How do you improve something that’s almost perfect? That remains to be seen, but LEGO is going to try with it’s New Version of LEGO Mindstorms, the LEGO Mindstorms NXT! Tom Atwood, at Robot Magazine, was lucky enough to spend some time with Soren Lund and asking him about the new NXT (pictures and video too!). LEGO Mindstorms is the company’s single best selling product, so changing it is a huge undertaking.

LEGO Mindstorms NXT will arrive in stores in Aug. of 2006. If you’re looking for a preview, you can check out the Robotics TechZone Thursday, January 5 through Sunday, January 8 during the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Some of the exciting new features of NXT is the ability to download programs via Bluetooth - No more constantly repositioning the IR tower to get a good signal. The processor has been upgraded to 32 bits and amazingly enough, the NXT will now be programming using LabVIEW - with a PC or a MAC. No word on Linux support.

The kit will also come with 3 gear motors with built in rotation sensors - 360 counts-per-revolution.


The light sensor has also been upgraded to be able to sense different colors. There will also be a special, "dgital wire interface", to allow for 3rd party expansions.

 

LEGO also is looking for 100 fans to help develop the product. They want help with testing, development, hacking, and the building of cool robots to impress consumers. 

Suggested retail price, $249 USD. Not bad LEGO, not bad.

Tags: [ LEGO | LEGO Mindstorms | robots ]