Lego always comes out with pretty cool products -- but Lego Mindstorm NXT 2.0 really takes the cake. It combines Lego and robotics in one product -- what could be better? If you have a budding engineer in your home, this is a great toy to foster their creativity and computer skills. It is recommended for kids aged 10+. The NXT 2.0 set comes with everything you need to construct several different kinds of robots -- except the computer.
What is included is the following:

• One NXT -- a 32 bit micro processor with 4 input ports and three output ports, matrix display, USB and bluetooth, and a speaker,
• Two Touch sensors which react to touch or release so that you can make the robot walk
• Three interactive servo motors for precise control of the robot. A built-in rotation sensor can measure one degree steps,
• One Ultrasonic sensor which measures distance, movements and objects,
• 619 Lego pieces including wheels, belts, and regular Lego bricks,
  
• PC/MAC software and construction guide,
• test pad,
• USB cable,
• 7x6 wire cables
  

The quick start guide allows a person to construct a robot in 30 minutes. The instructions also include directions on how to make a a shooterbot, robogator, colour sorter and walking robot. The NXT microprocessor also allows you to upload photos and sound so you can give your robot your own phrases to say.

In addition, Lego has developed a community for Mindstorms users where you can share designs, upload and download sounds and images, and videos of your creations. There are more robot designs to download from this site as well.

If you want to see an interesting use of Lego Mindstorms, Battlebricks.com creators invented an automatic toilet flusher with the first generation of Lego Mindstorms....something our house could use!


--Cathy the Toy Mom