LEGO Midstorms NXT

From:

"The heart of the new system is the NXT brick, an autonomous 32-bit LEGO microprocessor that can be programmed using a PC, or for the first time in the retail offering, a Mac. After building their robots, users create a program within easy-to-use yet feature-rich software, powered by LabVIEW from National Instruments.

Downloading programs to an invention is easy. Users with Bluetooth®-enabled computer hardware can transfer their programs to the NXT wirelessly, or anyone can use the included USB 2.0 cable to connect their computer to the NXT for program transfer. The robot then takes on a life of its own, fully autonomous from the computer. The inclusion of Bluetooth technology also extends possibilities for controlling robots remotely, for example, from a mobile phone or PDA.

...

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT highlights include:

? All-new NXT intelligent brick ? 3 interactive servo motors feature inbuilt rotation sensors to align speed for precise control ? New ultrasonic sensor makes robots ?see? by responding to movement ? New sound sensor enables robots to react to sound commands, including sound pattern and tone recognition ? Improved light sensor detects different colors and light intensity ? Improved touch sensor reacts to touch or release and allows robots to feel ? 519 hand-selected, stylized elements from the LEGO TECHNIC® building system ensure robot creations will be sturdy and durable while also looking authentic ? Opportunities for physical programming of robots and interaction with robots during programming ? 18 building challenges with clear, step-by-step instructions help acclimate users to the new system to create robots ranging from humanoids and machinery to animals and vehicles ? Digital wire interface allows for third-party developments ? Information, inspiration, news, community programs and more at

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT will be available at most toy and discount merchandise retailers, select consumer electronics retailers or online at

in August 2006 and will have a suggested retail price of $249.99 (USD) and $ 379.99 (CAD). A special version for school and institutional use is also releasing later this year."

Mitch

What CPU does it use? ARM7 or some other ones? // richard

--Just got a catalog from Lego and there's no mention of it; just the usual crap. You'd think if they were serious about this there'd be some mention of it..

well,

Serious enough to go to CES...

This would have been pretty cool 2-3 years ago. I think they waited a little too long. With so many imported robotic toys like the Robosabien, I'm not sure the LEGO stuff is all that captivating any more for kids. Apart from FIRST and some school activities, Mindstorms will still be mainly for adult tinkering. That's not bad, but I don't think LEGO will see the same insane market it had in the late 90s and early 2000s.

-- Gordon

blueeyedp>

Release date August 2006. Teases.

Mark

They are very serious, both the NTX and RCX will be allowed for the Lego Leagues in 2006. The best thing is they listen very well to the Lego community, and put the most wanted features into the NTX. They just opened a list for the "100 early testers", so you could give it a try.

Stef Mientki