indstorms is a home robotics construction kit based on LEGO toys, and it's the result of more than a decade of cooperative research between LEGO and the MIT Media Lab. The heart of the system is the RCX, or Robotic Command Explorer, a microprocessor housed in a cheery yellow LEGO brick that has an LCD screen for feedback as well as numerous input and output plates. Motors and sensors can be connected to the RCX, then programs can be written in "RCX code" on a PC and downloaded to the RCX via an infrared transmitter.
The programs take input from the sensors, process the data, and turn motors on and off accordingly, creating an autonomous machine that interacts with its environment. The set includes two touch sensors, a light sensor and two motors, as well as more than 700 LEGO pieces. With this material it's pretty easy to create a mobile robot that wanders around, navigating past any obstacles it encounters. Or builders can use the light sensor to make robots that seek or avoid darkness, follow a printed track, and much more. The possibilities for invention are unlimited.
Like regular LEGO blocks, the Robotics Invention System isn't limited to any one design; rather, it's a completely open-ended system. So mobile robots, while quite engaging, are only part of this toy's possibilities. Other devices that have been created with the set include a card dealer, picture copier, change sorter and even a candy dispenser.
A toy that dreams are made of
Mindstorms' flexibility is brilliant, but its ease of use is what makes it fun. LEGO blocks are a terrific tool for quickly building prototypes and testing them, and redesign is literally a snap. The pieces, of course, can be joined and separated by hand, so there's no gluing, screwing, etc. The myriad parts--gears, axles, spacers, wheels--make adjusting a device uncomplicated, leaving the mind free for uninhibited invention. And the RCX programming system follows the LEGO block principles: On the PC screen, snippets of code are joined together like virtual blocks, so there's no special programming language to learn.
Besides the system itself, LEGO has done an excellent job with the toy's presentation. Their philosophy is that the best way to learn is by doing, so only one complete robot plan is included. But the set offers up lots of "challenges"--ideas for projects--with plenty of hints to get builders started and plenty of emphasis on the idea that there is no one correct way to do things. LEGO even runs a comprehensive Mindstorms Web site that includes plans for more creations, a Hall of Fame and more.
The software itself installs easily, has a super tutorial, and includes good online support as well. It's hard not to rave incessantly about just how exciting, cool, and fun this system is. A toy for kids only? Hardly. Really the only drawback is the price. At $200, this LEGO set isn't cheap.
