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LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Launch in CHINA for LEGO Education ...Dear diary,

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July 15, 2013 - Changchun
Landing to Changchun, China. Woohoo! However my luggage -including what's important …my EV3 robots- are still missing somewhere in Beijing (don't ask, my fault apparently).  A warm welcome from Eric Steenstra and LEGO Education’s territory manager at the airport and everything feels much better!

July 16, 2013
We have to prepare the setup in Changchun. My robots are still in Beijing and news are not so optimistic.  We decide to proceed to plan-B: Build and program a new set of robots within the next 12 hours. I, Eric and the guys from LEGO Education we start working hard ...well we're not really stressed because we can do it! Late at night my robots arrive in Changchun!!! Everything looks cool now! 

July 17, 2013
The campus of the Changchun university is huge and superb, full of kids of all ages and thousands of Chinese teachers. The national robotic competition (FLL) is held at the Sport and Culture center of the campus and in a separate area we 're demonstrating our EV3 models. 
Eric and I, a kid controlling my soccer-bot and the LEGO Education crew in Changchun
Eric with runs his line followers and Martyn's bonus model and I with my EV3 soccer robots with the 2-gyro/single-hand EV3 controllers (ST3FILALA design). 

Of course, EV3RSTORM is here too! The kids are having a blast!!! 
EV3RSTORM and fans!
Some interviews at the Chinese Television and many discussions with kids and teachers. Late at night we are flying to Beijing!

July 18, 2013 - Beijing 
Everything should be perfect for the grand launch! …quite stressful day! Ask Eric!!! 

July 19th, 2013 
The official EV3 launch is held in the famous Water Cube (2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium). Since the morning the wonderful reception and showroom areas are busy with journalists, media and students. Inspiring speeches by the LEGO Education's director of sales from Billund, the manager in China, the CEO of the local distributor (SEMIA) and Ethan Danahy, research assistant professor from TUFTS.

On stage with our robots and LEGO Education's Gyro Boy and Elephant
The new LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Education models perform amazingly on stage. Then Eric and I we're presenting some of the EV3 features and demonstrating our models. Great moments! 
Eric's line follower (with mechanum wheels and 4 colour sensors),  EV3RSTORM and my ST3FILALA soccer robots

Later, press conference, pictures for magazines and lot of interviews. The day ends with a wonderful celebration dinner! WOW …everything was fantastic!

July 20th, 2013
Back to the airport and finally all safe to our homes with lot of great memories! 

THANK YOU CHINA!
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