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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe BrickPi3 BalanceBot is a two-wheeled LEGO robot that uses an EV3 Gyro Sensor, two EV3 motors, and Python software on a Raspberry Pi to balance itself. Building one requires assembling the LEGO model, wiring the sensors and motors to a BrickPi3, and installing and running the software; it is a robotics project, not a ready-to-run toy.
What the BrickPi3 BalanceBot does
Dexter Industries describes the BalanceBot as “a two-wheeled self-balancing robot — a Segway in LEGO form.” The gyro measures tilt, and the Raspberry Pi runs a control loop that adjusts the motors to keep the robot near upright. A LEGO remote supplies movement commands for driving forward, backward, and turning.
The feedback hardware is an EV3 Gyro Sensor and two EV3 motors. The Python program reads the gyro angle, uses a PID controller to calculate motor output, and adds remote-control input as an offset. At startup, the program calibrates the gyro. Dexter Industries’ project documentation says the software runs directly on the Raspberry Pi.
Parts you need
- BrickPi3, either the Base or Core Kit.
- A Raspberry Pi model with SPI support.
- LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Kit (31313), which supplies the LEGO structural pieces, motors, and EV3 Gyro Sensor used in the build.
- LEGO Remote Control.
- MicroSD card with Raspberry Pi OS. The current installation instructions specify a card of 16 GB or larger.
- 12 V battery pack.
The EV3 Kit 31313 is the central parts purchase if you do not already own compatible EV3 components: the build relies on its structure as well as its motors and gyro. The gyro is included in the kit, so it does not need to be counted as a separate purchase when the kit is complete. Check that the kit you have includes the required pieces before starting.
#1 Best Overall
- Multiple Functions: Each of the six legs has three motors, the rotatable head has a camera and an ultrasonic distance sensor (Assembly required) (Raspberry Pi and Battery NOT included)
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step assembly guide and complete Python code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Compatible Models: Raspberry Pi 5 / 4B / 3B+ / 3B / 3A+ (2B / 1B+ / 1A+ / Zero 2 W / Zero W / Zero 1.3 is also compatible but needs extra parts) (NOT included in this kit)
- Control Methods: Controlled wirelessly by your Android phone or tablet, iPhone (with Freenove App) and computer (run Windows, macOS or Raspberry Pi OS)
- Battery NOT Included: Please refer to the downloaded tutorial to buy
Dexter Industries labels BrickPi3 for ages 10 and up. Its getting-started material lists Python, Scratch, C, and Java as supported languages; the BalanceBot project itself uses Python.
Which Raspberry Pi works with BrickPi3?
The official BrickPi3 repository says Raspberry Pi models with SPI are supported, including the Raspberry Pi 3B+, 4, and 5. Dexter Industries describes the 3B+ as its best-value, least-power-hungry choice. The Pi 4 and especially the Pi 5 call for more attention to the power supply; the Pi 5 may require a separate supply and can need cooling. Plan power and cooling around the specific Pi and the rest of the robot rather than assuming every model can use the same setup.
Rank #2
- AI-Powered Raspberry Pi Smart Car — PiCar-X: PiCar-X brings AI learning to life — powered by Openclaw and multi-LLMs including ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen, Doubao, Ollama (Local LLMs), and compatible with many more AI platforms. Featuring OpenCV, MediaPipe, TTS & STT, PiCar-X enables true AI vision and voice interaction — it can see, listen, talk, drive and think like an intelligent companion. Ideal for students (10+), educators, and engineers, PiCar-X is the perfect gateway to explore AI, robotics, and machine learning on Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+/3B/Zero 2W (Raspberry Pi not included)
- Engaging Interactions with Multi-LLMs: PiCar-X, powered by Openclaw and multi-LLMs — including ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen, Doubao, and Ollama (Local LLMs) — and compatible with many other AI platforms, supports voice interaction and visual recognition to make the robot smarter and more responsive. Users can enjoy natural AI conversations, solve math problems through the camera, and interpret gestures, unlocking a world of diverse and fun AI-driven interactions
- Feature-rich and Adaptable: PiCar-X offers engaging applications like line following and obstacle avoidance, supports TTS (Text-to-Speech) and STT (Speech-to-Text) for interactive voice control, and includes a camera for video and vision recognition. It also comes with various sensors, while its customizable design enables a wide range of creative AI and robotics projects
- Versatile Programming Options: Catering to users of all skill levels, PiCar-X supports both Python and Scratch programming languages, allowing for flexible learning and skill development
- Simplified Assembly & Support: PiCar-X is perfect for beginners, yet learning with experienced users is recommended for best results. It comes with easy assembly instructions and forum support for smooth project completion
Build and wire the robot
- Download the LEGO Digital Designer building-instructions ZIP from the official BrickPi3 project repository, then assemble the LEGO model from those instructions.
- Mount the BrickPi3, Raspberry Pi, battery pack, motors, and gyro in the completed structure. Make sure cables can reach their ports without obstructing the wheels or moving parts.
- Connect the left motor to Motor Port A and the right motor to Motor Port D.
- Connect the EV3 Gyro Sensor to Sensor Port 1.
- Check that the battery pack and Raspberry Pi power arrangements match the components in your build before switching it on.
Install the software and start BalanceBot
The current BrickPi3 FAQ documents a Raspberry Pi OS setup using a microSD card of at least 16 GB, cloning the BrickPi3 repository, and running its Trixie installation script. Follow the current official installation instructions for preparing the card and cloning the repository; the repository URL and setup details are not reproduced here.
- Prepare Raspberry Pi OS on a 16 GB-or-larger microSD card, or use the documented prebuilt-image route.
- If using the prebuilt image, connect the Pi by Ethernet for its first boot, then configure Wi-Fi.
- Clone the BrickPi3 repository following the current FAQ, then run
Software/Python/brickpi3/scripts/install_trixie.shas documented. - Open a terminal in the BalanceBot project directory and start the program with
sudo python BalanceBot.py.
The program calibrates the gyro when it starts. Keep the robot upright and still during startup calibration, and check the motor and sensor connections if it does not behave as expected. Software installation and hardware assembly are both required even though the instructions and source code are openly available.
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Rank #4
- AI-Powered Raspberry Pi Robot Dog — PiDog: Powered by Raspberry Pi (5/4B/3B+/3B/Zero 2W), OpenClaw, and multi-LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen & Ollama. With 12 servos, camera, gyroscope, hearing & touch sensors, PiDog can see, listen, talk, move, and interact intelligently. Supports OpenCV, MediaPipe, TTS & STT, app control, FPV & Python. A great STEM robotics gift for students, makers & tech enthusiasts—perfect for birthdays and holidays. (Raspberry Pi not included)
- Realistic Dog-like Movements: PiDog's 12 powerful servos enable 32 dog-like actions, including walking, sitting, standing, shaking its head, wagging its tail, and performing playful tricks, closely mimicking a real dog and providing an engaging experience. This is an AI development robot product designed for engineers, suitable for ages 15 and above
- Rich Sensor Suite for Interactive Experiences: PiDog features ultrasonic, touch, gyroscope, sound, camera, speaker and microphone. These provide it with advanced hearing, vision, and touch, enabling it to see, detect obstacles, respond to touch, and recognize sounds, making interactions highly engaging
- AI-Powered Interactions with OpenClaw & Multi-LLMs. PiDog combines voice, vision, and gesture recognition for immersive AI experiences. Powered by OpenClaw and multi-LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Qwen, Doubao, and Ollama (local LLMs), it can understand questions, respond naturally through TTS & STT, recognize math problems, interpret hand gestures, and hold smart conversations. OpenClaw also enables customizable AI behaviors and personalized robotics development, helping users create their own intelligent robotic companion
- Comprehensive Learning Resources and Support: PiDog offers detailed online documentation, video tutorials, prompt technical support, and an active forum community, ensuring beginners can easily complete all projects and enjoy a great experience
Rank #3
- Raspberry Pi AI Robot: powered by Raspberry Pi (5/4B/3B+/3B/Zero 2W), features 12 servos and sensors for vision, hearing, and touch. Integrated with ChatGPT-4o, it responds to complex queries. With app control and FPV, users can manage and see its view in real-time. It supports Python programming
- Realistic Movements: 12 powerful servos enable 32 actions, including walking, sitting, standing, shaking its head, wagging its tail, and performing playful tricks, closely mimicking a real and providing an engaging experience
- Rich Sensor Suite for Interactive Experiences: features ultrasonic, touch, gyroscope, sound, camera, speaker and microphone. These provide it with advanced hearing, vision, and touch, enabling it to see, detect obstacles, respond to touch, and recognize sounds, making interactions highly engaging
- Engaging Interactions with ChatGPT-4o: with ChatGPT-4o enables voice interactions and visual recognition, making it smarter and more responsive. Users can have natural conversations, solve math problems via the camera, and interpret gestures, creating diverse and fun interactions
- Comprehensive Learning Resources and Support: offers detailed online documentation, video tutorials, prompt technical support, and an active forum community, ensuring beginners can easily complete all projects and enjoy a great experience
Before buying or troubleshooting
- You already own an EV3 Kit 31313: check its pieces, two motors, and gyro against the build requirements; the BrickPi3, Raspberry Pi, remote, battery pack, and microSD card are still separate requirements unless already available.
- You do not own the EV3 kit: account for it as the main component set, rather than buying only a gyro sensor and expecting that to provide the structural parts and motors.
- You are choosing a Raspberry Pi: the Pi 3B+ is the conservative option for power demand; for Pi 4 or 5, verify the power arrangement and, for Pi 5, consider cooling.
- The robot will not balance: verify the gyro is in Sensor Port 1 and motors are in the specified A and D ports, then restart so gyro calibration can run. The project description does not publish a balancing-duration, speed, or battery-life guarantee.
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