Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We wanted to see if it was possible to replace a LEGO® SPIKE hub with hobby electronics… and it turns out... it is.
Project documentation: github.com/sfe-SparkFro/redboard_robot_compatible_with_lego
Today, we are showcasing a fun project demonstrating how easy it is to modify LEGO® components equipped with Powered Up connection interfaces! To illustrate this, we built a custom robot combining LEGO® SPIKE platform hardware with off-the-shelf hobby electronics, MicroPython programming, and 3D-printed parts. This build proves you can significantly expand the capabilities of your robotic creations using LEGO® parts beyond standard configurations. Expand your designs by adding custom sensors and displays, creating your own breadboard circuits, or integrating 3D-printed mechanisms!
Hardware Used:
SparkFun RedBoard: sparkfun.com/sparkfun-iot-redboard-esp32-micropython-development-board.html
Motor driver (R3 form factor): sparkfun.com/sparkfun-wireless-motor-driver-shield.html
LEGO SPIKE motors and sensors
Optical tracking odometry sensor: sparkfun.com/sparkfun-optical-tracking-odometry-sensor-paa5160e1-qwiic.html
Custom 3D printed adapter
Disclaimer: LEGO® and LEGO® SPIKE are trademarks of the LEGO® Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this site.
We wanted to see if it was possible to replace a LEGO® SPIKE hub with hobby electronics… and it turns out... it is.
Project documentation: github.com/sfe-SparkFro/redboard_robot_compatible_with_lego
Today, we are showcasing a fun project demonstrating how easy it is to modify LEGO® components equipped with Powered Up connection interfaces! To illustrate this, we built a custom robot combining LEGO® SPIKE platform hardware with off-the-shelf hobby electronics, MicroPython programming, and 3D-printed parts. This build proves you can significantly expand the capabilities of your robotic creations using LEGO® parts beyond standard configurations. Expand your designs by adding custom sensors and displays, creating your own breadboard circuits, or integrating 3D-printed mechanisms!
Hardware Used:
SparkFun RedBoard: sparkfun.com/sparkfun-iot-redboard-esp32-micropython-development-board.html
Motor driver (R3 form factor): sparkfun.com/sparkfun-wireless-motor-driver-shield.html
LEGO SPIKE motors and sensors
Optical tracking odometry sensor: sparkfun.com/sparkfun-optical-tracking-odometry-sensor-paa5160e1-qwiic.html
Custom 3D printed adapter
Disclaimer: LEGO® and LEGO® SPIKE are trademarks of the LEGO® Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this site.
