renders them useless once app support is gone. "
Exactly this. And it needs to be cheap enough so a small set can be motorised without adding £50 to the price. Power Functions motors were a fiver and the battery box about the same but its replacement quadrupled those prices.
Bring back Monorail, and we’ll call it a draw!
@Huw said:
"Exactly this. And it needs to be cheap enough so a small set can be motorised without adding £50 to the price. Power Functions motors were a fiver and the battery box about the same but its replacement quadrupled those prices."
We are used to paying a premium price for LEGO bricks because of their genuine quality and our emotional attachment to the brand.
When it comes to Electronics, I feel like customers are less beholden to LEGO branded parts because LEGO has not treated us well and they keep changing things. They love to say how a 2026 brick still works with a 1960 brick, but they can't even say that a 2025 motor works with a 2015 battery.
That's why those $10-20 aftermarket motors (or a used EV3/NXT) starts to feel like a good value.
@Loerwyn said:
" @Spacefarer said:
"yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs"
I don't think it's that sort of AI, more the traditional sense that is useful."
There is nothing educational about AI for hu-mans. You'll make great pets!
Anyone know what those large pieces are in the box? The long curve, and some long straight blocks that may be gear-racked?
I also agree it's atrocious that you can't simply connect a battery to a motor or a light and switch it on. First you had to have an app in the way, now an A.I. keeping you from the most fundamental of eletronic operations. Why can LEGO not apply the reliable, timeless, modular, expandable approach that is the fundamental principle of their product, to its electronic components? How utterly, uncompromisingly, doggedly idotic do they have to be to not get this?
@StyleCounselor said:
" @Loerwyn said:
" @Spacefarer said:
"yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs"
I don't think it's that sort of AI, more the traditional sense that is useful."
There is nothing educational about AI for hu-mans. You'll make great pets!"
Oh, you dropped this book. "To Serve Man..." what's that about?
@TheOtherMike said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @Loerwyn said:
" @Spacefarer said:
"yay more AI garbage, just what the world needs"
I don't think it's that sort of AI, more the traditional sense that is useful."
There is nothing educational about AI for hu-mans. You'll make great pets!"
Oh, you dropped this book. "To Serve Man..." what's that about?"
The evolution of man.... goes wonderfully with favas.