With tutorials, courses and building instructions with gears you could learn how to use Gear Wheels, Warm Gears and Racks. Everything spins. With a few gear wheels you could make it spin faster or harder. Check out the examples of different constructions, robots and attachments that make use of gear wheels.
This is a 10 out of 10 video tutorial for the FIRST LEGO League 2020 RePLAY robotics competition and the Treadmill mission. We build a robot with consistent behavior that is able to achieve the mission every time
Accuracy and consistency is the topic of this tutorial, as all 10 out of 10 tutorials are at FLLCasts. We use a robot build only from LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor parts and we accomplish the mission 10 out of 10 times. You will see how we use an active gear attachment to catch the wheel and pull it to the black circle, which accomplishes the mission
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M8 Artificial Habitat of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a simple active pinless attachment mounted at the front of the robot for precise engagement with the mission model.
The goal is a perfect 10 out of 10 runs by positioning all four crabs upright with their yellow bases touching the mat. You can find the full explaining tutorial here.
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M8 Artificial Habitat of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a simple active pinless attachment mounted at the front of the robot, designed for precise engagement with the mission model.
The goal is to position all four crabs upright with their yellow bases touching the mat for maximum points, a task requiring careful alignment and controlled movements. While it is possible to complete the mission with fewer crabs upright, this run is programmed for the full score, using dedicated movement commands in a separate run for maximum accuracy. This approach combines a reliable mechanical design with precise navigation to meet the mission’s demanding scoring conditions.
As we are already off the season we decided to look back at the competition. First, we will take a look at the working solution for FIRST LEGO League 2017 Manhole Cover. This was generally accepted as one of the most difficult missions during the competition. We've built a single attachment to accomplish it.
(we are releasing the video without explanations and will add the explanations later)
A clutch is a mechanical device that is used for engaging or disengaging power transmission. Now we will see how we can make such a device using LEGO.
This 10 out of 10 video tutorial focuses on the flawless accomplishment of M05 Angler Fish, M09 Unexpected Encounter, M10 Send over the Submersible, and M11 Sonar Discovery of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot.
The run uses a combination of aligning, front, and back attachments to execute multiple tasks in one run, including a rotation transfer system using a single long axle for M11, early execution of M10 for a strategic edge, and sensor-based alignment for precision. Despite the reduced per-run accuracy due to the mission count, this method ensures that when the run works, it secures an exceptionally high score.
The after season review continues. No. We are not publishing a single solution for the next season before it is over, but let's learn from the previous season. The current tutorial is about three missions at once on a single run with the robot. Most FIRST LEGO League teams try to accomplish one-two missions on a single run out of the base, and three is really what makes the difference
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M05 Angler Fish, M09 Unexpected Encounter, M10 Send over the Submersible, and M11 Sonar Discovery of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses three attachments in sequence: an aligning attachment at the start to reduce initial inaccuracies, a front attachment for solving M05 and M10 while collecting krill, reef segments, and the water sample, and a back attachment for solving M11, delivering the unknown creature for M09, and collecting plankton and seabed samples.
The front attachment is particularly interesting in this configuration because it integrates two color sensors and one motor directly onto the attachment itself. These sensors are used to align the robot to the black line near M10, while the aligning attachment at the start ensures a precise launch position.
This version of the big run takes on significantly more missions in a single attempt than a standard sequence, which naturally comes at the cost of reduced accuracy. In the current FLL competition format—where only your best score from three attempts is counted—this trade-off can be highly strategic. A run that works perfectly even just once can yield a massive point boost, making this kind of high-reward, lower-consistency approach a potential game-changer for teams willing to take the risk.
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M10 Send Over the Submersible of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot. In this series of test runs, the goal is to achieve 10 out of 10 successful deliveries where the submersible reaches the opposing field, and the robot disengages without touching the mission model at the match’s end.
The run uses a simple pinless attachment with stopping beams for consistent positioning, combined with programming that integrates a parallel timer for perfect match-end execution. This setup gives the robot the highest possible success rate for both mission requirements across repeated trials.
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M10 Send Over the Submersible of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a simple pinless attachment that engages with the front gearwheel of the robot to raise the yellow slider. Built-in stopping beams ensure the attachment always starts from the same position for consistent operation.
This minimalistic but reliable design allows the robot to perform the lift with stability and repeatability, making it well-suited for a time-sensitive mission. The attachment’s simplicity also enables quick setup between runs, keeping it competition-ready.
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M11 Sonar Discovery and M12 Feed the Whale of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot. The goal is to achieve 10 out of 10 successful completions, with the robot reliably rotating the sonar and feeding the whale in every trial.
The run uses a combined two-part attachment where the front section opens the whale’s mouth and drops the krill while the rear section uses a chain and hook mechanism to rotate the sonar. The programming ensures precise timing, correct hook positioning, and a small forward adjustment to avoid snagging, enabling consistent results across all attempts.
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M11 Sonar Discovery and M12 Feed the Whale of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a combined two-part attachment for maximum efficiency. The front section is designed to drop the krill into the Whale for M12, using a stationary beam to open the whale’s mouth and an angled beam to tip the krill container so they fall inside. Wheels are added as counterweights to prevent the container from opening during movement.
The rear section operates the sonar rotation for M11, using a chain-driven mechanism to transfer power from the robot to the mission model. A hooked beam is integrated at the end, allowing it to easily catch the yellow part of the sonar for rotation. This combined design allows the robot to complete both missions in one smooth, coordinated run without swapping attachments.
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M01 Coral Nursery and M03 Coral Reef of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The aim is to see a consistent accomplishment by lifting the coral tree to the coral tree support and delivering reef segments outside the launch area in one smooth sequence.
The robot uses a motor-powered attachment to lift the coral tree precisely while a side holder secures the collected reef segments. This ensures both missions are completed without losing any pieces during movement. You can watch the full explaining tutorial here.
This video tutorial is part of the series on how to make your robot 100% precise and accurate. We accomplish the Emergency Walk mission 10 out of 10 times. The attachment works. Every time the attachment is started in successfully accomplishes the mission and this is one of the most difficult missions on FIRST LEGO League competitions ever.
This video tutorial focuses on accomplishing M01 Coral Nursery and M03 Coral Reef of the FIRST LEGO League 2024-2025 SUBMERGED Challenge using the Nautiq box robot (a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot). The run uses a pinless motor-powered attachment specifically designed to raise the coral tree to the coral tree support while delivering reef segments outside the launch area. This attachment was chosen after testing multiple designs, and it proved to be one of the most reliable solutions for this task.
The motor-driven lifting mechanism is mounted using long axle pins due to the gearwheel’s position, and a heavy brick is added on top for extra sturdiness, preventing the attachment from popping off during operation. On the side, a simple holder secures the three reef segments collected in previous runs for easy delivery during this mission. This combination allows the robot to lift the coral tree smoothly, place it accurately, and complete the reef segment delivery in a single, well-coordinated sequence.
In this video tutorial, we demonstrate a full run of all missions without pausing the recording. The competition is the FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge, and the robot is the Chain Monster - a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot.
These kinds of runs are extremely useful for team preparation right before the competition, as they help team members improve their accuracy, speed, and self-control.
In this video tutorial, we demonstrate how to accomplish M11 of the FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge competition. We use the Chain Monster - a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot equipped with gears and a pinless attachment that will rotate the M11 Light Show.
This video tutorial showcases how the MiniBox accomplishes five missions - M02, M03, M04, M05, M14, and M15 - of the FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge competition.
It’s a rather complex run, as the robot uses multiple attachments and performs several actions. The MiniBox, a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot, is designed to leave its attachments on the mat after completing each mission. Take a close look at the attachments and study the program thoroughly before launching the robot!
Gears could be a powerful tool for those who know how to use them appropriately. In this episode we introduce some of the basic terms and concepts behind using gears in your construction.
This is a 10 out of 10 tutorial in which the MiniBox robot accomplishes the M12, M13, and M15 of the FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge competition. The MiniBox is a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime box robot that uses detachable attachments.
In this run, the robot performs five actions: it collects the M15 minifigure and throws it backward, rotates the chicken for M12, and then pushes and pulls the M13 Craft Creator mission model. All of these actions are completed in under 15 seconds!
In this episode we build a reusable attachment for a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot that changes gears orientation and direction. It is one of the most useful attachments that you could use to move levers up/down and right/left. Adding the attachment on the robot takes 2-3 seconds and shows a very useful general principle of how to build reusable attachments.
This is a 10 out of 10 tutorial demonstrating the consistency with which the Kufar robot accomplishes M12, M13, and M15 of the FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge season. Kufar is an out-of-the-box LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot, meaning you don’t need to connect attachments—just slide the brick into the attachment frames.
In this run, the robot collects the mini-figures using a rubber band mechanism, rotates the chicken with a gear mechanism, and pushes and pulls the M13 Craft Creator mission model.
In this video tutorial we demonstrate how to accomplish M03, M04, M14, and M15 of the FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge competition. We use the Chain Monster which is a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot equipped with two pinless active attachments.
The side attachment uses a gear mechanism to press down a lever and drop the mini figures with loops. It has a more advanced construction with a special lock to prevent the attachment from rotating when mounting it on the robot. Pay attention that the lock should be removed before the start of the run.
We use a special construction to help us align the robot in the base to ensure the robot starts from the same place every time.
This is a video tutorial where we focus on M14 and M15 of FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge competition. Here, we demonstrate the precision of the attachment. Try to build the attachment and accomplish the missions.
In part 1 of How to on Gears tutorial I introduced you to the basics of the gear systems. Now we are going to examinate gear systems with more than two gears and take a look at cascade gear systems.
This is a video tutorial on accomplishing M12 and M13 of the FIRST LEGO League 2023-2024 MASTERPIECE Challenge. We've decided to combine the two missions and approach M12 in a slightly different way - by activating a gear wheel and thus rotate the chicken. The mission is accomplished in almost no time and the result is flawless. The robot is Chain Monster, a powerful LEGO Education SPIKE Prime robot.