Hackster recently (read: September) announced a LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 and Alexa challenge. I’ve had quite a bit of experience with the NXT kit (unfortunately, all before I had any online presence), know Python and Node.js pretty well, and am comfortable with embedded Linux development via the Raspberry Pi, so I thought, hey why not give it a shot?

Here’s the result:

Basically, its a voice-controlled laboratory that can create and innoculate agar plates. My concept was a microgravity laboratory that astronauts could easily interact with without needing tons of training or constant contact with mission control. Check out the full project on Hackster and the code on GitHub.

Also, through this project, I discovered the super cool Studio CAD software for LEGOs. These photorealistic renderings are pretty awesome.

arm

arm

workstation

workstation

plate holder

plate holder