Next generation robotics platforms
December 2009
Motion Control & Drives
National Instruments updates graphical software for LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT.
National Instruments has announced a new version of its intuitive drag-and-drop software that powers the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 robotics kits for retail and education. With this system, children as young as nine years old can design their own robots using new features such as colour recognition, Bluetooth support and additional robot models that offer children more options to express their creativity. The software, which will be included with all NXT 2.0 kits, is based on the widely adopted NI LabVIEW graphical programming software, which provides children easy-to-use, drag-and-drop functionality to program their robotic creations. With this software, students simply drag and drop icons that are representative of the various tasks they want their robots to perform, similar to how professional engineers and scientists control today’s latest robots with LabVIEW.
“We are constantly amazed at how graphical programming based on LabVIEW makes the NXT simultaneously powerful and easy to use,” said Lars Nyengaard, director of innovation and robotics for the LEGO Group. “We are proud to have built the MINDSTORMS software around LabVIEW technology, which uses picture-based interaction that facilitates a fun and creative design experience for children. This next generation delivers new features to help our young customers increase their interest and knowledge in robotics.”
First released in 2006, the software has been used by children around the world both at home and in the classroom. The hands-on system engages student curiosity and helps teach problem-solving and analytical skills that are vital in the 21st century workplace. NXT 2.0 software creates the possibility for new types of robotic customisation so that no two robots are alike. Software features include support for a new colour recognition sensor, which helps robots perform colour-matching tasks and sense light levels, and programmatic Bluetooth support. Additionally, new sound and image editors can load images and sounds into the robot’s memory for display on the LCD screen or to play back the sound of choice. Children also can share project files with friends using the new Pack-N-Go project packager.
“LEGO and NI share a vision of inspiring today’s students to be tomorrow’s innovators,” said Ray Almgren, vice president of academic relations at National Instruments. “We believe that NXT, powered by LabVIEW graphical programming, helps children explore technology and provides an important hands-on learning platform that develops creativity and ingenuity in today’s students.”
Further reading:
Record-breaking dragline relocation
Motion Control & Drives
Draglines are key pieces of equipment in open-pit mining. BHP Mitsubishi Alliance entrusted Mammoet with the relocation of a 3100 ton Marion 8050 dragline from one end of the Peak Downs coal mine in Queensland, Australia to another, a full 27 km away.
Read more...
igus expands 3D printing capabilities
igus
Motion Control & Drives
Motion plastics specialist, igus South Africa has introduced a new 3D printing service capable of producing custom parts in two engineering-grade polymers with exceptional strength and without the need for lubrication.
Read more...
Bühler‘s new die refurbishment machine
Motion Control & Drives
Bühler has reinforced its commitment to customers in southern Africa with the installation of a new die refurbishment machine at its Johannesburg workshop.
Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE drives innovation at automotive plant
SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
[Sponsored] A major automotive manufacturer in Gauteng has boosted its operational efficiency, safety and energy savings with the installation of SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced MOVIGEAR mechatronic drive system in its newly expanded buffering zone.
Read more...
Reimagining rotation for a circular and sustainable future
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Through the design and manufacture of components with sustainability at their core, SKF is reimagining the future of rotation, rolling away from traditional, consumable-based thinking toward a smarter, more sustainable circular approach.”
Read more...
Optimising operational efficiencies through advanced filtration systems
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
Filtration is the only effective defense against wear and tear when contaminants are present. It is therefore critical that effective filter components are correctly used to ensure dependable performance, high efficiency and extended service life of machinery and vehicles.
Read more...
A world first in maintenance
Motion Control & Drives
Lutz Pumpen has therefore developed a filling tool called Lutz Lube Drive, which considerably simplifies the maintenance process. The idea is that a commercial cordless screwdriver becomes the motor of a pump tube.
Read more...
The future of robotics
Motion Control & Drives
Research into robotics and autonomy uncovers some of the up-and-coming industrial uses and applications within the sector, including for automotives and logistics, as well as for personal and commercial use.
Read more...
Customised electromechanical systems for Africa’s toughest industrial environments
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical, a South African-based manufacturer of specialised electromechanical equipment, is reinforcing its position as a leading custom solutions provider to the mining, utilities, industrial and renewable energy sectors.
Read more...
Epiroc strengthens productivity and sustainability
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc is accelerating the transformation towards more productive and sustainable mining operations with the introduction of the new Minetruck MT22. The new 22-ton underground truck is designed for mining operations with small drift sizes, delivering increased effectiveness, reduced exhaust emissions, lower fuel consumption and extended service intervals.
Read more...
printer friendly version