A set of projects explores NXT functionality and focuses on Versa, a mobile robot platform utilizing modular attachments.

A set of projects explores NXT functionality and focuses on Versa, a mobile robot platform utilizing modular attachments.

Furnishes detailed, step-by-step instructions for designing, constructing, and programming ten innovative robots--including the Grabbot, Dragster, and The Hand--with detailed guidelines on how a NXT program works and its applications in the world of robotics. Original. (All Users)

The Ultimate Tool for MINDSTORMS® ManiacsThe new MINDSTORMS kit has been updated to include a programming brick, USB cable, RJ11-like cables, motors, and sensors. This book updates the robotics information to be compatible with the new set and to show how sound, sight, touch, and distance issues are now dealt with. The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT and its predecessor, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System (RIS), have been called "the most creative play system ever developed." This book unleashes the full power and potential of the tools, sensors, and components that make up LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. It also provides a unique insight on newer studless building techniques as well as interfacing with the traditional studded beams. Some of the world's leading LEGO MINDSTORMS inventors share their knowledge and development secrets. You will discover an incredible range of ideas to inspire your next invention. This is the ultimate insider's look at LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT system and is the perfect book whether you build world-class competitive robots or just like to mess around for the fun of it.Featuring an introduction by astronaut Dan Barry and written by Dave Astolfo, Invited Member of the MINDSTORMS Developer Program and MINDSTORMS Community Partners (MCP) groups, and Mario and Guilio Ferrari, authors of the bestselling Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms, this book covers:Understanding LEGO GeometryPlaying with GearsControlling MotorsReading SensorsWhat's New with the NXT?Building StrategiesProgramming the NXTPlaying Sounds and MusicBecoming MobileGetting Pumped: PneumaticsFinding and Grabbing ObjectsDoing the MathKnowing Where You AreClassic ProjectsBuilding Robots That WalkRobotic AnimalsSolving a MazeDrawing and WritingRacing Against TimeHand-to-Hand CombatSearching for Precision - Complete coverage of the new Mindstorms NXT kit - Brought to you by the DaVinci's of LEGO - Updated edition of a bestseller

Helps readers harness the capabilities of the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set and effectively plan, build and program NXT 2.0 robots, offering an overview of the pieces in the NXT set, practical building techniques, instruction on the official NXT-G programming language and step-by-step instructions for building, programming and testing a variety of sample robots. Original.

Winning Design! LEGO Mindstorms NXT Design Patterns for Fun and Competition is about design that works. It’s about building with LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT for fun, for education, but especially for competition. Author James Trobaugh is an experienced coach and leader in the FIRST LEGO League. In this book, he shares his hard-won knowledge about design principles and techniques that contribute to success in robotics competitions. Winning Design! unlocks the secrets of reliable design using LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. You’ll learn proven design patterns that you can employ for common tasks such as turning, pushing, and pulling. You’ll reduce and compensate for variation in performance from battery charge levels and motor calibration differences. You’ll produce designs that won’t frustrate you by not working, but that will delight you with their reliable performance in the heat of competition. Good design is about more than just the hardware. Software counts for a lot, and Winning Design! has you covered. You’ll find chapters on program design and organization with tips on effective coding and documentation practices. You’ll learn about master programs and the needed flexibility they provide. There’s even a section on presenting your robot and software designs to the judges. Winning Design! is the book you need if your involved in competitions such as FIRST LEGO League events. Whether coach, parent, or student, you’ll find much in this book to make your design and competition experience fun and memorable, and educational. Please note: the print version of this title is black & white; the eBook is full color.

The Art of LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programmingteaches you how to create powerful programs using the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT programming language, NXT-G. You'll learn how to program a basic robot to perform tasks such as line following, maze navigation, and object detection and how to combine programming elements (known as blocks) to create sophisticated programs. Author Terry Griffin covers essential functions like movement, sensors, and sound as well as more complex NXT-G features like synchronizing multiple operations. Because it's common for programs to not work quite right the first time they are run, a section of the book is dedicated to troubleshooting common problems including timing, sensor calibration, and proper debugging. Throughout the book, you'll learn best practices to help eliminate frustration when programming your robotic creations. This book is perfect for anyone with little to no previous programming experience who wants to master the art of NXT-G programming.

Teach your robot new tricks! With this projects-based approach you can program your Mindstorms NXT robot to solve a maze, build a house, run an obstacle course, and many other activities. Along the way you will learn the basics of programming structures and techniques using NXT-G and Microsoft VPL. For hobbyists, and students working on robot projects, Bishop provides the background and tools to program your robot for tasks that go beyond the simple routines provided with the robot kit. The programs range in complexity from simple contact avoidance and path following, to programs generating some degree of artificial intelligence - a how-to guide for programming your robot, using NXT-G and Microsoft VPL - ten robot-specific projects show how to extend your robot's capabilities beyond the manufacturer's provided software. Examples of projects include: Maze solver, Robot House Builder, Search (obstacle avoidance), Song and Dance Act - flowcharts and data flow diagrams are used to illustrate how to develop programs - introduces basic programming structures

James Kelly’s LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programming Guide, Second Edition is a fountain of wisdom and ideas for those looking to master the art of programming LEGO’s MINDSTORMS NXT robotics kits. This second edition is fully-updated to cover all the latest features and parts in the NXT 2.0 series. It also includes exercises at the end of each chapter and other content suggestions from educators and other readers of the first edition. LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT-G Programming Guide, Second Edition focuses on the NXT-G programming language. Readers 10 years old and up learn to apply NXT-G to real-life problems such as moving and turning, locating objects based upon their color, making decisions, and much more. Perfect for for those who are new to programming, the book covers the language, the underlying mathematics, and explains how to calibrate and adjust robots for best execution of their programming. Provides programming techniques and easy-to-follow examples for each and every programming block Includes homework-style exercises for use by educators Gives clear instructions on how to build a test robot for use in running the example programs Please note: the print version of this title is black & white; the eBook is full color.

Written by three world-leading experts in LEGO Mindstorms homebrew hardware, this book contains the detailed instructions for the construction of sensors and other extensions to the NXT. Over 15 projects are explained with well-illustrated, clear, step-by-step instructions so people with even limited experience in electronics can follow. This book is for intermediate-level users of NXT who would like to advance their capabilities by learning some of the basics of electronics. It makes a great reference for the NXT hardware interfaces. Examples even come complete with multiple, alternative NXT languages.