What is the LEGO SPIKE Prime Super Cleanup robot?

Super Cleanup is a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime activity where students build and program a grabber-style robot that can pick up, move, and release objects.

Is this a beginner robotics project?

Yes. It works well for beginners when students build the base first, test the motor and sensor before adding the claw, and break the mission into small code steps.

What should students test after building the robot?

Students should test different objects, jaw shapes, motor speeds, and release positions, then record which design choices make the cleanup robot more reliable.

Do I need the official LEGO SPIKE Prime set?

The guide is written for LEGO Education SPIKE Prime set #45678 or a similar LEGO robotics kit with a hub, motor, wheels, beams, pins, and a simple grabber mechanism.

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LEGO SPIKE Prime Super Cleanup Robot Guide

Build a LEGO SPIKE Prime Super Cleanup-style grabber robot, then program, troubleshoot, and test how well it picks up different objects.

Medium · 2-3 hours · SPIKE Prime Set #45678

LEGO SPIKE Prime Super Cleanup Robot Guide

This guide is built around the official LEGO Education Super Cleanup lesson. The build books below contain the exact snapping order. Use them alongside these steps.

Avanza STEM is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the LEGO Group. LEGO, SPIKE Prime, and LEGO Education are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not review or sponsor this guide.

Introduction

This project is not just any robot. You are building a grabber-style cleanup machine inspired by LEGO Education's SPIKE Prime Super Cleanup activity.

Avanza STEM is not affiliated with LEGO, but this guide helps students understand the compatible build idea, setup steps, code logic, and troubleshooting behind the lesson.

The Why

A grabber robot mixes mechanics and programming. The base must stay balanced, the motor must transfer motion into the claw, and the code must tell the machine when to drive, grab, and release.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Open the official Super Cleanup lesson and the build books before you begin.
2
Sort the hub, motor, sensor, wheels, beams, pins, and axles into easy-to-see groups.
3
Build the wide rolling base first so the robot stays balanced.
4
Add the front tower and grabber arm support.
5
Mount the motor, sensor, and front jaws so the robot can grip objects.
6
Load a simple cleanup routine that tells the robot to grab, move, and release.
7
Run fair tests with different objects and compare what works best.

Setup checklist

Charge the SPIKE Prime hub before class or testing time.
Update the SPIKE app or web app so the hub, motor, and sensor connect reliably.
Pair the hub, then test the motor by turning it slowly before attaching the claw.
Place three test objects nearby: one light, one round, and one awkwardly shaped.

How it works

Three engineering ideas behind why the robot is built the way it is.

Why a wide base matters: When the grabber reaches forward, the robot's weight shifts forward too. A low, wide base keeps the center of gravity above the wheels so the robot doesn't tip over. Think of it like leaning forward with a heavy backpack. Your feet need to be wide apart to stay balanced.
How the motor becomes a grabber: The motor spins in a circle, but the beams and pins redirect that circular motion into a claw that opens and closes. This is the same idea engineers use in cranes, factory grippers, and doors.
Why functions make the code easier to fix: Instead of one giant script, the official Python lesson splits the mission into small jobs: grab(), drive(), release(). If the robot grabs badly, you only need to fix that one function instead of rewriting everything.

Code plan or pseudocode

The exact blocks or Python commands depend on your SPIKE setup, but the robot should follow this logic: grab, drive, release, then reset for another test.

def grab():
    close_claw_until_object_is_held()

def drive_to_drop_zone():
    drive_forward_for_seconds(2)
    turn_toward_drop_area()

def release():
    open_claw()
    back_up_safely()

grab()
drive_to_drop_zone()
release()

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
Robot tips forward	Move heavy parts lower, widen the base, or reduce how far the grabber reaches before lifting.
Claw does not grip	Check the motor cable, reduce friction in the jaw, and test smaller objects before heavier ones.
Robot drives crooked	Make sure both wheels are attached firmly and use the same speed value for the left and right motors.
Code runs in the wrong order	Split the mission into named functions such as grab, drive, and release, then test one function at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LEGO SPIKE Prime Super Cleanup robot?: Super Cleanup is a LEGO Education SPIKE Prime activity where students build and program a grabber-style robot that can pick up, move, and release objects.
Is this a beginner robotics project?: Yes. It works well for beginners when students build the base first, test the motor and sensor before adding the claw, and break the mission into small code steps.
What should students test after building the robot?: Students should test different objects, jaw shapes, motor speeds, and release positions, then record which design choices make the cleanup robot more reliable.
Do I need the official LEGO SPIKE Prime set?: The guide is written for LEGO Education SPIKE Prime set #45678 or a similar LEGO robotics kit with a hub, motor, wheels, beams, pins, and a simple grabber mechanism.

Related Projects for Kids

Once the robot can grab, drive, and release on command, try writing your first Python program to practice the same step-by-step thinking with text instead of blocks, or follow the full robotics curriculum path for what to build next.