Uploaded January 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
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How to run two motors at the same time (motor synchronization)
In this video, I'll explain how you can run motors to different positions simultaneously. Running these motors at the same time is difficult with LEGO MINDSTORMS or SPIKE Prime because the move-to-position block finishes the complete movement before going to the next block. To show you how this works, I'll use this Ladybug model. The Ladybug model needs to move one set of legs backward while moving another set forward. Furthermore, this model needs to tilt to the correct side every time it moves its propulsion legs.
You can follow this video with three motors connected to your LEGO hub. For the full experience, you can download the building instructions for this SPIKE Prime Ladybug on my website. This tutorial works for both LEGO MINDSTORMS and SPIKE Prime. I'm going to use the SPIKE app.
Why do we need synchronization?
Why is this tutorial important? Let me show you. If we do not run motors at the same time, we can still make the ladybug walk. We can program the robot to run each motor in turn. What you then get is this movement. It works, but it looks clunky. It's robotic in a bad way. Wouldn't it be much smoother if the legs moved at the same time?
Option 1
The first option for running motors at the same time is selecting multiple motors in the blue block. Let's see how that works. The problem here is that you can choose only one target per set of motors. Multiple motors will not work for our ladybug because one set of legs has to run forward while the other runs backward. I could cheat by moving this pin here. But then I will not be able to turn on the spot anymore.
Option 2
Our next option is to broadcast a message. If we broadcast, we can start several stacks at the same time. Every motor in every stack will start together at the moment of the broadcast. Let's have a look at that.
Option 3
Our third option is to use the pink movement block. LEGO provided this block to drive straight with a robot. To drive straight, the robot wheels need to move at precisely the same speed. They should also stop together and start together. We can use that behavior for other purposes than driving. Let me show you how that works with the ladybug.
Finally, we want to tilt left and right, based on the position of the movement legs. Here's how that works.
If you have learned a thing or two about programming in this video, it is a great idea to hit the subscribe button. I'm making new MINDSTORMS and SPIKE tutorials all the time. If you want me to explain a specific subject, please leave a comment!
After this video, it's fun to build a program that moves the ladybug backward or makes it turn. If you download my building instructions, you will get a full program with the complete solution.
If you liked this video, you could support me on Patreon. Patreon supporters who pay $10 or more also get every new building instruction I make. Thanks for watching!
Support my work on: patreon.com/antonsmindstorms
Please like and ask any questions you have in the comments!
Get the T-Shirt on: https://shop.spreadshirt.nl/antons-mindstorms/
Support my work on: patreon.com/antonsmindstorms
For complete building instructions and in-depth articles go to:
antonsmindstorms.com
How to run two motors at the same time (motor synchronization)
In this video, I'll explain how you can run motors to different positions simultaneously. Running these motors at the same time is difficult with LEGO MINDSTORMS or SPIKE Prime because the move-to-position block finishes the complete movement before going to the next block. To show you how this works, I'll use this Ladybug model. The Ladybug model needs to move one set of legs backward while moving another set forward. Furthermore, this model needs to tilt to the correct side every time it moves its propulsion legs.
You can follow this video with three motors connected to your LEGO hub. For the full experience, you can download the building instructions for this SPIKE Prime Ladybug on my website. This tutorial works for both LEGO MINDSTORMS and SPIKE Prime. I'm going to use the SPIKE app.
Why do we need synchronization?
Why is this tutorial important? Let me show you. If we do not run motors at the same time, we can still make the ladybug walk. We can program the robot to run each motor in turn. What you then get is this movement. It works, but it looks clunky. It's robotic in a bad way. Wouldn't it be much smoother if the legs moved at the same time?
Option 1
The first option for running motors at the same time is selecting multiple motors in the blue block. Let's see how that works. The problem here is that you can choose only one target per set of motors. Multiple motors will not work for our ladybug because one set of legs has to run forward while the other runs backward. I could cheat by moving this pin here. But then I will not be able to turn on the spot anymore.
Option 2
Our next option is to broadcast a message. If we broadcast, we can start several stacks at the same time. Every motor in every stack will start together at the moment of the broadcast. Let's have a look at that.
Option 3
Our third option is to use the pink movement block. LEGO provided this block to drive straight with a robot. To drive straight, the robot wheels need to move at precisely the same speed. They should also stop together and start together. We can use that behavior for other purposes than driving. Let me show you how that works with the ladybug.
Finally, we want to tilt left and right, based on the position of the movement legs. Here's how that works.
If you have learned a thing or two about programming in this video, it is a great idea to hit the subscribe button. I'm making new MINDSTORMS and SPIKE tutorials all the time. If you want me to explain a specific subject, please leave a comment!
After this video, it's fun to build a program that moves the ladybug backward or makes it turn. If you download my building instructions, you will get a full program with the complete solution.
If you liked this video, you could support me on Patreon. Patreon supporters who pay $10 or more also get every new building instruction I make. Thanks for watching!
Support my work on: patreon.com/antonsmindstorms
