Introduced in the fall of 1998, LEGO (R) MINDSTORMS (TM) quickly became LEGOs'best-selling kit of all time - with the average age of buyers turning out to be 23! Given the toys capabilities, its not surprising that a whole generation of adults interested in robotics or programming is rediscovering LEGO (R) through MINDSTORMS (TM). Although the Mindstorms (TM) kit includes basic instructions and sample robots, these are not comprehensive and do not adequately teach the principals of robotics. Without direction, inventing a robot from the ground-up can be a challenge. This book includes a wide variety of new robots, in-depth explanations for readers, and important theory behind the practice of building robots. In short, it provides all the information necessary to become a robotics expert using Mindstorms (TM). Dave Baum is considered to be the premiere expert on Lego (R) Mindstorms (TM), since he has even developed NQC ("Not Quite C") that has become the language of choice for performing sophisticated programming with these robots.

The second edition of Baum's Definitive Guide to LEGO MINDSTORMS has been updated for RIS 2.0.

Step-by-step instructions show how to build a Lego Mindstorm programmable robot that not only moves, but can also sense and respond to its environment.

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

Lego robots! Mindstorms are sweeping the world and fans need to learn how to programme them Lego Mindstorms are a new generation of Lego Robots that can be manipulated using microcomputers, light and touch sensors, an infrared transmitter and CD-ROMs. Since Lego launched Lego Mindstorms in late 1998 sales have skyrocketed - with no sign of slowing down. 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 high profile Universities. Building Robots with Lego Mindstorms provides readers with a fundamental understanding of the geometry, electronics, engineering, and programming required to build your own robots. Mario and Giulio Ferrari are world-renowned experts in the field of Lego Mindstorms robotics, and in this book they share their unrivaled knowledge and expertise of robotics as well as provide a series of chapters detailing how to design and build the most exotic robots. Mario and Giulio also give detailed explanations of how to integrate Lego Mindstorms kits with other Lego programmable bricks such as Scout and Cybermaster, as well as with non-robotic Lego Technics models.

A car that somersaults? A twelve-legged centipede? A beetle that can follow a curved black line? The LEGO MINDSTORMS robotics kits provide the raw materials and Joe Nagata's LEGO MINDSTORMS Idea Book the know-how.

Five experts in Mindstorm programming present advanced techniques for building and programming robots using LEGO bricks and LEGO's RCX Code, presenting advanced sample projects and coverage of LegOS, pfForth, and sensor development.

To understand Jini, imagine that you could move to a new office across the world, or check into any hoteland could simply plug your notebook or Palm directly into the local network. Your device would immediately be recognized, and you would have access to the services at that location—transparently. Jini is Sun's Java-based technology, with potential to make transparant, "universal plug and play" a reality. This book is an expanded, updated version of the most popular online tutorial for Jini. Author Jan Newmarch includes comprehensive Jini advancements announced at Java One in June 2000. And he includes other important topics, like how Enterprise Java Beans blend in with the Jini framework and how CORBA fits in as well.

You already know you can create amazing things with LEGO, but did you know you can also make vehicles that roll and model plans that include landing gear and flaps that actually extend and retract? You can even make functional robots without getting into Mindstorms and programming. In Practical LEGO Technics, Mark Rollins shows you how to use LEGO and Power Functions components like motors and remote controls to create motorized cars, all terrain vehicles, vehicle steering, construction equipment such as cranes and forklifts, airplanes. All-in-all, you'll learn to create a wide variety of fun, unique LEGO creations. LEGO Technic is similar to Mindstorms in that you can create all sorts of cool vehicles and gadgets. But unlike Mindstorms, you don't have to learn programming. Power Functions allows you to add motors, remote control, and battery boxes to your LEGO projects, no programming required. And while you could just build a LEGO Technic gadget from a boxed set, with Practical LEGO Technics, you'll learn the hows and whys of Technic project design, and pick up ideas for your own custom projects. Please note: The print version of this title is in black & white; the ebook is full color. You can download color images from the book at http://www.apress.com/9781430246114 Covers basic design for motorized vehicles that run and steer. Shows how to build headlights and more using the Power Functions Light Kit. Provides suspension design for use in building all-terrain vehicles. Helps you build construction equipment, including a crane and forklift.

Professional graphics designers will welcome this practical guide to Acrobat 5 because it tells why and when to use processes, as well as how. Includes projects, tutorials and demonstrations.