Lego Mindstorms NXT: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Lego Mindstorms NXT Robot.jpg|thumb|right|"Golf bot" - a robot built with the NXT set.]] |
[[Image:Lego Mindstorms NXT Robot.jpg|thumb|right|"Golf bot" - a robot built with the NXT set.]] |
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'''Lego Mindstorms NXT''' is a programmable robotics kit released by [[Lego]] in late July 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lego.com/eng/info/default.asp?page=pressdetail&contentid=17278&countrycode=2057&yearcode=&archive=false |title=What’s NXT? LEGO Group Unveils LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ NXT Robotics Toolset at Consumer Electronics Show |accessdate=2007-09-17 |date=January 4, 2006 |publisher=www.lego.com}}</ref> |
'''Lego Mindstorms NXT''' is a programmable [[robotics]] kit released by [[Lego]] in late July 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lego.com/eng/info/default.asp?page=pressdetail&contentid=17278&countrycode=2057&yearcode=&archive=false |title=What’s NXT? LEGO Group Unveils LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ NXT Robotics Toolset at Consumer Electronics Show |accessdate=2007-09-17 |date=January 4, 2006 |publisher=www.lego.com}}</ref> |
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It replaces the first-generation Lego Mindstorms kit, which was called the Robotics Invention System. The base kit ships in two versions: The Retail Version<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mindstorms.lego.com/Products/|title=Retail Version}}</ref> and the Education Base Set.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legoeducation.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1263|title=Education Base Set}}</ref>. These can be used to compete in [[FIRST Lego League]] competitions. |
It replaces the first-generation Lego Mindstorms kit, which was called the [[Lego Mindstorms#Robotics Invention System|Robotics Invention System]]. The base kit ships in two versions: The Retail Version<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mindstorms.lego.com/Products/|title=Retail Version}}</ref> and the Education Base Set.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legoeducation.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1263|title=Education Base Set}}</ref>. These can be used to compete in [[FIRST Lego League]] competitions. |
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==NXT Brick== |
==NXT Brick== |
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The main component in the kit is a brick-shaped computer called the NXT brick. It can take input from up to four |
The main component in the kit is a brick-shaped [[computer]] called the NXT brick. It can take input from up to four [[sensor]]s and control up to three [[electric motor|motor]]s, via [[RJ12]] cables, very similar to but incompatible with [[RJ11]] phone cords. The brick has a 100x64 pixel [[greyscale]] [[LCD display]] and four buttons that can be used to navigate a user interface using hierarchical menus. It also has a [[speaker]] and can play sound files at sampling rates up to 16 kHz. Power is supplied by 6 [[AA battery|AA]] (1.5 V each) [[battery (electricity)|batteries]] in the consumer version of the kit and by a [[Li-Ion]] rechargeable battery and charger in the educational version. |
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===Technical specifications=== |
===Technical specifications=== |
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*512 Bytes RAM |
*512 Bytes RAM |
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*100×64 pixel LCD matrix display |
*100×64 pixel LCD matrix display |
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*Can be programmed using Windows or Mac OS (NBC/NXC supports Linux as well) |
*Can be programmed using [[Windows]] or [[Mac OS]] (NBC/NXC supports [[Linux]] as well) |
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*Users create a program with new software, powered by [[LabVIEW]] from [[National Instruments]] |
*Users create a program with new software, powered by [[LabVIEW]] from [[National Instruments]] |
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*A single [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] port |
*A single [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] port |
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===NXT-G=== |
===NXT-G=== |
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NXT-G v1.0 is the programming software that comes bundled with the NXT. There are two different programming interfaces. One is included with the retail and educational kits and the other can be purchased separately. This software is adequate for basic programming, like to drive motors, incorporate sensor inputs, do calculations, learn simplified programming structures and flow control, etc.. There are several pros and cons to using version 1.0 of this software, some of which are listed here: |
NXT-G v1.0 is the programming software that comes bundled with the NXT. There are two different programming interfaces. One is included with the retail and educational kits and the other can be purchased separately. This software is adequate for basic programming, like to drive motors, incorporate sensor inputs, do calculations, learn simplified programming structures and [[flow control]], etc.. There are several pros and cons to using version 1.0 of this software, some of which are listed here: |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Snap2.png|right|thumbnail|A screenshot of the programming environment "NXT-G".]] --> |
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Snap2.png|right|thumbnail|A screenshot of the programming environment "NXT-G".]] --> |
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==Sensors== |
==Sensors== |
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The kit includes three identical [[Servomechanism|servo]] motors that have built-in reduction gear assemblies and can sense their rotations within one degree of accuracy. The kit also includes four sensors, each with a different capability. The touch sensor detects whether it is currently pressed, has been bumped, or released. The orange Enter button and the gray right and left NXT buttons can be programmed to serve as touch sensors. The light sensor detects the light level in one direction, and also includes an LED for illuminating an object. The light sensor can sense ambient light with the LED set to off, or reflected light with the LED set to generate light. The sound sensor has a microphone and can be used to detect a sound's amplitude (loudness). The ultrasonic sensor can measure distances and detect movement. |
The kit includes three identical [[Servomechanism|servo]] motors that have built-in reduction gear assemblies and can sense their rotations within one degree of accuracy. The kit also includes four sensors, each with a different capability. The [[sensor#Mechanical|touch sensor]] detects whether it is currently pressed, has been bumped, or released. The orange Enter button and the gray right and left NXT buttons can be programmed to serve as touch sensors. The [[photodetector|light sensor]] detects the light level in one direction, and also includes an [[LED]] for illuminating an object. The light sensor can sense ambient light with the LED set to off, or reflected light with the LED set to generate light. The sound sensor has a [[microphone]] and can be used to detect a sound's amplitude (loudness). The [[ultrasound#Ultrasonic range finding|ultrasonic sensor]] can measure distances and detect movement. |
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Third party companies also manufacture sensors, such as the Color, Compass, and Accelerometer sensors sold by Lego. |
Third party companies also manufacture sensors, such as the [[Color]], [[Compass]], and [[Accelerometer]] sensors sold by Lego. |
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==Parts== |
==Parts== |
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*[http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=MS1038&cn=17 Color sensor] |
*[http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=MS1038&cn=17 Color sensor] |
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*[http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=MS1040&cn=17 Accelerometer sensor] |
*[http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=MS1040&cn=17 Accelerometer sensor] |
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*[http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=MS1042&cn=17 Infrared seeker] |
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*[http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=MS1044&cn=17 Gyroscopic sensor] |
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*[http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=MS1046&cn=17 Infrared link sensor] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 18:27, 27 December 2007
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Lego Mindstorms NXT is a programmable robotics kit released by Lego in late July 2006.[1] It replaces the first-generation Lego Mindstorms kit, which was called the Robotics Invention System. The base kit ships in two versions: The Retail Version[2] and the Education Base Set.[3]. These can be used to compete in FIRST Lego League competitions.
NXT Brick
The main component in the kit is a brick-shaped computer called the NXT brick. It can take input from up to four sensors and control up to three motors, via RJ12 cables, very similar to but incompatible with RJ11 phone cords. The brick has a 100x64 pixel greyscale LCD display and four buttons that can be used to navigate a user interface using hierarchical menus. It also has a speaker and can play sound files at sampling rates up to 16 kHz. Power is supplied by 6 AA (1.5 V each) batteries in the consumer version of the kit and by a Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger in the educational version.
Technical specifications
- 32-bit AT91SAM7S256 main microprocessor
- 256 KB flash memory
- 64 KB RAM
- 8 bit ATmega48 microcontroller @4 MHz
- 4 KB flash memory
- 512 Bytes RAM
- 100×64 pixel LCD matrix display
- Can be programmed using Windows or Mac OS (NBC/NXC supports Linux as well)
- Users create a program with new software, powered by LabVIEW from National Instruments
- A single USB 2.0 port
- Bluetooth (Class II) wireless connectivity, to transfer programs to the NXT wirelessly or offer ways to control robots remotely (through mobile phones and possibly by PDA's)
- 4 input ports, 6-wire cable digital platform (One port includes a IEC 61158 Fieldbus Type 4/EN 50 170 (P-NET) compliant expansion port for future use)
- 3 output ports, 6-wire cable digital platform
- Digital Wire Interface, allowing for third-party development of external devices
Firmware and developer kits
Lego has released the firmware for the NXT Intelligent Brick as Open Source.[4]
Several developer kits are available that contain documentation for the NXT:
- Software Developer Kit (SDK), includes information on host USB drivers, executable file format, and bytecode reference
- Hardware Developer Kit (HDK), includes documentation and schematics for the NXT brick and sensors
- Bluetooth Developer Kit (BDK), documents the protocols used for Bluetooth communications
Programming
Very simple programs can be written using the menu on the NXT. More complicated programs and sound files can be downloaded using a USB port or wirelessly using Bluetooth. Files can also be copied between two NXT bricks wirelessly, and some mobile phones can be used as a remote control. Up to three NXT bricks can communicate simultaneously via Bluetooth when user created programs are run.
The retail version of the kit includes software for writing programs that runs on PC and Macintosh personal computers. The software is based on National Instruments LabView and provides a visual programming language for writing simple programs and downloading them to the NXT Brick.
NXT-G
NXT-G v1.0 is the programming software that comes bundled with the NXT. There are two different programming interfaces. One is included with the retail and educational kits and the other can be purchased separately. This software is adequate for basic programming, like to drive motors, incorporate sensor inputs, do calculations, learn simplified programming structures and flow control, etc.. There are several pros and cons to using version 1.0 of this software, some of which are listed here:
Pros:
- Can transfer data via Bluetooth or USB cable.
- Easy to Use, drag and drop, graphical environment.
- Pipes show data flow from block to block.
Cons:
- The programs executed on the NXT can be much larger than when compiled by another third party programming language. (e.g. 12kb versus 2kb)
- Programs take substantially longer to load than other third party programs.
- When creating large programs, NXT-G tends to have errors that make it crash, and lose unsaved data.
- NXT-G software usually runs sluggishly, even on powerful PCs.
Most of these issues have been addressed in the recently-released NXT-G v1.1 version of the software.[5]
Sensors
The kit includes three identical servo motors that have built-in reduction gear assemblies and can sense their rotations within one degree of accuracy. The kit also includes four sensors, each with a different capability. The touch sensor detects whether it is currently pressed, has been bumped, or released. The orange Enter button and the gray right and left NXT buttons can be programmed to serve as touch sensors. The light sensor detects the light level in one direction, and also includes an LED for illuminating an object. The light sensor can sense ambient light with the LED set to off, or reflected light with the LED set to generate light. The sound sensor has a microphone and can be used to detect a sound's amplitude (loudness). The ultrasonic sensor can measure distances and detect movement.
Third party companies also manufacture sensors, such as the Color, Compass, and Accelerometer sensors sold by Lego.
Parts
Included in the base kit:
- 519 LEGO Technic parts (and Bionicle parts, including Visorak pincers)
- Three servo motors
- Ultrasonic distance and movement sensor
- Sound sensor, with sound pattern
- Light sensor, detecting light intensity
- Touch sensor (press/release/bump detection)
Third-party parts are sold separately:
- Compass sensor
- Color sensor
- Accelerometer sensor
- Infrared seeker
- Gyroscopic sensor
- Infrared link sensor
References
- ^ "What's NXT? LEGO Group Unveils LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ NXT Robotics Toolset at Consumer Electronics Show". www.lego.com. January 4, 2006. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
- ^ "Retail Version".
- ^ "Education Base Set".
- ^ "All the tools to take your LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT to the Extreme!".
- ^ The LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT Software version 1.1 to be released in August 2007 (LEGO.com MINDSTORMS NXT News. 2007-05-07) - Retrieved 2007-06-12
Further reading
- More information can be found the Lego Mindstorms website
- Lego FAQ website.
