LEGO Mindstorms NXT FAQs (adapted from LEGO):


What is MINDSTORMS NXT?
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT is a robotics toolset that provides endless opportunities for armchair inventors, robotics fanatics and LEGO builders ages 10 and older to build and program robots that do what they want. Building upon the success of the globally-renowned Robotics Invention System, the next generation of LEGO robotics is smarter, stronger and more intuitive than ever, leveraging new technologies and expanded sensor capabilities to add a level of sophistication to excite and challenge more experienced robot creators.

What is the difference between MINDSTORMS NXT and RIS 2.0?
Building upon the success of the globally-renowned Robotics Invention System, the next generation of LEGO MINDSTORMS makes it quicker and easier for robot creators to build and program a working robot in just 30 minutes.  Simultaneously, new technologies and expanded sensor capabilities add a level of sophistication to excite and challenge more experienced robot creators. Additionally, the new set is MAC compatible; has an additional input port; is Bluetooth technology enabled; a quick-start program gets you started in 30 minutes vs. 1? to 2 hrs with RIS2.0; and NXT has a 32 bit processor with more memory. MINDSTORMS NXT has a minimum recommended age of 10+.

What kind of sensors come with the MINDSTORMS NXT?
New Ultrasonic Sensor: the ìeyesî of the robot measure distance, movements and detects objects.
New Sound Sensor: the ìearsî of the robot, allowing creations to react to sound commands and patterns, as well as recognize tones.
Improved Touch Sensor: the ìfingersî of the robots, reacting to touch or release.
Improved Light Sensor: detects different colors and light intensity.
 
How many motors come in the set?
3 Interactive Servo Motors
 
What is a servo motor?
An electric motor whose speed or position is controlled by a closed loop feedback circuit that can sense its position. The speed of the motor is measured by a tachometer. The tachometer produces a voltage that is proportional to the speed. This voltage is compared to a reference point and the difference, or error, is used to adjust the speed of the motor, either up or down.

What LEGO elements come with the set?
For more stable building with improved functionality, this set comes with a highly versatile collection of 519 LEGO TECHNIC elements.
 
What kind of software does the set come with?
Set comes with all-new, easy to use programming software. It has PC and MAC compatible software interface, powered by LabVIEW from National Instruments. It has intuitive, icon-based drag and drop environment for "building" programs. Also, includes 18 robot challenges with step-by-step building instructions to acclimate beginners to the process of building and programming robots while inspiring older users.

What is the NXT Intelligent Brick?
The ìbrainî of the robot: an intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO brick which makes the robot come alive and perform different operations.

What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a technical industry standard of short-range radio technology that facilitates communication between wireless devices such as mobile phones, PDAs (personal digital assistants) and handheld computers, and wireless enabled laptop or desktop computers and peripherals. Once the connection between two devices is established (and approved), no third device can interfere.
 
How do you download programs to the NXT Intelligent Brick?
Downloading programs to an invention is easy. Anyone can use the included USB 2.0 cable to connect their computer to the NXT for program transfer. Users with Bluetooth®-enabled computer hardware can transfer their programs to the NXT wirelessly. Once a program is downloaded the robot then takes on a life of its own, fully autonomous from the computer. The inclusion of Bluetooth technology also extends possibilities for controlling robots remotely, for example, from a mobile phone or PDA.

How far can Bluetooth in the NXT brick reach?
Up to 10 meters as a minimum, but it is very likely to have longer reach.
 
General System Requirements
256MB of RAM minimum
Up to 300MB of available hard disk space
XGA display (1024x768)
1 available USB port
CD-ROM drive
Compatible Bluetooth adapter (optional)*
 
Windows System Requirements:
Intel® Pentium® processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum
Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2
256MB of RAM minimum
Up to 300MB of available hard disk space
XGA display (1024x768)
1 available USB port
CD-ROM drive
Compatible Bluetooth adapter (optional)*

Macintosh System Requirements:
PowerPC® G3, G4, G5 processor, 600 MHz minimum
Apple MacOS X v. 10.3.9 or 10.4
256MB of RAM minimum
Up to 300MB of available hard disk space
XGA display (1024x768)
1 available USB port
CD-ROM drive
Compatible Bluetooth adapter (optional)*
 
What Bluetooth software is supported?
Supported Bluetooth software are Widcomm® Bluetooth for Windows newer than v. 1.4.2.10 SP5 and the Bluetooth stacks included in Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 / Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.
 
What are the technical specifications for the NXT Intelligent Brick?
* 32-bit ARM7 microprocessor
* 256 Kbytes FLASH, 64 Kbytes RAM
* 8-bit microprocessor
* 4 Kbytes FLASH, 512 Byte RAM
* Bluetooth wireless communication
* USB 2.0 port
* 4 input ports, 6 wire digital platform
* 3 output ports, 6 wire digital platform
* Dot matrix display 60 x 100 pixels
* Loudspeaker ñ 8 KHz sound quality
* Power, 6 AA Batteries

What is the usability of the USB port in the NXT brick?
The USB port is a "slave" which means that it can only communicate with USB "master" ports, e.g. computers. The usage of the USB port is for fast download from PC to the NXT brick via USB cable and does not require any Bluetooth capabilities in the computer.

How many batteries are needed?
The NXT Brick uses 6 AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended. Rechargeable batteries can be used but power may be reduced.

Where and when can I purchase the new set?
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT will be available at toy retailers, select consumer electronics retailers or online at www.LEGOshop.com in August 2006 and will have a suggested retail price of $249.99 (USD) and $ 379.99 (CAD). A special version for school and institutional use is also releasing later this year.

Will the RIS 2.0 remote control work with the new system?
No. RIS uses Infra Red (IR). NXT takes advantage of Bluetooth (Wireless) and USB.

Can I use the old sensors with the new system?
Not directly due to a new wire system. RIS uses a 2 wire analog wire system whereas NXT takes advantage of a new 6 wire digital system.

Can RIS 2.0 and the new system be used simultaneously?
Yes, you can work with both products side by side.

How long will you support the old system? (extra sensors for sale, etc)
The RIS and the sensors will be deleted from LEGO's assortment from June 1st 2006. LEGO Education will keep supporting the RCX platform for a couple of years.

Do I need to remove the old software in order to install the new one?
No

What language versions will there be?
MINDSTORMS NXT will be launched in five language versions - English, German, French, Dutch and Japanese.

What is the future of MINDSTORMS?
MINDSTORMS is and will remain to be an important part of the LEGO product portfolio.

Will FLL be able to use both systems and when will they officially change over to all new?
The 2006 season will allow teams to use both platforms.

© 2006