I have designed a concept for the LEGO Powered Up Accessory Box. It is a successor to the 8293 Power Functions Motor set and it would be used to upgrade various technic sets. Please see the image below.

My concept contains the basic powered up battery box, a medium motor, lights, the two piecs for the linear clutch, and a few pieces like axles, gears and universal joins just like in the previous power functions motor set

Remember back when we could upgrade so many different cheap technic sets? For example, there would be so many technic sets sold for under $100-$150 that had a single knob and a distribution GEARBOX to control the different functions. Essentially, the motor would replace the manual knob and the functions would be controlled by the gearbox, as seen in many older technic sets like the 8294 excavator, the 8295 telehandler, the 8265 front loader, and so many more! Also manual pneumatics sets would be ready for the power functions accessory box, like the tractor with log loader as well as the ew160e. Using that motor set, you could easily add a motorized pneumatic compressor.

My goal is to bring that same level of motor upgradeability to the new technic sets, as was seen in the power functions era. Also, keep in mind that back in the power functions era, we got many, many more manual sets with a distribution gearbox. These days fully manual sets completely lack a distribution gearbox, as seen with missed opportunities to put the distribution gearboxes in sets like the 42108 mobile crane, which could have EASILY included a distribution gearbox instead of multiple manual knobs that each control their own function.

My point is, that the presence of the previous power functions motor set REQUIRED the designers to add a distribution gearbox to all of the mid-size to larger manual models, the reason why they had the distribution gearboxes, is BECAUSE they had to be motor upgradeable. The distribution gearbox was added so that the single motor in the power functions accessory box could control multiple functions. If we had a powered up accessory box, many of the modern manual models would include a distribution gearbox, BECAUSE they would need to be motor upgradeable due to the powered up motor set. Just the presence of the powered up motor set would automatically cause an increase in the complexity of technic models. These days, the only type of gearbox that modern manual sets get is the speed transmission gearbox, which is WAYYYYYY less fun to play with than a distribution gearbox, and transmissions in manual models are kinda rare in technic sets anyways. Remember that the All Terrain Vehicle is an exception, not the rule when it comes to technic sets. As a kid, I was extremely fascinated with distribution gearboxes, and I still am. But, as a kid, I didn't find speed transmission gearboxes in manual models to be that interesting. The speed of the fake engine slightly changes, so what. But when I played with a distribution gearbox, the same axle that I was spinning suddenly controlled something else! My mind was blown!

For example, my concept could be used to upgrade the 42128 Heavy Duty Tow Truck. The motor could be used to power a pneumatic compressor, making all of the pneumatic functions much more fun to play with. The lights could also be used to upgrade the truck's headlights. Another way this set could be used is to upgrade the 42108 mobile crane, motorizing the functions of the crane! Also remember that if that set were made to be motor upgradeable, it would have contained a distribution gearbox. Many affordable technic sets could easily be motorized with the help of this accessory box. This set could also be an easy way for new fans to get into the Powered Up system. Personally, I greatly enjoyed the ability to upgrade many of my manually operated technic sets using the Power Functions motor set. They were so much more fun to play with after the upgrade. Please let me know what you think of my concept LEGO set.

Also, I go into greater deal regarding my LEGO Powered Up Motor Set concept in my video here, starting at 0:24. If you are more interested in my concept, I strongly urge you to watch it. 

 

I don't see how 42108 could be motorized with that mahoosive battery box.

Edited December 12, 20222 yr by Maaboo35

All prices were taken from Brickset.

C+
Lights: 9.99€
Hub: 34.99€
M Motor: 12.99€
= 58€

PF
Price of 8293 was 36.99€. It had:
Switch: 6.52€
Lights: 7.30€
Box: 7.79€
M Motor: 8.76€
= 30,37€
And few gears + packaging sum up to 37€.

It means that box you are dreaming about would cost more than 60€.

Control + have motors that can be used as a servo or drive motor, which wind up the cost of each motor.
and even motorized C+ sets like 42113 and 42145 use hub and L motor.
 

Sure that the M-motor is still available?

Why not use any other motor

8 minutes ago, M_longer said:

Control + have motors that can be used as a servo or drive motor, which wind up the cost of each motor.

Contol+ is only the app, system is Powered Up.

The medium linear motor is 16,99€

11 minutes ago, Lok24 said:

Why not use any other motor

to keep the price lower

11 minutes ago, Lok24 said:

The medium linear motor is 16,99€

As I said, prices taken from Brickset, maybe before the price rise :)

 

Plus, would the floating koala head on the box be included in the set as well?

1 minute ago, Maaboo35 said:

Plus, would the floating koala head on the box be included in the set as well?

No that's just my watermark to indicate that i designed this concept

Just now, Unbrickme said:

No that's just my watermark to indicate that i designed this concept

Shame. That might have justified the price.

we're talking about different motors ....."simple medium linear motor" 45303 vs. "medium linear motor" 88008

What you call "Hub" might be 88015 "Battery Box"?

 

15 minutes ago, Unbrickme said:

to keep the price lower

Are you sure that the "simple medium linear motor" 45303 is still available?

21 minutes ago, Lok24 said:

Are you sure that the "simple medium linear motor" 45303 is still available?

I looked it up, and it turns out that the motor in question is not available on the main LEGO website. On the LEGO education website, it says that the motor is retiring soon. 

1 hour ago, Maaboo35 said:

I don't see how 42108 could be motorized with that mahoosive battery box.

Its predecessor the 8053 could easily be motorized with the power functions battery box, and the new battery box is not that much bigger. I guess if the set were designed to accommodate upgradeability the back would be more optimized for the new battery box