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The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT inch worm is a one-motor walking model. Connect its motor to port B, make sure the axles and gears turn freely, and set the mechanism flat on the floor with all four wheels touching before you start the supplied “Inch Worm” program.
What you need to build the NXT inch worm
Use the NXT inch worm instructions and the model’s specified beams, gears, axles, wheels, pegs, motor, and short connector wire. You also need a working NXT intelligent brick and the supplied “Inch Worm” program. The build instructions are at NXTPrograms’ NXT Inch Worm page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547) | $514.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Lego Mindstorm Ev3 Core Set, toy interlocking building set 45544 - New | $605.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Lego Ev3 Expansion Set 45560 - New | $234.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Intelligent Brick, 1 pc | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Technic Lego 8pc Wheel and Tire Set (Mindstorms nxt ev3 tyre) 56145 44309 | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
If you are sourcing parts, check that you have the complete working platform as well as the individual mechanism pieces:
- Platform: NXT intelligent brick, motor, and the cables needed to connect and operate them.
- Electrical condition: a functioning motor and cable, plus a battery that holds a charge or otherwise powers the brick.
- Mechanical condition: gears, wheels, axles, and pegs that are present and move without binding.
The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set 8527 is a 576-piece product from 2006, according to LEGO’s official set page. Its inventory includes three NXT motors, sensors, connector cables, and a USB cable; see NXTPrograms’ 8527 inventory and BrickLink’s 8527-1 inventory. A complete kit is a straightforward donor source, while buying individual parts makes more sense if you already have a working NXT brick.
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#1 Best Overall
- The intelligent NXT Lego brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display
- Three interactive servo motors; four sensors(Ultrasonic Sensor, 2 Touch Sensors and the all-new Color Sensor)
- Color Sensor has triple functionality: Distinguishes colors and light settings, and functions as a lamp
- Easy-to-use software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming and 16 fun building and programming challenges
- Batteries not included with this product
Build and connect the mechanism
Follow the NXTPrograms build sequence closely. Pay particular attention to the moving joints: an axle or gear that is pinched by a beam or peg can stop the walking mechanism.
- Assemble the beams, axles, gears, and wheels as shown in the NXT Inch Worm instructions.
- At each rotating joint, check that the axle spins freely. Use pegs that allow the connected beams to pivot rather than locking them in place.
- Connect the motor to port B on the NXT brick with a short wire.
Position the inch worm and run its program
Before starting the program, turn the large black gear by hand until the inch worm lies flat against the floor and all four wheels touch. Then run the supplied “Inch Worm” program. Starting from this aligned position gives the mechanism its intended movement cycle.
Rank #2
- Art. No.45544
- Material No. 6250574
- Product Name: LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core Set
- Included: Rechargeable battery (Art. No.45501)
- Charger (Art. No.45517) Sold separately
Troubleshoot an inch worm that will not move
Check the mechanical setup before changing the program. The build instructions specifically call for freely turning axles and a flat starting position.
- Nothing happens: confirm the motor is plugged into port B and that the NXT brick and motor have power.
- The motor turns but the model binds: inspect axles, gears, and beam connections for friction; verify that the pegs at pivot points let the beams turn.
- The model rocks or fails to walk smoothly: rotate the large black gear by hand to reset the mechanism flat, with all four wheels on the floor, then start the “Inch Worm” program again.
- You cannot run the named program: check that the supplied “Inch Worm” program is available on the NXT system you are using; the build instructions identify it as the program for this model.
Using an NXT 2.0 kit or replacing parts
Do not assume every project designed around an earlier NXT kit can be built from NXT 2.0 parts alone. NXTPrograms notes that many 1.X projects need extra parts when built from an NXT 2.0 kit; compare the inch worm’s required pieces with your inventory before beginning. NXTPrograms’ 8527 inventory can help identify the older kit’s components.
Rank #3
- EV3 Expansion Set
- Bricks : Includes 853 bricks and building instructions for 6 showpiece models. Comes complete with a sturdy storage bin with a sorting tray for easy classroom management. Additional building instructions and programs for several models are available
For a partial rebuild, BrickLink’s NXT catalog lists rechargeable battery sets 9693, with a DC plug, and 9798, with an AC plug. Confirm which version matches your brick before buying; battery condition also matters on an older system. The catalog is available at BrickLink’s NXT catalog.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Build robotic or any moving LEGO creations!
- Connects to LEGO Technic, EV3, Mindstorms and Bionicle
- (4) - LEGO Gray Wheel 30.4mm D. x 20mm without pin holes, with reinforced rim, Original LEGO part number 56145
- (4) - LEGO TYRE BLACK (tire) 43.2 x 22 ZR 44309
- This genuine LEGO spare part bundle comes in a clear sealed plastic bag. NO LEGO BOX or instructions are included.
Rank #4
- TI Sitara 300MHz ARM9 core processor running under a Linux-based operating system
- On-board program storage including 16 MB of Flash memory and 64 MB of RAM
- Mini SDHC card reader for 32 GB of expanded memory
- On-brick programming and datalogging that can be uploaded into the EV3 software
- Computer-to-brick communication through on-board USB, or external WiFi or Bluetooth dongles; Daisy-chain up to 4 LEGO EV3 Intelligent Bricks
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
