LEGO BOOST now available for pre-order

You might remember that back in January LEGO announced an interesting new robotics system called LEGO BOOST (you can read the original press-release here: LEGO BOOST – A New Type of LEGO Robotics). The #17101 LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox (the official name of the set) was displayed at the various toy fairs earlier this year, so LEGO fans and various news organizations had a chance to check it out. 🙂

While the set won’t be released until August 1st, it is already available for pre-order at the Online LEGO Shop. This is an interesting move from LEGO, as they normally don’t allow pre-orders. However, the appeal of LEGO BOOST is far wider than just the regular LEGO fan community, as it combines basic LEGO system building with robotics and coding, at a much more accessible price than the LEGO MINDSTORMS set and the LEGO WeDo kits currently used by schools.

Here is the official description of the set: Combine the versatile LEGO building system with advanced technology to boost your creativity with the awesome LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox. Download the free tablet app to your device and follow the step-by-step instructions to build and code any of the 5 multifunctional models. Experience Vernie the Robot—a moving and talking robot; the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4)—a robust, versatile rover with 4 different tool attachments including a spring-loaded shooter; the Guitar4000—a musical instrument with pitch bend and sound effects; Frankie the Cat—an interactive pet that plays, purrs and expresses its mood; or the AutoBuilder—an automated production line that really builds miniature LEGO models! Bring your creations to life with the app’s intuitive, icon-based coding interface and complete an array of exciting activities designed for each model. This set also includes a playmat for use with specific activities, and a LEGO BOOST wall poster! Includes over 840 LEGO pieces, plus a LEGO Move Hub, Interactive Motor and a Color & Distance Sensor. 847 pieces. Price: $159.99 – PRE-ORDER HERE

• Move Hub features Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, 2 encoded motors, activation button, internal tilt sensor and a light. Interactive Motor is an encoded motor. Color & Distance Sensor detects distance, motion and color, and can also function as a light.
• Rotate Vernie’s head to activate its shoulder-mounted spring-loaded shooter. Build the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) and try out the different tool and customization attachments to prepare the vehicle for an array of exciting activities. Learn how to play a song and rock out with the Guitar4000. Look after your own pet with Frankie the Cat. Be sure to feed it the right food—or it might get upset! Construct, code and operate the AutoBuilder to produce real miniature LEGO models.
• Build and code robots and models, and complete exciting activities with the playmat and intuitive LEGO BOOST app, available for iOS and Android tablet devices. Easy-to-use intuitive software with icon-based drag-and-drop coding interface. Building instructions for all 5 models are included with the free LEGO BOOST app. This product requires batteries (not included). Please refer to the product packaging for type and quantity.
• Vernie the robot stands over 10” (27cm) tall. M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) measures over 4” (12cm) high, 9” (23cm) long and 5” (14cm) wide. Guitar4000 measures over 1” (5cm) high, 16” (42cm) long and 5” (15cm) wide. Frankie the Cat stands over 6” (17cm) tall. The AutoBuilder measures over 10” (27cm) high, 7” (19cm) long and 6” (16cm) wide.

As mentioned above, the #17101 LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox will be available at the beginning of August. I’m sure LEGO is going to make enough of the kits, however it is quite possible that there is going to be some shortage/backorder when it gets released. So, if you want to make sure you have one reserved, you can pre-order it now at the Online LEGO Shop.

What do you think? How do you like the LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox so far? Is this something you are interested in? How do you think it compares to other LEGO robotics kits? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below! 😉

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

• LEGO BOOST – A New Type of LEGO Robotics
• Build LEGO Robots with Yantra Robotics
• Starting Out with LEGO Robotics
• Making of a LEGO Paper Plane Machine
• LEGO Mindstorms Easter Egg Decorator Robot
• LEGO Mindstorms Robot – LEGONADRO the Artist
• Walking LEGO Animals – So Much Fun!
• LEGO Pop-Ups & More Magical Creations
• LEGO Mindstorms the Ultimate Useless Machine
• The Great LEGO Ball Contraption…
• LEGO Education Panama Canal