LEGO Robotics

LEGO Mindstorms NXT One-Kit Wonders

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT One-Kit Wonders will make it simple for you to construct even the most complex of these ten robots, all while you learn the ins and outs of the NXT kit. You’ll learn to build and program:

  • CandyPicker, a candy-picking robot with built-in generator and remote control
  • PunchBot, a robot that you program using old-fashioned punchcards
  • M, a robot that sorts your M&M candies by color
  • NXT Dragster, a super-fast racecar that will take you all the way to the drag strip
  • BobBot, a versatile skid-steer loader, equipped with a ball grabber or demolition claw
  • RoboLock, a security system for your robots
  • The Hand, a robotic replacement hand to protect you from those dangerous cleanup jobs, like picking up your brother’s gym socks
  • SPC, a robotic vehicle that can park itself between two objects using front-wheel drive
  • GrabBot, a robot that finds, grabs, lifts and moves objects autonomously
  • The Bike, a two-wheeled robot that can balance and steer

Armed with the knowledge you gain from this book, you’ll be inventing your own amazing creations in no time.

  • Author: James Floyd Kelly et. al.
  • Paperback: 408 pages
  • Publisher: No Starch Press; 1 edition (November 29, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593271883
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593271886
  • Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 1.1 inches

The LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Discovery Book

Discover the many features of the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 set. The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Discovery Book is the complete, illustrated, beginner’s guide to MINDSTORMS that you’ve been looking for.
The crystal clear instructions in the Discovery Book will show you how to harness the capabilities of the NXT 2.0 set to build and program your own robots. Author and robotics instructor Laurens Valk walks you through the set, showing you how to use its various pieces, and how to use the NXT software to program robots. Interactive tutorials make it easy for you to reach an advanced level of programming as you learn to build robots that move, monitor sensors, and use advanced programming techniques like data wires and variables. You’ll build eight increasingly sophisticated robots like the Strider (a six-legged walking creature), the CCC (a climbing vehicle), the Hybrid Brick Sorter (a robot that sorts by color and size), and the Snatcher (an autonomous robotic arm). Numerous building and programming challenges throughout encourage you to think creatively and to apply what you’ve learned as you develop the skills essential to creating your own robots.

  • Author: Laurens Valk
  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: No Starch Press; 1 edition (April 26, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593272111
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593272111
  • Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inches

The Unofficial LEGO Mindstorms NXT Inventor’s Guide

The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set includes a variety of powerful electronic parts (motors, sensors, and the programmable NXT microcomputer) and lots of building elements. With these parts you can create thousands of unique, intelligent robots. The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor’s Guide helps you to harness the capabilities of the NXT set and effectively plan, build, and program your own NXT robots.
The first part of the book contains a brief introduction to the NXT set. You’ll then examine the pieces in the NXT set and the roles they play in construction. Next, you’ll learn practical building techniques, like how to build sturdy structures and work with gears. Then it’s time to learn how to program with the official NXT-G programming language (and learn a bit about several unofficial programming languages). You’ll also learn what author David J. Perdue calls the MINDSTORMS method: a strategy for creating your own robots. Finally, you’ll follow step-by-step instructions for building, programming, and testing six sample robots (all of which can be built using only the parts found in one NXT set).

  • Author: David J. Purdue
  • Paperback: 300 pages
  • Publisher: No Starch Press; 1 edition (October 29, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593271549
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593271541
  • Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.8 inches

Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms NXT

The new MINDSTORMS kit has been updated to include a programming brick, USB cable, RJ11-like cables, motors, and sensors. This book updates the robotics information to be compatible with the new set and to show how sound, sight, touch, and distance issues are now dealt with.
The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT and its predecessor, the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System (RIS), have been called “the most creative play system ever developed.” This book unleashes the full power and potential of the tools, sensors, and components that make up LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. It also provides a unique insight on newer studless building techniques as well as interfacing with the traditional studded beams. Some of the world’s leading LEGO MINDSTORMS inventors share their knowledge and development secrets. You will discover an incredible range of ideas to inspire your next invention. This is the ultimate insider’s look at LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT system and is the perfect book whether you build world-class competitive robots or just like to mess around for the fun of it.

  • Author: Dave Astolfo
  • Paperback: 480 pages
  • Publisher: Syngress (June 4, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1597491527
  • ISBN-13: 978-1597491525

Educate NXT

Educate NXT is the ultimate NXT robotics resource for teachers and students. Graded Student worksheets are accompanied by extensive Teacher sections covering topics including Navigation, Line follow, and Sumo. This is further supported by animated PowerPoint presentations, ideal for teachers new to robotics, or teachers with experience wishing to extend their students. Two years of worldwide research and trialing has gone into preparing a book that meshes educational outcomes with LEGO® robotics. Teachers will find out how to successfully and confidently manage a robotics program within their school. A wide-ranging series of additional challenges round off an NXT resource written by teachers, for teachers. Educate NXT gives educators control within the robotics classroom yet fosters learning freedom and the buzz of student engagement.

  • Author: Chris Bracken
  • Pages: 275
  • Binding: paperback/spiral-bound
  • ISBN: 1-58651-947-6
  • Copyright: 2010
  • Level: Intermediate

Programming Lego Mindstorms NXT

Teach your robot new tricks! With this projects-based approach you can program your Mindstorms NXT robot to solve a maze, build a house, run an obstacle course, and many other activities. Along the way you will learn the basics of programming structures and techniques using NXT-G. For hobbyists, and students working on robot projects, Bishop provides the background and tools to program your robot for tasks that go beyond the simple routines provided with the robot kit. The programs range in complexity from simple contact avoidance and path following, to programs generating some degree of artificial intelligence.

  • Paperback: 200 pages
  • Publisher: Syngress; Pap/DVD edition (June 30, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1597492787
  • ISBN-13: 978-1597492782

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0: The King’s Treasure

In this sequel to the immensely popular book, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT: The Mayan Adventure, you get both an engaging story and a personal tutorial on robotics programming. You’ll learn about the motors and sensors in your NXT 2.0 kit. You’ll learn to constructively brainstorm solutions to problems. And you’ll follow clear, photo-illustrated instructions that help you build, test, and operate a series of five robots corresponding to the five challenges Evan and his uncle must overcome in their search for lost treasure.

  • Paperback: 300 pages
  • Publisher: Apress; 1 edition (December 1, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1430224916
  • ISBN-13: 978-1430224914

The Lego Mindstorms NXT Zoo! An Unofficial, Kid-Friendly Guide to Building Robotic Animals with the Lego Mindstorms NXT

Whether you’re just beginning with your LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set or are already an expert, you’ll be inspired by these animal-like models that walk, crawl, hop, and roll!
The first part of the book introduces you to the NXT kit and reviews the parts you’ll need in order to begin building. Next, you’ll learn how to program with the NXT-G programming language, including how to make miniprograms called My Blocks that you can use to build larger programs. Finally, you’ll learn how to build each robot and program it to act like its real animal cousins.

  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: No Starch Press; 1 edition (February 22, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593271700
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593271701

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Thinking Robots

Build a Rubik’s Cube Solver and a Tic-Tac-Toe Playing Robot!
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Thinking Robots will show you how to build and program two robots that think. You’ll be awestruck when the TTT Tickler ties you at tic-tac-toe and amazed when the One-Armed Wonder solves a Rubik’s Cube® in just a few minutes.
These robots aren’t child’s play. The models are challenging, and you’ll have to do a bit of thinking yourself to get them to work. But once you get the hang of it, your efforts will be amply rewarded.
In addition to providing detailed instructions for building each model with either the original or the NXT 2.0 set, author Daniele Benedettelli takes you inside the robots to show you how they’re designed, what makes them think, and how to use them.

  • Paperback: 300 pages
  • Publisher: No Starch Press; 1 edition (December 4, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1593272162
  • ISBN-13: 978-1593272166