More NXT servo
Monday, April 7th, 2008
A few days ago I wrote about LatteBox servo controller. Today I found that Mindsensors.com is also working on a 8 servo controller. Not so many details yet, but I’ll post more when I get any.
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NXT plays connect 4
Monday, April 7th, 2008Sascha from Germany sent me this:
Here’s an NXT project that let you compete against him in the classical “Connect 4″. This robot uses the NXT kit, and is programmed with NXC using MINIMAX algorithm.
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roBlocks
Saturday, April 5th, 2008
roBlocks is a coming new toy robotic system developed in CMU. Programming them seems to be simple - connect the right cubes together… They have sensors, actuators, operators (which do math..) and utility blocks (including a ‘comm’ block, which I guess means it communicates to a computer…)
I emailed them for more details, which I’ll post asap. In the meanwhile, I wonder if anyone wants to make a multi-NXT version… Maybe a community-organized project to define standard dimensions, connection scheme and inter-NXT BT/RS485 protocol. Anyone interested?
Update: from a paper published here I found this quote:
We plan to build a programming environment for more sophisticated programmers who wish to modify the behaviors that are built into the blocks. This would make our development cycle easier, but more importantly it would enable roBlocks users to take the next step toward programming distributed robotics algorithms.
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Adding servos to NXT
Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Lattebox, a newcomer to the 3rd party products for NXT, sells an I2C multiplexer combined with a 10-servo driver box. Check it out here.
(thanks to Chris from diydrones.com for the link)
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Changes on LEGO.com
Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Two major changes in the official LEGO MINDSTORMS website (mindstorms.lego.com). First, NXTLog is now upgraded, so you can upload video, rank projects and search projects easier then before.
Second, a new section called ‘Ask the NXTperts’ allow you to ask and get answers from selected MCP members, including myself (here’s my profile on lego site). So sign in, and start asking question!
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NXT-G 2.0 Update
Friday, April 4th, 2008I talked with LEGO again today and here is the latest information:
- Maximum sampling rate is still 10Hz in the datalogging section. They are working to improve this.
- Current estimated release date is January 2009.
The main feature of NXT-G 2.0 is datalogging capability - no other updates were highlighted.
Josh
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LEGO R&D EM Gun
Tuesday, April 1st, 2008Anyone care to guess what is this thing?
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RoboLab Conference
Monday, March 31st, 2008Is anyone going to the RoboLab Conference in Enfield on Friday? If so, post here!
See you there!
Josh
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NXTCam videos
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008Here are a couple of good videos showing the mindsensors NXTCam in action. The first is an instructional video from markr showing how the NXTCam can be used in Line Tracking mode.
The second and third videos are from zeroqnaga showing a pair of robots. One robot is equipped with a NXTCam which is used to track and follow the other robot. First by day, then by night!
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NXT-compatible infrared/ultrasonic beacon system
Monday, March 17th, 2008We brought our old RCX-beacon system to the NXT level. Please consult
http://www.convict.lu/htm/rob/ir_us.htm
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Another small USB stick
Saturday, March 8th, 2008Check out this one. Only 2 studs long, but a full brick in height. 1 GB capacity. 20 EUROS from Japan.
See the article here, which contains a link to the website.
Josh
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Tiniest LEGO USB Memory Key?
Saturday, March 8th, 2008Looking for something to do on a cold snowy day? What better thing to do than to hack together what may be the tiniest LEGO USB memory key? There are others out there - some use a 2×4 brick or 2×2 brick. This unit fits snugly in a 2×3 plate. A second plate is added for cosmetic purposes. This unit uses the Gizmo Jr. 2GB memory key. A perfect fit! 
Check it out here at www.plastibots.com.
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Creative 6-13 year olds - apply here!
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008“ENFIELD, Conn., March 5 /PRNewswire/ — Today, LEGO Systems, Inc. issued the call for all 6-13 year olds who consider themselves curious, imaginative and creative to apply for the second annual LEGO(R) Creativity Awards. Designed to encourage lifelong curiosity and creativity, the LEGO Creativity Awards are an opportunity for budding inventors, explorers, creators and dreamers of all kinds to gain recognition for the imaginations that will make them the “builders of tomorrow.” Beginning today through May 23, 2008, children from across the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) are invited to submit essay responses that showcase diverse talents in all things creative.”
Read the full article here.
Josh
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NXTLOG reaches 5000 submissions!
Saturday, February 23rd, 2008One week until NXTLOG reaches 5000 projects!
Gather your NXT components and submit your best design. The NXTLOG moderators will freeze NXTLOG submissions at 4999 and in one week will choose the robot that best demonstrates the true LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT creative spirit. Will your robot be the NXTLOG 5000?
And to all MINDSTORMS NXT Camera Bot challenge participants, you still have until February 29th to submit your entries.
We will announce both the NXTLOG 5000 and Camera Bot winners the week of March 3rd.
What will you make?
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