Meet SPIKE Prime
SPIKE Prime (LEGO set 45678) is the main robot platform used in FLL Challenge. This page introduces every electronic component in the kit - what it's called and what it does.
Editions from the 2026-27 season
Starting with the 2026-27 season, FLL Challenge splits into two editions: Founders Edition keeps using SPIKE Prime, while Future Edition uses the new Computer Science & AI set. SPIKE Prime is discontinued for sale, but the app is supported through 2031 and SPIKE teams can compete in Founders Edition through the 2027-28 season. This site targets SPIKE Prime / Founders Edition teams.
The Hub
The hub is the robot's "brain", the yellow box your programs download to and run on.
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| 6 ports (A-F) | Connect motors and sensors; any port accepts any device |
| 5x5 Light Matrix | 25 white LEDs for patterns, text and numbers |
| Left/right buttons | Programmable inputs; offline, they cycle program slots |
| Center button | Power on/off, start/stop the current program (not programmable) |
| Bluetooth button | Wireless pairing with a computer/tablet |
| Built-in 6-axis gyro (IMU) | Measures yaw, pitch and roll angles |
| Speaker | Plays beeps |
| Rechargeable battery | Charges via the USB port on the hub |
Ports have no fixed type
Unlike some older platforms, SPIKE Prime ports A-F are universal: plug any motor or sensor anywhere, then reference that port in your program. Still, a consistent wiring convention (e.g. left wheel A, right wheel E) keeps programs maintainable.
Motors
The kit contains two motor types, both with an absolute position encoder - the motor knows how far it has turned and where its "0-degree mark" is.
- Large Motor: more torque, usually the drive wheels.
- Medium Motor: compact and fast-responding, usually arms/attachments.
Encoders are the foundation of SPIKE's precision: you can tell a motor "turn to the 90° position" or "drive 2 rotations" instead of guessing with timers.
Sensors
| Sensor | Measures | Typical FLL use |
|---|---|---|
| Color Sensor | Color, reflected light intensity (0-100%) | Line following, finding black lines / color marks on the mat |
| Distance Sensor | Distance to obstacles (ultrasonic) | Slowing down near mission models, collision guard |
| Force Sensor | Push force (0-10 N), pressed/released | Start button, wall-contact detection |
| Gyro (built into hub) | How far the robot has turned | Precise turns, straight-line correction |
Each sensor has its own detailed page in the Sensors section.
A typical FLL robot
A common FLL competition robot:
- 2 large motors as left/right drive wheels (differential drive base)
- 1-2 medium motors driving attachments (lift arm, claw, etc.)
- 1-2 color sensors facing down for line following and line detection
- The hub's built-in gyro for heading control
Keep this configuration in mind - the rest of the tutorials build on it.
Learning path
- Install the SPIKE App and connect your hub
- Write your first program
- Finish the five Word Blocks Basics lessons
- Master each sensor
- Take on Advanced Word Blocks: line following, gyro, FLL techniques
- Upgrade to Python for async and PID