LEGO Mindstorms NXT

The four sensors are very cool.

Ultrasonic sensor: Can detect distance and movement. The distance sensor is very cool and can make for some cool programs.

Light sensor: Can detect brightness and color. The robot can be programmed to pickup only the blue or red ball, which is included.

Push sensor: Detects when something bumps against it. This is basically just a toggle switch.

Sound sensor: Detects the volume and tone of sound.

Lego gives you a number of plans to follow, as well as some basic plans to build off of. For example, the crawler and driver platforms allow you to start with either an "insect" or "car" type robot.

The brick takes 6 double A batteries. Rechargeable batteries work well.

for its intended purpose, the LabView "lite" is perfect. And what is that purpose, you might wonder: to enable kids ages 8 to actually write robotics code, take measurements and control motion.

With regards to the programming required - In contrast to "left-brained" logic with typed instructions (e.g. C/C , BASIC, etc.) this is "right-brained" symbolic, intuitive programming. You don't have to write code for a "do loop", just drag a "loop block" and it will "do" what is needed. Variables? Just drag a "wire" from block to block and the data will be where you need it. Interrupts? You can have multiple threads and each can be waiting for specific data and react when it appears. Debug? Okay, it's trial and error, but the trials are short and the errors easy to fix.

As for execution speed of the compiler, I tried it on both a Mac and a PC (both about 1GHz and latest software, etc.) and found the PC to be significantly slower and quirkier but still very easy to use. (note: the install on my PC was a real pain, but trivial on the Mac)

Now for the good (read "geek") part: the Lego folks are making the SDK's for the processor and the Bluetooth interface available soon and there are alternative ways to create programs for the brick even now using C/C like instructions. The processor is ARM-based (it's everywhere!) so writing assembler is not out of the question as there are plenty of tools available.

LEGO Mindstorms NXT

Lego Mindstorms is one of the best and most innovative product ideas that Lego has come up with. The ability to create programmable robots is fascinating and intriguing to say the least. In the Lego Mindstorms NXT set, you can now create a super advanced Lego robot, and that too in 30 minutes! The Lego robot has a new 32 bit microprocessor, ramped up memory, USB and Bluetooth capabilities. The instructions are in the step by step format and pretty easy to follow.

The finished robots actually respond to sounds and lights. Another cool feature is the ability to control your robot via your cell phone.

The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor's Guide

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set includes a variety of powerful electronic parts (motors, sensors, and the programmable NXT microcomputer) and lots of building elements. With these parts you can create thousands of unique, intelligent robots. The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor's Guide helps you to harness the capabilities of the NXT set and effectively plan, build, and program your own NXT robots.

The first part of the book contains a brief introduction to the NXT set. You'll then examine the pieces in the NXT set and the roles they play in construction. Next, you'll learn practical building techniques, like how to build sturdy structures and work with gears. Then it's time to learn how to program with the official NXT-G programming language (and learn a bit about several unofficial programming languages). You'll also learn what author David J. Perdue calls the MINDSTORMS method: a strategy for creating your own robots. Finally, you'll follow step-by-step instructions for building, programming, and testing six sample robots (all of which can be built using only the parts found in one NXT set). These six robots include:

• Zippy-Bot, a two-wheeled vehicle with a ball caster


• Bumper-Bot, a version of Zippy-Bot that explores your room and avoids objects


• Claw-Bot, a version of Zippy-Bot that searches for objects and pushes them away with its claw


• Tag-Bot, a four-wheeled steering vehicle that dashes around while you try to "tag" it with a flashlight


• Guard-Bot, a six-legged walking robot that launches a ball at intruders


• Golf-Bot, a stationary robot that finds a target and then hits a ball into the target


You'll also find an NXT-G Quick Reference, which provides information on the 30 types of standard programming blocks, and the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Piece Library, which features detailed information and images of the more than 80 types of LEGO pieces in the NXT set.

The main part of the kit is the NXT itself. It's about the size of an iPod (though a bit thicker) with a a loudspeaker, a monochrome LCD, and navigation keys on the front. This is the controller for the robot--it's brain, if you will. It has three ports on top for connecting to the servo motors and four ports on the bottom for connecting to four different sensors: Touch, Light, Sound, and Ultrasonic

Each of the parts labeled in the figure are:

1. The NXT: the computer-controlled brain of the Mindstorms robot
2. Touch Sensor: enables the robot to feel and react to its environment
3. Sound Sensor: enables the robot to react to sound
4. Light Sensor: can detect light and color
5. Ultrasonic Sensor: allows the robot to measure distance and react to movement
6. Servo Motors: ensures the robot moves with precision

The set includes Ethernet-like wires for connecting all of these to the NXT, as well as software and a basic USB cable for downloading programs from your computer. Then there are all the Lego parts, hundreds of them, and most are very small. It would be a good idea to get a plastic organizer for the different parts--it would not only make construction and storage easier but also part loss less likely.

The instructions for MNXT are simple, illustrated, and they gently take the new user on an introductory path through the system. The quick start guide promises a 30-minute robot building and programing intro, though for me it was closer to 50 (I'm a little old and slow). It starts with a simple diagnostic routine which shows you how to test the function of all sensors, then proceeds to step-by-step picture instructions for building a basic first robot. It's about as complex as building a piece of Ikea furniture.

Programming is the real gem in this system. It has a drag-and-drop interface using pre-programmed objects that you pull from a palette and snap to other objects.

The software is well-designed and very intuitive. It comes with built-in video instructions on how to create your first simple program and download it to your NXT. For example, the Sound object brings up a sub-window that allows you to choose between a tone and a list of sound files, set the volume, set duration, and so on. Little Lego bricks between the objects reinforce the idea that building a NXT program is like building a Lego model. Programming this way is much easier than, say, creating a web page from scratch. Lego even offers a software development kit for getting deeper into the programming.

There comes a genuine thrill from seeing something you've created--even something simple and silly as my first program--come to life in a robot. It's akin to seeing yourself on TV for the first time. I played that program a dozen times.

The software contains "challenges," which are similar step-by-step instructions for creating and programming more complex models, such as a robotic arm that can "perform simple tasks and react to different colors." Each challenge is divided into smaller tasks with step-by-step building, programming, and testing guides for each task.

Accessing your latest program once it's downloaded to the NXT is pretty easy. Lego has set it up so that you can execute it by pressing the big orange center button four times in a row after start-up. I was surprised to find out that you don't need a computer to program the NXT. You can program directly into the NXT Program submenu.

The NXT also has built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. If your computer has Bluetooth, you can test and download programs to the NXT without connecting the USB cable--a really handy feature if you're programming a complicated dance routine and you don't want your robot getting tripped up in cables. If your phone or PDA has Bluetooth, you might be able to use your device to control the robot. Best of all, Bluetooth allows you to create a network of up to three NXT devices. Think of the possibilities: three NXTs plus three sets of blocks and sensors equals bigger, more complex robots.

My one and only complaint is that I wish the sensors had more "studs," those little round parts that allows Lego bricks to interlock. --Porter B. Hall

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book:
Design, Invent, and Build

If you're serious about having fun with LEGO robotics, you've come to the right place. The team behind The NXT STEP blog--the authoritative online source for MINDSTORMS NXT information and advice--has packaged its considerable skills and experience in this book. Inside, you'll find some of the team's best ideas for creating cool and sophisticated models, including instructions for eight robots you can build yourself.

Follow along with the MINDSTORMS NXT experts as they explain the fundamentals of programming and design, accompanied by CAD-style drawings and an abundance of screenshots that make it easy for you to master the MINDSTORMS NXT system. You'll get an overview of the NXT parts (beams, sensors, axles, gears, and so on) and clear instructions for combining them to build and program working robots. The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book delves into the complexities of the NXT programming language (NXT-G) and offers tips for designing and programming robots, using Bluetooth, creating an NXT remote control, troubleshooting, and much more.

Here are just a few of the robots you'll learn to build in The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book:

• RaSPy, a robot that plays Rock, Scissors, Paper


• 3D PhotoBot, a robot that will help you take photographs that can be converted into 3D images


• Slot Machine, complete with flashing lights and a lever


• ScanBot, a robot that scans black-and-white pictures and displays the images on the NXT's LCD


• Beach Buggy Chair, a roving, rambling robot


• CraneBot, a crane-like grabbing robot

LEGO fans of all ages will find this book to be an ideal jumping-off point for doing more with MINDSTORMS NXT. The only ingredient you need to add is your imagination!

Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms NXT

The Ultimate Tool for MINDSTORMS® Maniacs
The new MINDSTORMS kit has been updated to include a programming brick, USB cable, RJ11-like cables, motors, and sensors. This book updates the robotics information to be compatible with the new set and to show how sound, sight, touch, and distance issues are now dealt with.

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT and its predecessor, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System (RIS), have been called "the most creative play system ever developed." This book unleashes the full power and potential of the tools, sensors, and components that make up LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. It also provides a unique insight on newer studless building techniques as well as interfacing with the traditional studded beams. Some of the world's leading LEGO MINDSTORMS inventors share their knowledge and development secrets. You will discover an incredible range of ideas to inspire your next invention. This is the ultimate insider's look at LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT system and is the perfect book whether you build world-class competitive robots or just like to mess around for the fun of it.

Featuring an introduction by astronaut Dan Barry and written by Dave Astolfo, Invited Member of the MINDSTORMS Developer Program and MINDSTORMS Community Partners (MCP) groups, and Mario and Guilio Ferrari, authors of the bestselling Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms, this book covers:

• Understanding LEGO Geometry


• Playing with Gears


• Controlling Motors


• Reading Sensors


• What's New with the NXT?


• Building Strategies


• Programming the NXT


• Playing Sounds and Music


• Becoming Mobile


• Getting Pumped: Pneumatics


• Finding and Grabbing Objects


• Doing the Math


• Knowing Where You Are


• Classic Projects


• Building Robots That Walk


• Robotic Animals


• Solving a Maze


• Drawing and Writing


• Racing Against Time


• Hand-to-Hand Combat


• Searching for Precision

LEGO Mindstorms NXT Power Programming:
Robotics in C

NXT Power Programming delivers everything you need to create the robot you've always dreamed about. This is the definitive guide to C programming by the developer of some of the most powerful and popular development tools for LEGO MINDSTORMS. John C. Hansen presents a comprehensive yet friendly set of tools that allow you to create almost any robot you can imagine.

Inside, you'll find an ingenious set of projects that explore the complete arsenal of NXT functionality. At the heart of these projects is Versa, a versatile mobile robot platform utilizing modular attachments.

Master the Art of:

• NXC, a C language for the NXT


• BricxCC, a full featured programming environment


• Sensors and Motors


• Utilities for Music, Sound Sampling, Graphics and more


• NBC, an Assembler Language for the NXT


• Building Robots without Bricks


• Handheld Arcade Games on the NXT


• An Intruder System using a Sphere Cannon


• NXT to NXT Bluetooth communications


• NXT to Bluetooth devices


• The latest sensors from HiTechnic and mindsensors.com