LEGO Powered Up technology is the modern, wireless platform developed by LEGO to motorize and add interactive capabilities to their building sets. It serves as the successor to the older Power Functions system, offering significant improvements in functionality and user experience.
Understanding Powered Up
At its core, LEGO Powered Up provides the electronic components necessary to bring LEGO models to life. This includes motors, sensors, lights, and hubs that connect these elements and can be controlled wirelessly. It is designed to be integrated into various LEGO themes, from Technic to City and Creator Expert, enabling builders to create moving vehicles, interactive creatures, or automated structures.
Key Features and Improvements
Based on the provided reference, Powered Up replaces the Power Functions platform and introduces notable enhancements:
- Improved Range: The wireless signal has a greater reach, allowing control over models from further away.
- New Wireless Bluetooth® Connections: Unlike the infrared technology used by Power Functions, Powered Up utilizes Bluetooth. A key advantage highlighted is that these connections work behind obstacles, providing more reliable control without needing a direct line of sight between the controller and the model.
These advancements make the interaction with motorized LEGO models more seamless and reliable, enhancing the overall play and building experience.
Comparing Powered Up and Power Functions
While both systems serve the purpose of adding power and movement to LEGO sets, Powered Up represents an evolution.
| Feature | LEGO Power Functions | LEGO Powered Up |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Tech | Infrared | Bluetooth® |
| Line of Sight | Required | Not required (works behind obstacles) |
| Range | Limited | Improved |
| Control Interface | Dedicated remote | App-based control (via phone/tablet) & Dedicated remotes |
Note: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reference, a significant aspect of Powered Up is its integration with dedicated LEGO apps (like the LEGO Powered Up app), offering programmable control and interactive building instructions, which was less prominent with Power Functions.
How Powered Up Works
Powered Up systems typically consist of:
- Hub: The central unit that powers the components and communicates wirelessly.
- Motors: Provide movement.
- Sensors: Allow the model to react to its environment (e.g., distance, color - sensor types vary by set).
- Lights: Add visual effects.
- Controller: Either a physical remote control or, more commonly, a smartphone/tablet running a compatible LEGO app.
The Bluetooth connection facilitates communication between the controller and the hub, allowing users to command motors to turn, lights to switch on, or receive data from sensors.
In summary, LEGO Powered Up is the current generation of LEGO's motorization and control technology, offering enhanced connectivity and features compared to its predecessor, Power Functions, particularly benefiting from improved range and robust Bluetooth connections that work even when obstacles are present.
