| Robot hobbyists, come aboard. Lego has come | | | | NXT give user's creations a whole new level |
| up with the next generation Lego Mindstorm, | | | | of awareness. Ultrasonic sensors allow robots |
| NXT. The real easy way of forming, | | | | to "see", sound sensors enable robots to |
| programming, and manipulating your very own | | | | react to sound commands including sound |
| robotic Lego creation. Don?t be intimidated. | | | | pattern and tone recognition. Improved light |
| You need not be a true blue robotics expert | | | | and touch sensors allow your robot to see |
| to enjoy the Lego Mindstorm NXT. Amateurs and | | | | colors and feel or touch objects. |
| professionals, kids and adults alike would | | | | |
| definitely enjoy the collection | | | | When it comes to programming, this will be |
| spontaneously. | | | | the fun part. Programming gurus would |
| | | | definitely have a kick out of it. Novices |
| The same concept in Lego building is | | | | will find it simple and easy. There?s a |
| followed. You need to have the usual Lego | | | | series of commands that you can select, drag |
| building blocks that come with the kit. The | | | | and drop into your set of commands. Click a |
| kit includes about 519 parts that you piece | | | | button and watch your creation perform the |
| together. You can either follow the | | | | task. |
| instructions on the guide that comes with it | | | | |
| or add your creativity and construct your own | | | | You can select a series of preset commands in |
| robot creation The Lego Mindstorm NXT guide | | | | there. This means that no programming |
| contains easy to follow guides and pictures. | | | | knowledge is required whatsoever. Codes are |
| You can deviate from the design as you wish. | | | | already in there, ready for you to select and |
| Since it?s easy to follow, kids will find it | | | | activate. Good for newbies. The robot can go |
| simple and enjoyable to do. Big kids would | | | | different directions, reverse, or roll over. |
| look forward to the programming part of the | | | | There?s also an option to create your own |
| Lego Mindstorm. | | | | chain of program codes which professionals |
| | | | will find appealing. The robot can do plain |
| The Lego Mindstorm?s robotic ability to | | | | or complicated tasks depending on the user. |
| execute commands is because of the NXT main | | | | |
| data controller named the "intelligent | | | | This program will then be beamed from the |
| brick". There it contains the firmware, the | | | | computer via Bluetooth or the included USB |
| memory and the program needed for it to work. | | | | 2.0 cable to your Lego Mindstorm NXT robot. |
| This is the big yellow Lego brick that you?d | | | | Then just sit back and watch your Lego |
| construct the robot on. You?ll build around | | | | Mindstorm NXT robot execute your commands. |
| this piece. The heart of the new system is | | | | The Lego Mindstorm is simply not just a toy. |
| the NXT brick, an autonomous 32-bit LEGO | | | | It is actually used by universities teaching |
| microprocessor that can be programmed using a | | | | robotics. The simple robotic logic and design |
| PC, or for the first time in the retail | | | | will be good for students to understand the |
| offering, a Mac. After building their robots, | | | | basics of robotics. Lego Mindstorm NXT will |
| users create a program within easy-to-use yet | | | | enhance your creativity, skills, and |
| feature-rich software, powered by LabVIEW | | | | technical background. Highly recommended to |
| from National Instruments. | | | | hobbyists out there. It?s very technical yet |
| | | | simple. Right on for anyone?s taste. |
| The addition of sensors to the Lego Mindstorm | | | | |