Next generation robotics platforms

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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.”

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