brickpi.com

What It Is

BrickPi3 is not an online course in the usual sense. It is a robotics expansion hardware kit and set of learning resources for LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT/EV3 and Raspberry Pi. The BrickPi3 board replaces the original MINDSTORMS brick, allowing LEGO motors and sensors to connect to a Raspberry Pi and gain access to Python, C, Wi‑Fi, network services, and the open-source ecosystem. The page lists the recommended age as 10+, making it better suited to STEAM, robotics, and project-based programming learning.

Core Review Dimensions

Its learning scope centers on robotics education, Raspberry Pi, LEGO MINDSTORMS, Python/C, and open-source hardware. The delivery format is not live classes, recorded lessons, or 1-on-1 tutoring; instead, learning is supported through the hardware kit, installation FAQs, step-by-step tutorials, sample projects, GitHub code, a knowledge base, and community forums. It supports 4 NXT/EV3 motor ports and 4 sensor ports, enabling projects such as browser-controlled robots, Rubik’s Cube solvers, and self-balancing robots. The teaching and documentation language is English. No certification or certificate is shown in the text; schools that need proof of course completion will need to design their own assessment system.

Pricing and Configuration

BrickPi3 Core is priced at $169 and includes the board, a 6-sided acrylic case, case hardware, and a rechargeable lithium battery. However, users still need to provide a Raspberry Pi, LEGO MINDSTORMS sensors and motors, a microSD card, and other components separately. The classroom pack includes 5 sets for $760.50, down from the original price of $845, with a 10% discount available using CLASSROOM10. Accessories include a $19 clear case, a $5 Ethernet cable, and a $5 long battery cable.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths are that it can reuse existing EV3/NXT assets schools may already have, while bringing LEGO robotics into Python, C, Wi‑Fi, and Web API scenarios. The open-source code, schematics, and examples are relatively complete, making it suitable for deeper teaching. The downside is that the technical barrier is not low: setup may involve flashing the system, SSH, virtual environments, SPI/I2C configuration, and more. The prebuilt image also requires an Ethernet connection during initial setup. Another important limitation to note before purchasing is that it does not support LEGO SPIKE Prime/Essential.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is suitable for teachers with some hands-on technical ability, students aged 10 and above, robotics clubs, and maker courses. It is less suitable for home users who simply want low-barrier, graphical courseware. Access and payment availability from China are not specified in the text, so they should be considered unknown. The stability of access to GitHub, Raspberry Pi images, and English documentation may affect classroom deployment. Alternatives to consider include native LEGO EV3 teaching resources, SPIKE Prime, micro:bit robotics, or Raspberry Pi/Arduino robotics kits.