The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced the Build HAT, an add-on device that leverages Pi technology to operate LEGO motors

Nov, 2021 - By SMI

The foundation said that the new gadget is the result of a collaboration between LEGO Education and Raspberry Pi, and outlines the new product and its potential applications.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is the creator of the Raspberry Pi, a range of low-cost, single-board computers offered as a small circuit board with only the required components connected. Users can customize their purchase by adding a cover, keyboard, mouse, display, and other accessories. It was created to be used as an instructional tool, allowing students to learn to programs at a minimal cost. It has been embraced by amateurs, who have discovered a variety of fascinating applications for the device.

In this new venture, the Raspberry Pi team has developed and manufactured the Build HAT (Hardware Attached on Top), which seems to be a device that slides onto GPIO pins on a Raspberry Pi circuit board. This enables it to operate other items that connect into its four nodes, such as the LEGO Education SPIKE. The main concept is to enable users and hobbyists to construct robots out of LEGO blocks and then operate them using programmable devices such as mobile phones. The Python programming language is used to operate the Build HAT, and along with the introduction of the BUILD HAT, Raspberry Pi is also delivering a revised Python library and a new 7.5V power source for supplying power to the LEGO robots, as well as the Raspberry Pi. To assist customers in getting started, Raspberry Pi developers have already developed various robots that users may simulate it utilizing the project guides.

In accordance with its aim of providing consumers with low-cost access to cutting-edge technology, Raspberry Pi is offering its Build HAT devices for US$ 25 (the power cable is an additional US$ 15). Furthermore, Build HAT also will operate with Mindstorms Robot Inventor kit components.