LEGO Mindstorms
LEGO Mindstorms are a new generation of Lego Robots that can be manipulated using microcomputers, light and touch sensors, an infrared transmitter and programming. Mindstorms have captured the imagination of adults and children alike, creating a subculture of Mindstorm enthusiasts around the world. The kits are now a staple part of engineering and computer science classes at many Universities.
The Robotics Invention System is the core set in the amazingly innovative and - consider yourself warned - highly addictive Mindstorms series from LEGO. Combining the power of your PC with an onboard RCX (Robot Command Explorer) microcomputer, LEGO gives you the tools to construct thousands of sophisticated robotic inventions. But don't let the technology scare you. As always, LEGO sets can be as simple or as complex as you want. Twelve "Guided Challenges" take you through the construction of various robots. Just build your robot, assemble its instructions on the PC, and then download to the robot's RCX through the infrared transmitter.
See also: Lego Mindstorms Books, Lego Mindstorms Kits
LEGO Mindstorms Links
- Lego Mindstorms
The Official LEGO MINDSTORMS web site has the latest official news and information on the line of products that lets you build and program robots that do what you want.
- BrickShelf.com
The online resource for LEGO fans, with a huge collection of scans from LEGO instructions and catalogs, plus a large gallery of fan-contributed LEGO project pictures, and more.
- Lego Mindstorms Internals
Detailed info on the guts of the machines. Discussion of the operating system, infrared communications, command summary, electronic circuitry, and firmware, as well as a great quantity links to other Mindstorms technical resources. Also check out the RCX Internals site for more technical details.
- LUGNET
The international fan-created "LEGO Users Group Network". A place for LEGO fans of all ages to find information, meet one another, and share ideas. As an independent site by fans, for fans, it is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the LEGO Company, but contains loads of useful forums where users can share information, help each other out, or learn the latest tips.
- Wikipedia Lego Mindstorms
The Wikipedia entry for Lego Mindstorms contains a brief history of the product line, including highlights of the kit evolution, a summary of available programming languages, and links to other Lego Mindstorms information on the web.
