LEGO needed a controller for their Internet of Things (IoT) project – LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3. Production of a custom controller would push back the launch date and increase the overall cost of the Robot Commander package. The toy giant needed a solution that would allow creators of any age to connect and control their creations in a simple, intuitive way.

Taking a user-centric approach to the project, we used the device that was already in everyone's pockets – their smartphone. Creating native applications for iOS and Android allowed us to connect through Bluetooth to LEGO's Intelligent Brick computer, a set of module sensors and motors, and provide an interface for users to control their creations. By activating different components of the brick through the application, students and engineers were able to modify existing builds to test new concepts and prototypes at will.

Keeping the number of custom components in the Robot Commander to a minimum, we were able to reduce the overall cost of the product. The app also featured voice recognition capabilities, allowing users to control their LEGO MINDSTORMS creations with simple voice commands — adding an entirely new dimension to the play experience.