The Mindstorms NXT is a set of robotic parts made especially with children (recommended ages 10+) in mind. With easy to assemble parts that "snap" together similar to how classic LEGO bricks do, building is fun and easy.
I was inspired to write this post after a trip to a LEGO store. I was walking around the store admiring the cool sets and I overheard a couple talking about the Mindstorms NXT. After examining the box, the man said, "Hey look, you can build any of these three robots out of this set." Yes, the man was correct, but he wasn't realizing that not only could you build the three sets, but you could build anything you could think of. That is the beauty of LEGO- they sell sets and give you instructions, but nowhere does it say that you must follow those instructions. Containing over 600 pieces including sensors and an "intelligent NXT LEGO® brick [which] features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, 4 input and 3 output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication link", the Mindstorms NXT set truly gives kids the opportunity to be exercise their creativity and ingenuity. With Mindstorms NXT- despite the fact that there are only three robots displayed on the box- the possibilities are virtually endless.
The next question you may have is what are some of the other things that have been done with the NXT?
| Santa Claus by mouratoclaudio |
The Mindstorms website has a section called the NXTLOG where anyone can document their Mindstorms creations for free. After going through moderation to keep the NXTLOG a safe environment for kids, the projects are published and can be easy shared with grandparents, other family, or friends by simply sending a link. The NXTLOG is an excellent place to see what interesting robots can be made with the NXT.
The Mindstorms NXT is also used by teams in a robotics competition called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League. In FIRST LEGO League, teams "Design, build, test and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology", then come together and compete. FLL is a really awesome program constantly inspiring young ones to pursue careers in engineering and mathematics. If you would like to learn more about FIRST and their leagues for different age groups, please go here.
What are some of the cool things that come with the set (NXT 2.0)?
- 3 servo motors (I've had my set for over 3 years and have never had a problem with them breaking or dying out)
- Intelligent brick (acts as the robot's "brain")
- Sensors including the Ultrasonic sensor (acts as the robot's "eyes"), the colour sensor (detects different colors), and two touch sensors (detects touch)
- Easy to use programming platform created by National Instruments and based on the LabVIEW programming language
- Additional sensors can be purchased as perhaps feature holiday/birthday gifts if your child is ready for something more challenging
What is the maximum age that a child would be interested in this?
Are there different versions of Mindstorms NXT? If so, which one should I buy?
When you are shopping for Mindstorms NXT, you might see search results including NXT 1.0. This was the first version of NXT and as far as I know it is no longer sold. The Mindstorms NXT sets that they sell at the LEGO store nowadays are all Mindstorms 2.0. However, on the LEGO Education website you can also find the LEGO Mindstorms Education NXT set. So that is your choice- Mindstorms 2.0 or Education. The price is almost the same, and if you don't feel like doing the research I suggest the Mindstorms NXT 2.0. Simply because it is easy to pick up at the LEGO store, the LEGO online store, or pretty much any other toy store that has LEGO. The only way I know of getting the Education set is buying it on the LEGO Education website. But just to let you know, I bought the LEGO Education version. Here are the pros and cons:
Mindstorms NXT 2.0
Pros
Comes with nearly 200 extra pieces
Comes with the newer colour sensor
Comes with software
Cons
Does not include batteries
Does not include sound sensor
Does not include light sensor (although colour sensor pretty much takes the place of that too)
Mindstorms Education NXT
Pros
Comes with rechargeable battery and charger (check out this post to see how much money you'd save)
Comes with sound sensor and light sensor
Comes with 3 little LED lights
Cons
Is short almost 200 pieces
You must buy software separately
Does not have colour sensor
If you would like my suggestion, I would recommend (and this is what I would do if I could go back in time) buying the Mindstorms NXT 2.0. Then, depending on how often you plan on using your NXT, deciding whether or not to also buy the rechargeable battery. Or, because that is so expensive, just find non-LEGO rechargeable AA (requires 6 AA batteries).
Want to read more reviews? Go here and scroll down to see what users said about it on the LEGO website.
Additional questions? Ask me here.
Buy Mindstorms NXT 2.0 online
Buy Mindstorms Education NXT online
Learn more about FIRST LEGO League
Learn more about FIRST
A post I wrote, What is FIRST?
Buy LEGO rechargeable battery
See what others are doing with their sets on the NXTLOG
Read Mindstorms NXT 2.0 reviews
See what other sensors you can buy for the NXT
Mindstorms Home
Still have questions about the Mindstorms NXT? Please ask me by leaving a comment or filling out this form.
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