LEGO Builder Gets a Brain! Introducing AI-Powered Building!

Hey everyone!

It's been an exciting couple of weeks working on the LEGO Builder, and I'm thrilled to announce the biggest update yet. Have you ever had a brilliant idea for a creation but weren't sure how to start? Well, now you can just ask!

Build With Your Words: The AI Builder is Here!

You can now use the power of AI to bring your ideas to life. There's a new "AI Builder" panel right at the top of the UI.

How it works is simple:

1. Describe your idea in the new text box. Go on, be creative! "A small red car with yellow wheels," "a bridge over an invisible river," or "a green spaceship"—give it a try!
2. Add your API key. The builder uses Google's Gemini AI. You can get a free key from the Google AI Studio to get started.
3. Hit "Build with AI" and watch as the bricks appear in your scene!

It's still experimental, so consider it a creative partner that can kickstart your building process with a solid foundation.

More Control, Less Hassle

This update isn't just about the AI. I've also added a bunch of quality-of-life improvements based on feedback and to support this new feature:

• Choose Your AI Model: You can now select from a list of different Gemini models. Some might be faster, others might be more creative. Once you enter your API key, the list will show you what's available.
• No More API Key-Pasting: The app will now securely save your API key and chosen model in your browser's local storage. You only have to enter it once!
• Easy Cleanup: Added a "Clear Key" button to remove your saved key, and a "Clear Scene" button in the Controls panel to instantly wipe the build area clean—perfect for starting a new AI creation.

Behind the Scenes: Teaching the AI

The biggest challenge was teaching the AI how to "speak LEGO." In early tests, the AI would sometimes get creative and send back instructions with weird math problems inside them, or use color codes that the builder didn't understand. This would cause the builds to fail.

I've since had a long "chat" with the AI (okay, I tweaked its instructions a lot!) to make sure it follows the rules, calculates positions correctly, and uses the right colors. It’s now a much more reliable construction partner.

What Will You Create?

I am so excited to see what gets built with this new tool. Please, feel free to share what you've created in the comments below! It's always great to see the amazing things people come up with.

What should the AI learn next? More complex pieces? Functional parts like hinges and wheels? Let me know your ideas!

Happy creating!