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Hi, Bot
🤖Robotics & Physical AI

LEGO Sorting Machine

Build a chute or sorter using LEGO that classifies objects by a rule you define.

Age
8+
Time
90 min
Level
starter

Materials You'll Need

  • LEGO set (basic bricks + pieces)
  • This printable design sheet
  • Pencil
  • Small objects to sort (beads, coins, blocks, pasta shapes)
  • Optional: ramp or incline (can be made from LEGO or cardboard)

Hi, Bot Track Projects · lego-sorting-machine · Print-friendly · hibot.space/track-projects

How It Works

  1. 1

    Decide on a sorting rule: 'Large → left chute, small → right chute' or 'Red → bin A, blue → bin B', etc.

  2. 2

    Design the machine on paper: gravity chute, divider mechanism, landing bins.

  3. 3

    Build it with LEGO. Test as you go. Does it move objects? Do they land in the right bin?

  4. 4

    Run 10 objects through and score: how many sorted correctly?

  5. 5

    Draw a simple flow diagram: 'If object is [property], it goes to [chute].'

  6. 6

    Troubleshoot: What breaks? What gets stuck? How do you fix it?

Your Work

Design sketch + flow diagram + test results (# correct / 10). Photo of your machine. 1 thing you'd improve.

Parent Notes

This is hands-on Boolean logic (if/then). Help your child articulate the rule clearly. If the machine fails, that's the point—debugging teaches more than success. Ask: 'Why did that one go to the wrong bin? How would you fix it?'

Reflect

What did you learn? What was hard? What would you do differently next time?

Made by Hi, Bot. Learn more at hibot.space/track-projects