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Take LEGO to the next level with MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system with a microcomputer brick and intuitive programming software, this building kit enables you to construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. Designed for ages 10 and up, the 2.0 robotics tool set features everything you need to create and program your first robot in approximately one hour. After that, you can create an endless lineup of robots that do what you want--if you can dream it, you can build it.  | MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Ages: 10 and up
Pieces: 619
Requires: 6 "AA"/LR6 batteries (not included) |
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With MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0, you can construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. View larger. | 
Use the included software to program your robot and watch it come to life. View larger. | Build, Program, Go
Creating a MINDSTORMS robot is challenging -- but not too difficult -- with an illustrated step-by-step booklet and software showing the way. The booklet gives you instructions for building a basic "Quick Start" robot only, which is an easy introduction to the MINDSTORMS experience. This robot took our two adult testers about 30 minutes to build and 30 minutes to program. After that, they spent a lot of time just playing with their creation and testing its abilities. Once you master the basics of MINDSTORMS, you'll need to use the included software to get instructions for more advanced creations. You can also use the MINDSTORMS web site to find instructions for many other robots, or you can create robots on your own. No matter what you choose to create, the principles are the same: just build the robot using the LEGO elements in the kit, and program it on your computer using the software. Then watch your robot come alive. NXT Technology Brings LEGO to Life
MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 features the latest in robotic technology: an advanced programmable microcontroller, Interactive Servo Motors, smart sensors, icon-based drag-and-drop programming software, interactive challenges, and wireless Blue tooth and USB connections -- all the smart technologies you need to create your custom robot. First, the brain of the MINDSTORMS robot is NXT, an intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO brick that features a 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, input and output ports, and a speaker. Second, three Interactive Servo Motors give you precise control over the robot and ensure that the robot moves with precision -- the built-in rotation sensor can measure one-degree steps. Third, there are four robotic sensors. The first is the Ultrasonic Sensor, one of two sensors that gives your robot vision. You can use it to make your robot avoid obstacles, sense and measure distance, and detect movement. And fourth of all, two Touch Sensors give your robot a sense of touch. They detect when they are being pressed or released, and you can use them to make your robot pick up things or act on command. For example, by pressing a Touch Sensor you can make your robot walk, talk, close a door, or turn off your TV. There's also a Color Sensor that functions three ways: it distinguishes colors -- black and white, as well as a range of bright and pastel colors -- it distinguishes light settings, and it can be used as a color lamp. And finally, the MINDSTORMS Software lets you program your robot. Use the software to create a program, and then download the program to the NXT by using the USB cable or the wireless Blue tooth connection. Mac- and PC-compatible drag-and-drop software gives you 16 building and programming challenges, from beginner to expert. Overall, this set scores an excellent rating for its clever design elements. Our testers enjoyed the way the set brought a new level of interaction to their LEGO experience, and appreciated how easy it was to create their first robot. They also loved the way this set encourages inventive play -- all the cool hardware that makes up the set can be used to build any robot you dream up. Finally, our testers liked how this set offers a great balance of learning and fun, and encourages interest in science, computers, and engineering. Microsoft Windows Requirements - Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 or newer
- Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or newer
- Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 1 GHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
- CD-ROM drive
Apple Macintosh Requirements - Apple MacOS X v10.4 or v10.5
- PowerPC G3, G4, G5 processor, 600 MHz minimum
- Intel processor (1.3 GHz or better recommended)
- DVD drive
General System Requirements - 512MB of RAM minimum
- 700MB of available hard-disk space
- XGA display (1024x768)
- 1 available USB port
- Compatible Blue tooth adapter (optional)
What's in the Box
NXT programmable LEGO Brick, Ultrasonic Sensor, Color Sensor, two Touch Sensors, three Interactive Servo Motors, USB cable, 7x6-wire cables, building instructions for four robots, user guide, software, test pad, and 619 LEGO pieces.
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 NXT 2.0: A Solid Improvement on the Best MINDSTORMS Set Ever |
| Review Date: July 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: David J. Perdue, Round Rock, TX |
I first encountered the MINDSTORMS series in 2001 when I bought the Robotics Invention System 1.5 out of curiosity. Since then, I've purchased and used numerous MINDSTORMS sets, written two MINDSTORMS books, developed and taught a LEGO robotics course, and given LEGO presentations. So when I heard that LEGO was releasing the NXT 2.0 set in summer/fall 2009, I was curious to discover how LEGO would improve its flagship product. After finally getting my hands on a 2.0 set, I've been busy building, programming, and analyzing the kit's features. And I think this is the best MINDSTORMS set to date.
The original NXT set released in 2006 (I'll call it the "1.0 set") enjoyed enormous success but still had some shortcomings. The NXT 2.0 set addresses some of those flaws and really is everything the 1.0 set should have been. As a robotics kit, the NXT 2.0 set mainly involves building and programming, so I'll take a look at how the kit performs in each of these areas.
First, the building experience is fun and challenging while offering some exciting new additions. For the electronic elements, the NXT microcomputer and servo motors remain the same in both design and quantity; however, the selection of sensors has changed. There are now two touch sensors, an ultrasonic (distance) sensor, and the color sensor. The new color sensor boasts three functionalities. It can detect colors (6 basic colors), measure light intensity, and act as a lamp (emitting a red, blue, or green light). Unlike the 1.0 set, there is no light sensor or sound sensor: the new color sensor can function as a light sensor, and LEGO apparently thought that having two touch sensors would be more useful than having one touch sensor and one sound sensor as in the 1.0 set. I agree.
The building elements are, once again, studless LEGO TECHINC pieces rather than traditional bricks. The 1.0 set included a few TECHNIC bricks, but these are gone in the 2.0 set, which focuses entirely on studless construction. Overall, there is still a good selection of beams, pegs, and axles (including a new #9 length axle) as well as the addition of two small rubber bands. Also fun is the special ball shooter equipment along with 12 small, brightly colored balls.
There are only a few gears included, though. Whereas the 1.0 set included a fairly good variety and quantity of gears, the 2.0 set includes only a handful of double bevel gears and a single 12t bevel gear. This is a bit disappointing but also understandable. People like to add lots of gears to their robots to make them look cool, but lots of gears introduce lots of friction. The 2.0 kit's sample robot designs demonstrate how to connect pieces directly to motors rather than using gears to transmit the motion. This works fine and takes a little bit of getting used to, but I would still encourage new LEGO users to expand their collection of gears after purchasing the 2.0 set.
As for the programming, the 2.0 version of the included NXT-G software offers some welcome new features. A remote control, sound editor, image editor, new programming blocks, improved performance, and other features make programming a more enjoyable experience. Performance is noticeably better than in the 1.0 version but can still be sluggish.
The software includes a number of fun challenges spread across four robot designs: Shooterbot, Robogator, Color Sorter, and Alpha Rex. The sample robots are durable and work well, although some of the instructions for using Color Sorter were a bit confusing. The new version of Alpha-Rex is a truly fascinating robot: in addition to being a fun "advanced" model to build, new users can learn a lot from its incredibly compact and elegant design.
The NXT 2.0 set is leading the MINDSTORMS series in the right direction. I like what I see in this set, and I believe LEGO has a winner on its hands. The 2.0 set is more expensive than the 1.0 set--by $30--but I believe the improvements and added functionality justify the extra cost. In sum, the NXT 2.0 set is a great toolset for any robotics enthusiast and a must-have for MINDSTORMS fans.
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A great set for the creative youngster (and for the inventive adult!)
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| Review Date: August 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Laurens Valk, The Netherlands |
SUMMARY:
I think that the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 is a great set for the creative youngster (and for the inventive adult!) This robotics kit can offer hours and hours of fun. While playing with it, you'll (your kid) be able to interact with people all over the world, and you'll have a great start in engineering.
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At the moment of writing this review, 4 customer reviews have been posted: two 1-star reviews and two 5- star reviews. This gives an average of 3 stars, which is way below what the kit deserves. It deserves 5 stars.
Another customer (D. Perdue) has already posted a great review (5 stars) about the new features in the set, and in this review I'd like to add some more to this. Furthermore, I'd like to respond to the two negative reviews posted so far.
I have been into MINDSTORMS for about 4 years now, and my first robot set was a RIS 2.0 set (the older MINDSTORMS system). I purchased my first NXT set in 2007 and I still have not stopped playing with it. This is what I like about MINDSTORMS: the possibilities are endless. You can not only build and program robots, but you can also design, invent and even interact with the MINDSTORMS community.
By corresponding with others in this community, you'll get to learn new building and programming techniques, and you can share your knowledge and robot inventions with other LEGO - minded people. As a result, you can get in touch with people all over the world. This has been so for all the MINDSTORMS system, and now that the NXT 2.0 is introduced, I expect the community to grow even larger.
When you first open the NXT 2.0 box, you'll find a special bag with building elements called "start here!". With these parts you can start of building your first robot with step by step building instructions.
I have to admit, the next step is a little harder: programming. The drag-and-drop programming software is really easy to use, but the documentation isn't always very clear: there is not a step-by-step guide in the kit which teaches you all the ins and outs about programming (but there is a good reference manual in the software). Fortunately, there are enough sample programs to get you started. Everyone with a little creativity can do the trick.
As you finished playing with the basics of robot programming, you can start building some of the other robot models that appear on the NXT box: an alligator, a ball color sorter and a humanoid: Alpha Rex. I recommend to start with the training vehicle (Shooterbot) first, though. But, having built these four models doesn't end the fun yet!
There are a lot of websites dedicated to MINDSTORMS (NXT 2.0). Some of them offer building instructions so you can build even more robots. Apart from these websites, there are also plenty of MINDSTORMS books, which teach you how to make the best of your NXT set. Also, there are a few books, especially dedicated to NXT 2.0, coming out at the end of the year.
As you gain more MINDSTORMS experience you'll be able to invent your own robotic creations. Then, you can take photos, or even create a 3d model of your robot on your computer, and share it on the MINDSTORMS NXTLOG website.
In the rest of this review, I'd like to respond to the two 1-star reviews posted on Amazon as of now.
- Re: "Buyer beware!" (Customer support issue and technical problems)
I'm sorry to hear about your problems with the NXT 2.0. I know that a lot of MINDSTORMS sets are being returned to LEGO, but sometimes that is because people do not know how to use it. If this is the case, the mistake can often be solved easily (An example problem is an incorrectly placed motor or sensor cable).
In general, I would recommend to post issues on MINDSTORMS forums by the community (just Google for "the NXT step" or "NXTasy"). The people there usually know more about it than the technical support service.
I have to add that the programs on the NXT Intelligent Brick actually did correctly work on my end. These programs are not faulty, and regular programming using the software also worked with no problems.
Of course, when there is really a problem with the hardware in the set, it is good to let LEGO know and to request replacement parts. This turns out to be the case for this reviewer. Hopefully, this problem doesn't occur in too many sets. I've experienced the LEGO customer service to be quite helpful. In the past, I have had two broken electronic LEGO pieces, and I received new, working parts after a call with them.
UPDATE: I've just checked the NXT 2.0 User Guide, and found a small, but important error on page 15: The colored annonations that instruct the user to plug the cables are incorrect. With these cable configurations, the programs do not work indeed. You can follow the building steps in the software instead - these are correct.
- Re: "Better than ever?"
I agree that NXT 2.0 (as apposed to NXT 1.0) was not improved on the hardware side apart form a new Color. I think this is great. Why? All NXT 2.0 sets are still compatible with the NXT 1.0 sets, simply because they use the same intelligent brick. This way, existing users can upgrade without throwing their old system away. Furthermore, all the useful information made up by the community for NXT 1.0, is still just as valuable for NXT 2.0.
SUMMARY:
I think that the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 is a great set for the creative youngster (and for the inventive adult!) This robotics kit can offer hours and hours of fun. While playing with it, you'll (your kid) be able to interact with people all over the world, and you'll have a great start in engineering.
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Laurens Valk, the Netherlands
Designer of the Manty robot which appears on the back of the NXT 2.0 box,
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Great kit, different than the 1.0 kit and real fun
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| Review Date: August 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: T. Wilkerson, San Carlos, CA |
| This summer I taught a summer workshop on the Mindstorms NXT robotics system. I have to say that out of all of the kits available this one is the most cost effective and fun kit to use for robotics learning. It was so easy to teach the 8-15 year old students how to quickly build and program the examples provided in the kit, the kids really enjoyed the ShooterBot build. |
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US $58.00
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