LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit: In-Depth Product Information and Review

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit gives you everything you need to build robots and program them to do what you want.  Though classified as a toy, the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 system is, simply put, in a class of its own – it is basically a robot-building kit comprised of Lego pieces on steroids.  Though pricier than most toys – it carries a price tag in the hundreds – the sophisticated Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit has outstanding customer reviews and is highly recommended.  Price is rarely mentioned as an objection, because it is often considered to be a useful, education toy that is likely to engage your children for hours at a time, year after year.   

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit includes enough pieces and sensors to create robots with dozens of different designs and capabilities.  The instruction book includes detailed, step-by-step instructions for how to complete a couple of basic robots.  From there, builders can use the included NXT 2.0 software to program and design robots of their own creation.  Some reviews state that it is a bit of a leap for some children to go from the specific step-by-step instructions to the process of making their own creations.  However, dozens of different robot building guides are available online.  They can help bridge the transition from building the introductory Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot to designing and programming unique ones.  Using these different guides can help your child understand the capabilities of the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit, and help them think about different ways to utilize its capabilities.

The software that is included with the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit is well-regarded.  It has positive reviews and is, in general, easy to use.  Many parents like the fact that it introduces their children to “if/then” processes and primes them for learning other programming techniques. 

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit has a strong following and is highly coveted by those with interests including programming, Legos, and designing systems.   It encourages builders to be creative, think outside the box, and develop solutions to problems.  It is rewarding for builders to have a finished product that performs functions as desired. 

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit is a product that ages well.  A fairly simple robot can be created by most beginners in about an hour by following the included directions, but older or more advanced builders can make their own creations of higher complexity; the variations are limitless. 

As is standard with Lego, the quality of the unit is high, and there is a strong customer service backup.  As with any electronic toy, a few online reviews have reported problems with the NXT unit upon receipt.  However, the reviews state that Lego’s customer service department quickly replaced the faulty pieces.  The majority of reviews report no issues with the functionality of the item.  Overall, online reviews of the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 are glowing and almost all reviewers highly recommend purchase of the kit. 

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit is recommended for ages 10+, but many online reviews state that it is also appropriate for children who are a “mature 8.”  Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 require builders to follow detailed instructions, so it could be frustrating for children who are not yet ready for that type of process.  Take your child’s attention span and attention to detail into consideration when deciding what age would be appropriate for introducing them to Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0.  Children of all ages may need parental assistance when starting to work with their Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, which is one of the other reasons that this kit ranks so highly in reviews; many parents find that it is an excellent family project, and  parents often enjoy working with this robot kit as much as their children. 

This set has appeal to a much wider age range than most.  Although pre-teens may go crazy over it, it holds just as much appeal for teenagers and parents.  Many junior high and high schools have Lego or Robotics classes or clubs, and many of those utilize the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 set for competitions.

As LEGO ®puts it, NXT is the brain of a Lego Mindstorms robot.  It is a Lego brick that is computer-controlled.  It is truly the foundation of the Lego Mindstorms systems – it is the component that makes Mindstorms robots come to life and execute different movements and reactions.

The NXT has a number of ports and features that allow information to flow in and out of the unit.  Here are the components of the NXT:

·         Sensor Ports – you can attach sensors to your NXT via three input ports.  They are referred to as Ports 1, 2, 3, and 4.  These allow you to connect ports to your NXT that relay information to the unit.  The unit processes this information and, based upon how it is programmed, outputs information to cause the desired reaction. 

·         Motor Ports – you can attach motors to your NXT via three ports.  They are referred to as Ports A, B, and C.  According to the way you have programmed your robot, information will flow from the NXT to the motors via these ports, producing a desired response.

·         Loudspeaker – the loudspeaker allows you to make a program for your robot using real sounds.  You can then listen to the sounds when you run the program (use the robot).

·         USB port – the NXT is controlled by information it receives from your computer.  The USB port allows you to use a USB cable to connect to your computer and download programs to your NXT robot.  You can also use this connection to upload data from the robot to your computer.  Another option for communication between your NXT unit and your computer is use of the included wireless Bluetooth connection. 

The question here should really be, why would you not love the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit?  It has a very strong following and overwhelmingly positive online reviews.  Buyers love the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 for some of the following reasons:

·         Ability to build a complete robot in about half an hour

·         Ability to customize robots in endless ways

·         Introduces users to if/then concepts of programming

·         Interesting designs and capabilities make it a fresh experience every time a new design is pursued

·         Encourages creativity

·         Rewards systematic thinking and persistence

·         Poses an intellectual challenge to builders; they have to figure out how to program the robot to accomplish their desired objectives

·         Kit can function independently without the need to buy additional parts

·         Can be enjoyed by pre-teens, teens, and adults

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit includes 612 pieces.  Here are the key components:

· Color Sensor – along with the Ultrasonic Sensor, this sensor gives vision to your robot by distinguishing things in different ways. This sensor can tell the difference between light and dark, and it can identify six different colors, allowing your Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robots to do things like sort different colored objects, follow a path of a certain color, or perform a function – like turning around – when it detects a certain color. It can also be used as a color lamp to give your Lego Mindstorms robot a bit of spunk and personality.

· Ultrasonic Sensor – this is the other sensor that will give your robot vision. It can be used to help your robot change its path to avoid obstacles, measure distance, and enables your robot to be able to detect objects.

· Light Sensor - this helps your Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot distinguish between light and dark, and it also enables your robot to measure the light intensity in a room. Lego suggests that one fun application of this sensor is using it to create a burglar alarm robot that reacts when someone turns on the light in your room.

· Touch Sensor - this gives your robot the ability to tell when it has pressed up against something, and when it has been released.

· Sound Sensor – this sensor allows your robot to hear decibels (any sounds, whether human ears can detect them or not) and adjusted decibels (the sounds your ears are able to hear).

· Servo Motors – these motors are what make your robots move. They include a built-in rotation sensor that will let you guide your robot very accurately.

· NXT Software – the Lego Mindstorms NXT software is used to program robots and upload your programs. It is compatible with both MAC and PC systems. It is a drag-and-drop software, making it easy to use.

· NXT – see separate section devoted to the NXT.

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit differs from the earlier release by having additional functionality.  The original Lego Mindstorms NXT kit included three servo motors and one light, one touch, one sound, and one distance sensor.  The Lego Mindstorms 2.0 robot kit is an upgrade in that it includes two touch sensors, and newly included light, sound, and distance sensors.  This greatly increases the functionality of the kit and gives the robots much more versatility. 

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit also uses a slightly different color scheme, changing the overall appearance of the finished robots; whereas the earlier release featured brighter colors that you would typically expect from Lego, the NXT 2.0 doesn’t have an appearance that clearly distinguishes it as a Lego product.  Though many like the more sophisticated appearance, some wish the whimsical appeal of the earlier version was still apparent - this is a matter of personal preference.  However, the new functionality of the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 robot kit trumps the earlier version and makes opinions regarding the color secondary.  The upgrade substantially increases the potential functionality of Mindstorms NXT robots.

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit has enough sensors, motors, and other pieces to completely design many simple robots. One consistent complaint about the kit, however, is that all of the pieces are packaged together in a cardboard box. As you build, it will be useful to have your parts sorted. Many online reviews recommend buying an inexpensive craft box or tackle box to store and sort pieces.

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit is expensive compared to many toys. Amazon almost always has the best discounts and normally features free shipping; click here to view their current offer.

The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Robot Kit is a robust, versatile toy. It offers a level of flexibility and customization that is completely unique to Mindstorms, and give it a lifespan much longer than the majority of toys available.

Also, it may be easier to justify the price of the Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 set than other potential gifts, given that it encourages creative thinking and process-following. Parents will love that it challenges their child and exercises their brains. To begin, the NXT 2.0 includes directions for four basic robots. These walk familiarize you with the components and walk you step-by-step through the fundamental process of assembling the robots. The first model is relatively easy, and most report that it can be completed by most children, possibly with some parental assistance, within an hour.

This first robot is a launching point to make the wheels start turning. The Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 set can be customized in endless ways. There are instructions available for dozens of robots; these can be followed step-by-step to form completely unique models. Creative kids and teens can come up with their own plans for robot designs with varying functionality.

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