Lego’s Mindstorms NXT Robot Kit

Posted by Peter Brady on Wed 25th October 2006 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Gadgets,  Toys

I could only dream of toys like this in my childhood. That’s exactly what Lego’s Mindstorms NXT robot kit is - a child’s dream. It’s probably a bit of a dream come true for some of us grown ups too. Hence, the unprecedented demand from British University robotics departments.

So what’s the fuss all about?

Well, the kits are going to retail for around £180 ($333) and for that you get the ubiquitous lego bricks, sensors and a brain which is programmable. From this you have the flexibility to build robots that move on command, see movements or (more importantly for the kids) attack things!

The really cool bit is that it’s actions are all programmable via your PC, using the Lego Mindstorms NXT software which “enables you to program your NXT robotic invention and upload your programs to the NXT via USB or Bluetooth connectivity. The intuitive Mac and PC compatible drag and drop software, powered by National Instruments LabVIEW, comes with building instructions and programming guides to easily begin constructing and programming with MINDSTORMS NXT.”

As with all lego, the real beauty of this product is that you can let your creative juices run wild.  So a humanoid robot with lobster like pincers is very much a possibility.

Or how about some of these cool creations:

Guard Bot

“Scans your room for intruders! - This is one robot who’s serious about his job. He’ll wait silently for someone to try to sneak into your room, then take a photo with your digital camera and send an alert message to your phone!”

Bone Bot

“This mischievous bot just loves to steal dog bones. Once he’s grabbed one, he’s off in a flash of spinning tires and crazy laughter! Take the bone away, and he barks for it back just like a real pooch.”

Throw Bot

“Need to get rid of those Brussels sprouts in a hurry? Just call on the ever-faithful Throw Bot. Quick as a wink, those vegetables will be out of sight and out of mind. Just don’t let Mom Bot catch you in the act!”

One home truth about this remarkable product is that you’re not going to construct these things in five minutes flat. Which maybe a problem for kids of an impatient disposition. However, if you stick with it, the opportunities really begin to open up when you get to grips with the software and it’s interaction with the array of sensors that include:

• Ultrasonic sensor - for detection of objects.

• Touch sensor - gives your robot the ability to pick objects up.

• Sound sensor - can detect both decibels.

• Light sensor - enables your robot to distinguish between light and dark.

And get this - once you’ve created your very own “Johnny Five Alive” you can set it up to receive commands via your mobile, or act like a robo alarm for your home, sending a text message if it detects movement in your home.

With a growing online community you’re not going be short of new innovations and software to experiment with either.

I love this product so much that I would go as far to say that this is one of the most revolutionary, innovative and iconic gifts that we’ve ever taken a look at. 

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