Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Skype-controlled Mindstorms NXT car: toys over IP?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/skype-controlled-mindstorms-nxt-car-toys-over-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/skype-controlled-mindstorms-nxt-car-toys-over-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/skype-controlled-mindstorms-nxt-car-toys-over-ip/#comments
If you build it, they will come; so the saying goes. And robotics-loving Mindstorms NXT-enthusiast Leon built it. What exactly? Well, a car. But not just any old brick-mobile, one you -- yes you -- at home can control via Skype. How does one conjure up such sorcery? By training a light sensor on a laptop screen, for receiving Skype calls, a soupçon of screen sharing, all mixed with a little web code so you can pilot remotely. The final lap is over a Bluetooth connection, plus there's a clever self-charging system originally featured on these very pages. Fancy taking it for a spin? You've got until the 18th of this month before Leon gets fed-up with the constant reverse donuts. Check the video after the break to see the truly "remote controlled" car in action, and tap the source to see how you too can take it for a spin.

Continue reading Skype-controlled Mindstorms NXT car: toys over IP?

Skype-controlled Mindstorms NXT car: toys over IP? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothcesces 2012Ces2012IPlaptoplegolego mindstormsLegoMindstormsmindstormsMindstorms NXTMindstormsNxtremote controlled carRemoteControlledCarscreen sharingScreenSharingskypevideoTue, 10 Jan 2012 23:49:00 EST<![CDATA[CubeStormer II rocks a Samsung Galaxy S II, makes CubeStormer I look downright slothful (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/cubestormer-ii-rocks-a-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-makes-cubestormer-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/cubestormer-ii-rocks-a-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-makes-cubestormer-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/cubestormer-ii-rocks-a-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-makes-cubestormer-i/#comments CubeStormer I was pretty cool, we guess, but that was way back in 2010. Now we're all about CubeStormer II. Built by Mike Dobson and David Gilday, the puzzle-cracking robot is capable of solving Rubik's Cubes at blazing fast speeds, shaving precious fractions of seconds off of human world records. The 'bot was constructed from four Lego Mindstorms NXT kits, with our old pal the Samsung Galaxy S II serving as the its "brain." CubeStormer will be making a public appearance at ARM TechCon 2011 in California, later this month (and really, the whole thing seems like a bit of an ad for ARM -- albeit a really awesome one). In the meantime, check out some video of it in action after the break.

Continue reading CubeStormer II rocks a Samsung Galaxy S II, makes CubeStormer I look downright slothful (video)

CubeStormer II rocks a Samsung Galaxy S II, makes CubeStormer I look downright slothful (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armCubestormercubestormer iiCubestormerIiDavid GildayDavidGildaylegoMike DobsonMikeDobsonMindstormsNXTRobopocalypserobotrubiks cubeRubiksCubesamsungsamsung galaxysamsung galaxy s iiSamsungGalaxySamsungGalaxySIitoytoysvideoFri, 14 Oct 2011 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Desire solves dodecahedron Rubik's Cube, will blow your mind (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/htc-desire-solves-dodecahedron-rubiks-cube-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/htc-desire-solves-dodecahedron-rubiks-cube-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/htc-desire-solves-dodecahedron-rubiks-cube-will-blow-your-mind/#comments If this image doesn't have you completely dumbfounded, scroll down and watch the video. Sufficiently awestruck? Good. Now, for a little background on exactly how someone got a pile of Legos and a smartphone to solve the devil's puzzle Megaminx. The aptly titled Megaminxer enlists the Mindstorms NXT kit to do the dirty work and an HTC Desire, running a custom Android app, as the brains of the operation. Said app uses the phone's camera to take individual images of each of the puzzle's 12 faces, then processes the information and sends a signal via Bluetooth to the NXT controller, which in turn goes to town. Unfortunately, there's no explaining how they got the Android to dance like that, but, really, why ruin the magic?

[Thanks, Stuart]

Continue reading HTC Desire solves dodecahedron Rubik's Cube, will blow your mind (video)

HTC Desire solves dodecahedron Rubik's Cube, will blow your mind (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid appAndroidAppARMcell phoneCellPhoneDesiregamegamesgamingHTCHTC DesireHtcDesireLegoLegosMegaminxMegaminxermindstormsMindstorms NXTMindstormsNxtpuzzleRubiks cubeRubiksCubesmart phoneSmartPhonesolvevideoWed, 06 Apr 2011 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Mindstorms NXT battle bot shoots bricks, breaks hearts (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/mindstorms-nxt-battle-bot-shoots-bricks-breaks-hearts-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/mindstorms-nxt-battle-bot-shoots-bricks-breaks-hearts-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/mindstorms-nxt-battle-bot-shoots-bricks-breaks-hearts-video/#comments There's so much to love about Martijn Hellemans' Mindstorms NXT battle tank: it sports independent suspension, cruise control, LED headlights, laser sighting, and a high velocity brick cannon. What's more, it's controlled by a PSP-Nx remote, but you know what we really love about this Mindstorms battle bot? It gets down to the smooth jazz -- and here we thought we were smitten with NXT Wall-E. Check out a video of our new Lego love, complete with quiet storm accompaniment, after the break.

Continue reading Mindstorms NXT battle bot shoots bricks, breaks hearts (video)

Mindstorms NXT battle bot shoots bricks, breaks hearts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlebattle robotbattle tankBattleRobotBattleTanklegoLego Mindstorm NXTlego mindstormslego robotlego tankLegoMindstormNxtLegoMindstormsLegoRobotLegoTankMartijn HellemansMartijnHellemansmindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtnxtnxt mindstormsNxtMindstormsrobottankvideoFri, 11 Mar 2011 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[NXTBee enables long-distance wireless for Mindstorms NXT, funny little RC cars (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/nxtbee-enables-long-distance-wireless-for-mindstorms-nxt-funny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/nxtbee-enables-long-distance-wireless-for-mindstorms-nxt-funny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/nxtbee-enables-long-distance-wireless-for-mindstorms-nxt-funny/#commentsNXTBee enables long-distance wireless for Mindstorms NXT, funny little RC cars (video) Lego Mindstorms NXT is robotic democratization, DIY designing for the everyman, but being stuck with only Bluetooth or IR wireless can put a bit of a damper on your egalitarian goals. No more. Dexter industries (who previously brought us solar-powered Mindstorms) has created the NXTBee, which uses the an Xbee radio to send data much further: 300 feet for the base $55 NXTBee, up to a mile if you opt for the $78 NXTBee-PRO. You'll probably need two of the things, though, so make sure you budget appropriately. There's definitely some lag evident in the video of a long-range RC car below, but we're not sure if that's the wireless or the machine itself. Regardless, that's surely a design challenge that won't stop you from having fun with this one.

Continue reading NXTBee enables long-distance wireless for Mindstorms NXT, funny little RC cars (video)

NXTBee enables long-distance wireless for Mindstorms NXT, funny little RC cars (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dexter industriesDexterIndustrieslegomindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtnxtbeevideowirelessxbeeMon, 14 Feb 2011 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego bot built to test Kno's tablet textbook, human overlords watch gleefully (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/lego-bot-built-to-test-knos-tablet-textbook-human-overlords-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/lego-bot-built-to-test-knos-tablet-textbook-human-overlords-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/lego-bot-built-to-test-knos-tablet-textbook-human-overlords-wa/#comments Just because the first few tablet textbooks have shipped doesn't mean that members of Kno's development team are resting on their laurels. Product testing on the Kno tablet continues -- and it looks like Lego is doing the heavy lifting. They've put our favorite plastic building blocks to work by constructing a Kno stress tester out of Lego Technic parts. The robot checks both the Kno's ambient light sensor and the ability of its touchscreen to accurately track the system's pen swipes and flicks. Though not as intricate as a Lego replica of a 2000+ year old mechanical computer, the robot -- with its hypnotic pendulum-like motion -- is still a sight to behold. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Lego bot built to test Kno's tablet textbook, human overlords watch gleefully (video)

Lego bot built to test Kno's tablet textbook, human overlords watch gleefully (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double screenDoubleScreendual-screenknokno tabletKnoTabletlegolego technicLegoTechnicmindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtnxtrobotrobotssingle-screenstress teststress-testStressTesttablettabletstestingtextbook tablettextbooksTextbookTabletvideoWed, 02 Feb 2011 02:24:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY pinhole camera goes automatic with Lego Mindstorms (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/diy-pinhole-camera-goes-automatic-with-lego-mindstorms/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/diy-pinhole-camera-goes-automatic-with-lego-mindstorms/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/diy-pinhole-camera-goes-automatic-with-lego-mindstorms/#comments
As you may be aware, you can build a pinhole camera out of just about anything and, as we've seen, you can build just about anything with Lego Mindstorms -- so it makes sense the two should finally meet, right? Thanks to DIY-er Basil Shikin, they now have. He didn't just settle for a simple pinhole camera, though -- he created a fully automatic camera that's able to wind the film and control the shutter (and look good while doing so). Head on past the break to check it out in action, and hit up the link below for the complete details to build your own.

Continue reading DIY pinhole camera goes automatic with Lego Mindstorms (video)

DIY pinhole camera goes automatic with Lego Mindstorms (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameradiylegolego mindstormsLegoMindstormsmindstormspinhole cameraPinholeCameravideoTue, 28 Dec 2010 20:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/pulito-the-lego-mindstorms-swiffer-bot-that-seeks-out-electrici/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/pulito-the-lego-mindstorms-swiffer-bot-that-seeks-out-electrici/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/pulito-the-lego-mindstorms-swiffer-bot-that-seeks-out-electrici/#comments You could certainly buy a ready-made robot to sweep your hardwood floors, but doesn't building your own out of Lego bricks sound like loads more fun? That's what PlastiBots did with the Pulito pictured above, a Lego Mindstorms NXT sweeper with a host of sensors to navigate around furniture and a standard Swiffer pad to scrub. There's no fancy NorthStar or Celestial navigation packages to keep the bot on track, so it meanders about much of the time, but there is an fancy infrared beacon on the robot's charging dock to guide the creature home. When the Pulito's running out of juice from a long, tiring session of painstakingly traversing your floors, it's programmed to automatically seek out that invisible light and receive a loving 12 volt embrace from the station's brass charging bars. See it in action after the break, and hit our source link for more.

[Thanks, Dave]

Continue reading Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video)

Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floor cleaningFloorCleaninglegolego mindstormslego mindstorms nxtLegoMindstormsLegoMindstormsNxtmindstormsnxtpulitorobotrobot cleanerrobot vacuumRobotCleanerroboticsrobotsRobotVacuumroombaswiffervideoMon, 15 Nov 2010 09:16:00 EST<![CDATA[dSolar panels for Mindstorms bring green power to your Lego creations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/dsolar-panels-for-mindstorms-bring-green-power-to-your-lego-crea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/dsolar-panels-for-mindstorms-bring-green-power-to-your-lego-crea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/dsolar-panels-for-mindstorms-bring-green-power-to-your-lego-crea/#comments
When society collapses and the national energy infrastructure goes to pot, at least you'll still be able to run your fantastical Lego Mindstorms NXT creations. That's right: the fine folks at Dexter Industries are offering panels, batteries, and all the geegaws necessary to power your projects the old fashioned way: with the sun. The basic dSolar 2W System ($90) features a 9 volt solar panel with enough juice to power the NXt and a single motor in direct sunlight (about 250 mA). There is also a four watt system available for $100, as well as capacitor banks, parallel connectors for multiple panels, and more. Hit up the source link to get started -- but not before you check out the video after the break.

Continue reading dSolar panels for Mindstorms bring green power to your Lego creations

dSolar panels for Mindstorms bring green power to your Lego creations originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomedexter industriesDexterIndustriesdiydsolargreenhacklegolego mindstormsLegoMindstormsmindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtrobotsolarsolar powerSolarPowertoyvideoTue, 19 Oct 2010 05:57:00 EST<![CDATA[MakerLegoBot is made of Lego, makes things out of Lego, is so meta it hurts (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/makerlegobot-is-made-of-lego-makes-things-out-of-lego-is-so-me/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/makerlegobot-is-made-of-lego-makes-things-out-of-lego-is-so-me/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/makerlegobot-is-made-of-lego-makes-things-out-of-lego-is-so-me/#commentsMakerLegoBot is made of Lego, makes things out of Lego, is so meta it hurts (video) Building things out of Lego? Lots of fun. Building a thing out of Lego that itself builds other things out of Lego? That's totally mindblowing, and that's what Mindstorm master Will Gorman managed here with his MakerLegoBot masterpiece. The machine takes input from a PC running MLCAD, a sort of industrial design tool for blocknauts, and then churns out anything you like -- so long as it is comprised of 1x2, 2x2, 3x2, 4x2, and 8x2 bricks. These are fed by the machine and methodically placed in exact position, as shown in the video below. If you're hanging out in The Netherlands this upcoming weekend you can also see the thing in action at LegoWorld in Zwolle, or just build your own with the detailed plans at the source link below. But, before you start assembling, know that you'll need 2,400 bricks and nine Mindstorms NXT motors.

Continue reading MakerLegoBot is made of Lego, makes things out of Lego, is so meta it hurts (video)

MakerLegoBot is made of Lego, makes things out of Lego, is so meta it hurts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolegoworldmakerlegobotmindstormsmlcadvideowill gormanWillGormanMon, 18 Oct 2010 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Mindstorm NXT enlisted for shirt-folding robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/10/lego-mindstorm-nxt-enlisted-for-shirt-folding-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/10/lego-mindstorm-nxt-enlisted-for-shirt-folding-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/10/lego-mindstorm-nxt-enlisted-for-shirt-folding-robot/#comments All we have to say about this shirt-folding robot is that it does a better job than we could ever hope to. And for that, we love it. Video is below.

Continue reading Lego Mindstorm NXT enlisted for shirt-folding robot

Lego Mindstorm NXT enlisted for shirt-folding robot originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clothingfoldfoldinghouseholdlaundrylegomindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtnxtrobotrobotsSun, 10 Oct 2010 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego bipedal bot takes several small stairs for man, one big fall for robotkind (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/lego-bipedal-bot-takes-several-small-stairs-for-man-one-big-fal/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/lego-bipedal-bot-takes-several-small-stairs-for-man-one-big-fal/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/lego-bipedal-bot-takes-several-small-stairs-for-man-one-big-fal/#comments Climbing stairs is one of the hardest physical tasks for a bipedal collection of motors and circuits, as Honda's ASIMO can relate, but one man's managed to achieve just that with this head-banging Lego Mindstorms NXT robot. After spending years tinkering with the plastic blocks, 222Doc's X-2 Chicken Walking Biped can autonomously walk up and down flights of small steps with relative ease, perform headstands and even scale five-inch cinder block cliffs if precariously pushed. The robot requires only seven Lego servo motors plus a touch sensor and gyroscope in each foot, but also uses a pair of third-party multiplexers (also spotted in that transforming Wall-E) for fine control of the extra motors. Watch it perform after the break, but stop the second video at 3:20 if pain makes you queasy -- the bot takes a pretty ugly spill.

Continue reading Lego bipedal bot takes several small stairs for man, one big fall for robotkind (video)

Lego bipedal bot takes several small stairs for man, one big fall for robotkind (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bipedalbipedal robotBipedalRobotbotLegolego mindstormslego mindstorms nxtLegoMindstormsLegoMindstormsNxtMindstormsMindstorms NXTMindstormsNxtNXTrobotrobotsstair climberstair climbingStairClimberStairClimbingstairsvideoTue, 03 Aug 2010 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: best robot platform for under $400?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/ask-engadget-best-robot-platform-for-under-400/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/ask-engadget-best-robot-platform-for-under-400/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/ask-engadget-best-robot-platform-for-under-400/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Ryan, who reckons it's about time he stopped playing with Lego blocks and began playing with a real man's robot platform. Just kidding about the Lego bit. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"I am an aspiring roboticist who has been using Lego Mindstorms NXT for a few years and I am looking for the next step up. I have a budget of about $400. I am looking for something that has more motors, more sensors, and a way to have it live feed video back to a computer. I would also like a platform that has a large amount of building that can be done on top of it, such as adding an arm or another array of sensors, or a different drive base. I'm new to the world of robotics outside of the NXT, so any tips would be appreciated as well. Thanks!"
Come on over, robot lovers. Toss those gloves and goggles aside for a moment and throw this guy some advice. What platform keeps you up in the garage at night?

Ask Engadget: best robot platform for under $400? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetdiylegomindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtnxtrobotThu, 29 Jul 2010 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Transformable Wall-E gets recreated with some love, Lego and DIY skills (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/transformable-wall-e-gets-recreated-with-some-love-lego-and-diy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/transformable-wall-e-gets-recreated-with-some-love-lego-and-diy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/transformable-wall-e-gets-recreated-with-some-love-lego-and-diy/#comments Sure, you'll have seen Lego-based Wall-E imitators before, but few recreate both the cuteness and the basic functionality of the drone quite like this one here. Programmed using Lego Mindstorms, this adorable little creation can transform itself into a box (like the real Wall-E!), pick up and carry objects, look up and down, and even produce and respond to sounds. It can be controlled remotely or left to do things by itself. Follow the break to see it on video.

Continue reading Transformable Wall-E gets recreated with some love, Lego and DIY skills (video)

Transformable Wall-E gets recreated with some love, Lego and DIY skills (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botdiydronehomebrewhomemadelegolego mindstormslego nxtLegoMindstormsLegoNxtmindstormsmodmoddingnxtremote controlremote controlledRemoteControlRemoteControlledretractablerobottransformabletransformervideowall-eMon, 19 Jul 2010 05:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacker creates Lego Mindstorms NXT-606 drum kit, just because he can (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/hacker-creates-lego-mindstorms-nxt-606-drum-kit-just-because-he/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/hacker-creates-lego-mindstorms-nxt-606-drum-kit-just-because-he/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/hacker-creates-lego-mindstorms-nxt-606-drum-kit-just-because-he/#commentsHacker creates Lego Mindstorms NXT-606 drum kit, just because he can If you've taken your Lego Mindstorms NXT kit to the Nerd Cup, created a 3D scanner to digitize your Precious Moments collection, and trained it to solve a Rubik's Cube, you might think you've run out of things to do. Perhaps this was the problem that Peter Cocteau faced -- or maybe he just wanted to make the most bombastic NXT project yet. He created an 8-bit sample drum machine with 24 sounds controlled entirely by two Lego rotation sensors. He did have to make a few augmentations to get the audio output working (and to add in that bitching DJ-style light to make it more club friendly). He's kindly provided all the source that you'll need to get your little blocks bumpin', but if you want yours to be just like his you'll need to do your own soldering.

Continue reading Hacker creates Lego Mindstorms NXT-606 drum kit, just because he can (video)

Hacker creates Lego Mindstorms NXT-606 drum kit, just because he can (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>djdrum machineDrumMachinehackhackedlegomindstormsmindstorms lxtMindstormsLxtnxtnxt-606peter cocteauPeterCocteauvideoWed, 07 Jul 2010 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Chess supersizes Lego robots for ultimate geek synergy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/monster-chess-supersizes-lego-robots-for-ultimate-geek-synergy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/monster-chess-supersizes-lego-robots-for-ultimate-geek-synergy/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/monster-chess-supersizes-lego-robots-for-ultimate-geek-synergy/#comments This is like an Andre 3000 song. What's cooler than robots? Lego robots. And what's even cooler than that? Supersized Lego robots playing chess. Composed of more than 100,000 Lego Mindstorms parts, the above chess set occupies a 156-square foot playing area and took a four-person team "about a year" to create. Total retail cost is tallied up at $30,000, though you won't be surprised to hear there are no plans to make it available for purchase -- presumably because of its priceless awesomeness. See a game played out on video after the break.

Continue reading Monster Chess supersizes Lego robots for ultimate geek synergy

Monster Chess supersizes Lego robots for ultimate geek synergy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbotbotschesshassenpluglegolego mindstormslego robotlego robotsLegoMindstormsLegoRobotLegoRobotsmindstormsmonster chessMonsterChessoutsizedoversizedquirkyrobotsupersizedteam hassenplugTeamHassenplugvideoTue, 15 Jun 2010 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid solves Lego-encased Rubik's Cube in 24 mind-melting seconds (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/08/motorola-droid-solves-lego-encased-rubiks-cube-in-24-mind-melti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/08/motorola-droid-solves-lego-encased-rubiks-cube-in-24-mind-melti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/08/motorola-droid-solves-lego-encased-rubiks-cube-in-24-mind-melti/#comments Oh sure, you've seen your disgustingly hairy cousin solve a Rubik's Cube in 3 minutes and 13.4 seconds, and we've seen quite a few sophisticated robots do it in far less time. But in the latest episode of "Yes, Droid Really Does," we've got Motorola's darling solving a Lego-encased Cube in just over 24 seconds. Let's recap: a Droid, a Mindstorms NXT monstrosity, a Rubik's Cube and faux techno. Is there any chance you aren't clicking through to watch this video?

Update: Whoops -- had the wrong image in there somehow. Fixed now!

Update II: Drats -- the video owner removed the clip. We'll keep it embedded should it return.

Update III: It's back! Check it after the break.

Continue reading Motorola Droid solves Lego-encased Rubik's Cube in 24 mind-melting seconds (video)

Motorola Droid solves Lego-encased Rubik's Cube in 24 mind-melting seconds (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 May 2010 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidARMawesomedroidgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidLegomindstormmindstormsMindstorms NXTMindstormsNxtmotomotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidnxtrubikrubiks cubeRubiksCubetoyvideoSat, 08 May 2010 23:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Cubestormer robot solves Rubik's Cube in sub-12 second whirlwind (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/lego-cubestormer-robot-solves-rubiks-cube-in-sub-12-second-whir/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/lego-cubestormer-robot-solves-rubiks-cube-in-sub-12-second-whir/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/lego-cubestormer-robot-solves-rubiks-cube-in-sub-12-second-whir/#comments Robots born with the sole purpose of solving the Rubik's Cube are nothing new, but we're pretty sure we haven't seen one crack the code in under a dozen seconds before. The Cubestormer, which is built from a myriad Lego Mindstorm kits, recently took hold of the famous block and lined up every color without breaking a sweat. Oh, and did we mention that it took less than 12 seconds? It's worth noting again, either way. Hop on past the break and mash play to have your mind blown, not to mention your own intelligence insulted.

Continue reading Lego Cubestormer robot solves Rubik's Cube in sub-12 second whirlwind (video)

Lego Cubestormer robot solves Rubik's Cube in sub-12 second whirlwind (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CubestormerlegoMindstormsNXTrobotrubiks cubeRubiksCubetoytoysvideoMon, 15 Feb 2010 00:59:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Hero-controlled Mindstorms bot hints at Android uprising]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/htc-hero-controlled-mindstorms-bot-hints-at-android-uprising/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/htc-hero-controlled-mindstorms-bot-hints-at-android-uprising/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/htc-hero-controlled-mindstorms-bot-hints-at-android-uprising/#comments Using a cellphone to control a robot -- or a pretty sweet helicopter -- isn't exactly a new idea, but there's something about the combination of Android and Lego Mindstorms that promises to break the possibilities wide open. Swedish tech company Enea Linköping is one of the first we've seen to directly link an Android app to the Mindstorms brain over Bluetooth -- they're using an HTC Hero to control two simple rover bots. Unfortunately, since Android 1.5 doesn't support the Bluetooth serial profile, there's a hack involved: the phone actually sends out commands over WiFi,which are passed through a WiFi-Bluetooth tunneling app on laptop before hitting the bots. That means there's a little lag involved, but now that Android 2.1 has serial Bluetooth support we're hoping things get a little more streamlined in the future. Video after the break.

Continue reading HTC Hero-controlled Mindstorms bot hints at Android uprising

HTC Hero-controlled Mindstorms bot hints at Android uprising originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbluetoothhackherohtchtc heroHtcHerolegolego mindstormsLegoMindstormsmindstormsrobotwifiMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/g4-cube-given-wheels-automation-the-will-to-race-wozs-segway/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/g4-cube-given-wheels-automation-the-will-to-race-wozs-segway/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/30/g4-cube-given-wheels-automation-the-will-to-race-wozs-segway/#comments Not wanting the Allspark to beat them to the punch, the gang at thinkingbricks has given life to an Apple G4 Cube, complete with LEGO Mindstorms NXT-borne retractable wheels, a Bluetooth controller, automation via sensors, and a creepy red LED. That transparent base really makes the wheel deployment much more dramatic, a nice touch if we do say so ourselves. There aren't any step-by-step instructions, but there should be plenty of information at the page if you're thiking of making your own as a weekend project. Either way, be sure to check it out on video, located after the break.

Continue reading G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway

Filed under: ,

G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 May 2009 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple cubeapple g4AppleCubeAppleG4cubeg4g4 cubeG4Cubelegolego mindstormslego mindstorms nxtlego nxtLegoMindstormsLegoMindstormsNxtLegoNxtMind storms NxtmindstormsMindStormsNxtminstorms nxtMinstormsNxtnxtrobotroboticsSat, 30 May 2009 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[3D scanner made entirely from Legos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/3d-scanner-made-entirely-from-legos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/3d-scanner-made-entirely-from-legos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/3d-scanner-made-entirely-from-legos/#comments
We've seen some pretty kick-ass Lego creations over the years, and this one is no exception -- if anything, it gets bonus points for not only being a pretty sweet hack, but for enabling sweeter, more complex, hacks in the future. The 3D scanner was built by Philo Hurbain, who was looking for a way to model complex Lego parts for use in the LDraw CAD program. This bad boy -- including drive components and sensors -- is entirely made from the colorful plastic toy, except for the probe needle (an old school sewing needle, apparently). The "brain" of this thing is Mindstorms NXT. But that ain't all! Check out the device in action as it models a tiny Lego frog -- video after the break.

[Via Make]

Continue reading 3D scanner made entirely from Legos

Filed under:

3D scanner made entirely from Legos originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d scanner3dScannerCADhackLDrawLegomindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtPhilo HurbainPhiloHurbainMon, 23 Mar 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited edition Lego Mindstorms NXT brings back a decade of memories]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/28/limited-edition-lego-mindstorms-nxt-brings-back-a-decade-of-memo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/28/limited-edition-lego-mindstorms-nxt-brings-back-a-decade-of-memo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/28/limited-edition-lego-mindstorms-nxt-brings-back-a-decade-of-memo/#comments
We'll just go ahead and warn you -- don't even think of giving the read link any attention if you're both a) a Lego freak and b) strapped for cash. Otherwise, you'll definitely be $169.99 further away from paying the light bill next month, as the limited edition Mindstorms Black NXT Brick is simply a must-have item for even amateur collectors. The device, which was created to celebrate ten years of Mindstorms, boasts four input ports, a trio of output ports for motors, a large dot-matrix display, USB 2.0, Bluetooth, a 32-bit microprocessor and a digital wire interface for third-party developments. We'd get in line now if you want to be assured of a piece come March 3rd, but that's totally your call.

[Via GoRobotics]

Filed under:

Limited edition Lego Mindstorms NXT brings back a decade of memories originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LEGOlimited editionLimitedEditionMindstormsspecial editionSpecialEditiontoytoysSat, 28 Feb 2009 22:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego safe is made from robot parts, will guard your mint condish Robocop figurines just nicely]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/19/lego-safe-is-made-from-robot-parts-will-guard-your-mint-condish/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/19/lego-safe-is-made-from-robot-parts-will-guard-your-mint-condish/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/19/lego-safe-is-made-from-robot-parts-will-guard-your-mint-condish/#comments
No, your eyes don't deceive: it's a Lego safe. Apparently Lego's computer-equipped Mindstorms NXT can be used for something more practical than launching robots into space (great as that was), and believe it or not, this box is actually kind of secure. Five double digit codes protect your valuables, and the dial goes both ways, so there's a left and right entry for each number -- hence, over 305 billion possible combinations. Moving the safe will trip motion sensors and set off an alarm, and bars inside strengthen the structure, so while master diamond thieves won't be deterred, surreptitious little siblings might. Video after the break, and check the right nav through the read link to dig up building instructions.

[Via Digg]

Continue reading Lego safe is made from robot parts, will guard your mint condish Robocop figurines just nicely

Filed under:

Lego safe is made from robot parts, will guard your mint condish Robocop figurines just nicely originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diylegomindstormsmindstorms nxtmindstormsnxtnxtsafeWed, 19 Nov 2008 06:09:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Mindstorms ready for Tuesday space launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/29/lego-mindstorms-ready-for-tuesday-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/29/lego-mindstorms-ready-for-tuesday-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/29/lego-mindstorms-ready-for-tuesday-launch/#comments
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO Mindstorms, a group of professors, middle-school students, and corporate nerds will be launching several Mindstorms robots into near-space. The High Altitude LEGO Extravaganza (HALE) project will set the robots aloft in an atmospheric weather balloon shortly before sunrise this morning outside of Reno, Nevada. At about 100,000 feet (30km) the balloon will burst and the robots will parachute back to terra firma collecting data and photographs along the way. One robot named Lil' Joe will attempt a world record free-fall decent before deploying its parachute on a pre-programmed schedule. Mind you, the world record is attributable to Mindstorms NXT free-fall, a title we expect is currently held by your little brother sleeping upstairs.

Read -- HALE
Read -- HALE launch tracking

Filed under:

LEGO Mindstorms ready for Tuesday space launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halelegomindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtnear spaceNearSpacenxtspaceTue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: iPhone + LEGO robot = superfluous genius]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/04/video-iphone-lego-robot-superfluous-genius/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/04/video-iphone-lego-robot-superfluous-genius/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/04/video-iphone-lego-robot-superfluous-genius/#comments
It's not always a question of why -- sometimes why not will suffice. The rolling bot above relies upon the Mindstorms NXT light sensor's ability to read the contrasting colors on the iPhone display. After some simple programming and DIY tomfoolery you can drive the robot from the comforts of your WiFi-enabled web browser. Overkill? Oh hells yeah, but at least now your iPhone will serve a purpose after Monday. See how the kids at Battlebricks did it in the video after the break.

Continue reading Video: iPhone + LEGO robot = superfluous genius

Filed under:

Video: iPhone + LEGO robot = superfluous genius originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlebricksiphonelegomindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtWed, 04 Jun 2008 04:25:00 EST<![CDATA[How to build a toilet-flushing Lego robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/28/how-to-build-a-toilet-flushing-lego-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/28/how-to-build-a-toilet-flushing-lego-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/28/how-to-build-a-toilet-flushing-lego-robot/#comments
We were always a little wary of bringing our Legos into the bathroom, but if you've got no such baseless fears, BattleBricks has published a handy how to on building one of those fancy auto-flushers you see in some of the finest washrooms worldwide. Using only parts from a standard NXT Mindstorms kit, Will Gorman rigged up a contraption that employs the ultrasonic sensor module to detect the presence and then absence of a bathroom-goer, and also features a dedicated button to perform a Rube Goldberg-esque manual flush. Keep on reading for a thankfully-SFW demo vid of the so-called "RoboFlush"...

Continue reading How to build a toilet-flushing Lego robot

Filed under:

How to build a toilet-flushing Lego robot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-flusherhackslegomindstormsmodsnxtroboflushFri, 28 Sep 2007 08:12:00 EST<![CDATA[2007 Robot Hall of Fame Inductees: now 75% more real]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/15/2007-robot-hall-of-fame-inductees-now-75-more-real/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/15/2007-robot-hall-of-fame-inductees-now-75-more-real/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/15/2007-robot-hall-of-fame-inductees-now-75-more-real/#comments
The Robot Hall of Fame has always struck as a little odd, what with their inclusion of fictional bots, but it looks like the class of 2007 might the one that turns the tide. For the first time in the four-year history of the Hall, the jury of 25 roboticists selected more real bots than fictional -- LEGO Mindstorms (pictured), the NAVLAB 5, the Raibert Hopper, and Mr. Data made the cut this year, making the final score three real to one, uh, television. While you know how we love Mindstorms, and we're glad to see Data finally make it, the two lesser-known inductees also seem pretty trick to us: NAVLAB 5, a robotic Oldsmobile Silhouette, was honored for driving itself from Pittsburgh to San Diego way back in 1995, while the Raibert Hopper one-legged hopper made it for containing the basic tech DNA that underlies all those two- and four- (and more) legged bots we've got running around these days. Congrats to the honorees, and here's hoping the real bots keep it up.

[Via SuicideBots]

Filed under:

2007 Robot Hall of Fame Inductees: now 75% more real originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnegie mellonCarnegieMellondatamindstormsmr datamr. dataMr.DataMrDatanavlab 5Navlab5raibert hopperRaibertHopperrobot hall of fameRobotHallOfFameTue, 15 May 2007 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Johnny Five is (kinda) alive; needs input]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/01/lego-johnny-five-is-kinda-alive-needs-input/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/01/lego-johnny-five-is-kinda-alive-needs-input/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/01/lego-johnny-five-is-kinda-alive-needs-input/#comments
While we're no strangers to the crazy robots people build out of LEGOs, Daniele Benedettelli's LEGO Johnny Five has got to be the most awe-inspiring brickwork we've seen in a while. The NXT-based 'bot actually contains two NXT units that communicate via Bluetooth to provide Mr. Five a full range of motion from his 6 motors and as much input as he can handle from up to 8 sensors. Benedettelli built the model after careful study of Johnny Five photos to determine his precise measurements, and two previous attempts. While we applaud all this effort, we can't imagine how much time it's going to take him to plate version 4 in gold. Check the read link for plans and videos of Johnny in action.

[Via MAKE: blog]

Filed under:

LEGO Johnny Five is (kinda) alive; needs input originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daniele BenedettelliDanieleBenedettellijohnny fiveJohnnyFivelegomindstormsmindstorms nxtMindstormsNxtmodelnxtTue, 01 May 2007 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Robot of the Year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-robot-of-the-year/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-robot-of-the-year/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-robot-of-the-year/#comments Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Portable Media Device of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Sunday, April 15th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Cornell's "conscious", adapting robot, Lego Mindstorms NXT, Manoi AT01, TMX Tickle Me Elmo, Whitebox Robotics 914 PC Bot, and Wowwee Robosapien RS Media.

View Poll

Filed under: ,

The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Robot of the Year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006 engadget awards2006EngadgetAwards914 PC Bot914PcBotAT01engadget awardsEngadgetAwardsLegoManoiMindstormsNXTRobosapienRS MediaRsMediaTickle Me ElmoTickleMeElmoTMXWhitebox RoboticsWhiteboxRoboticswowweeTue, 10 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Build your own WiigoBot, the Lego NXT Mindstorms Wii Bowling Robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/06/build-your-own-wiigobot-the-lego-nxt-mindstorms-wii-bowling-rob/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/06/build-your-own-wiigobot-the-lego-nxt-mindstorms-wii-bowling-rob/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/06/build-your-own-wiigobot-the-lego-nxt-mindstorms-wii-bowling-rob/#commentsOther than causing excessive pain to people walking around carelessly with bare feet, there's a lot of things you can do with Lego bricks. We recently saw that it's possible to make a fully automated Wii Sports bowling machine using Lego NXT Mindstorms, and now the complete guide has been posted over at BattleBricks. The fun has to be in the construction here, because unlike previous efforts, about all you can expect to gain from completion is a machine that can repeatedly throw a virtual bowling ball. You'll need a fair amount of kit here too, so be prepared to scrounge around that box of bricks to find those eight "Technic Pins with Friction and Slots" which you swear you saw at the bottom the other day. In the end, we're left wondering how abstract all this can get: will someone end up building a real life bot that automatically flies virtual, long haul flights? If so, how enthralling.

Filed under:

Build your own WiigoBot, the Lego NXT Mindstorms Wii Bowling Robot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LegoLego NXTLegoNxtLegosMindstormsWiigoBotFri, 06 Apr 2007 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[WiigoBot melds Lego with Wii bowling, knocks down all 10 pins in our hearts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/wiigobot-melds-lego-with-wii-bowling-knocks-down-all-10-pins-in/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/wiigobot-melds-lego-with-wii-bowling-knocks-down-all-10-pins-in/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/wiigobot-melds-lego-with-wii-bowling-knocks-down-all-10-pins-in/#comments
If a lowly blogger could die from awesomeness, we're pretty sure we'd be keeling over right about now. The Lego Mindstorms geekz0rs over at BattleBricks have managed to reach new heights of human ingenuity, melding a Mindstorms NXT kit, some clever programming and Nintendo's Wii to create an unstoppable bowling machine capable of tossing a perfect game without breaking a sweat, growing a nasty mustache, or sporting a beer belly. While the BattleBricks folks don't provide precise instructions on how to build this yourself, they've got plenty of evidence that it does, indeed, bowl like a champ. So peep the action video after the break, and then start plotting your own NXT creation conquer some other form of automated Wii Sports point inflation -- we never could quite get the hang of tennis.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading WiigoBot melds Lego with Wii bowling, knocks down all 10 pins in our hearts

Filed under: ,

WiigoBot melds Lego with Wii bowling, knocks down all 10 pins in our hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowlinglegolego mindstorms nxtLegoMindstormsNxtmindstormsnxtrobotwiiwii sportswiigobotWiiSportsFri, 30 Mar 2007 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Jin Sato describes his robotic MIBO pet on camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/25/jin-sato-describes-his-robotic-mibo-pet-on-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/25/jin-sato-describes-his-robotic-mibo-pet-on-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/25/jin-sato-describes-his-robotic-mibo-pet-on-camera/#comments
Long before the NXT kits hit the mainstream, humanoid guru and robot designer Jin Sato was crafting a mechanical pet of his very own from original LEGO Mindstorm pieces -- not to mention the motors, motherboards, and gear trains to get MIBO movin'. Sure, Sato's rendition isn't nearly as smooth and sexy as Sony's AIBO, but we all know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Going on six years (that's human years, by the way) now, MIBO and his five motors are still making out alright, and although a bit of expected arthritis takes its toll every now and then, it still manages to keep its owner company. So if you're interested in seeing just how MIBO was given life, or if hearing the voice of a renowned robotic genius simply makes you weep, click on through for a world-class lesson in fun.

[Via Robots]

Continue reading Jin Sato describes his robotic MIBO pet on camera

Filed under:

Jin Sato describes his robotic MIBO pet on camera originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Mar 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiboanimaldiydoghumanoidjin satoJinSatolegomibomindstormsremote controlRemoteControlROBO-ONErobot designerRobotDesignervideoSun, 25 Mar 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Mindstorms NXTway-G much cooler than Segway]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/13/lego-mindstorms-nxtway-g-much-cooler-than-segway/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/13/lego-mindstorms-nxtway-g-much-cooler-than-segway/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/13/lego-mindstorms-nxtway-g-much-cooler-than-segway/#comments
Since kits became available last year, there certainly hasn't been a shortage of clever robots over at the Lego Mindstorms NXT community, but Roy Watanabe's NXTway-G caught our collective eye. He took direct inspiration from similar self-balancing bots, the Legway and NXTway (basically NXT brick-controlled mini-Segways), but took it to the next level by using a gyroscopic sensor -- and from the looks of the video, it's a smooth operator. NXTway-G can stand in place, climb a slope, and take a modest shove. We say modest because of its one downfall -- if knocked flat, it'll find itself in one of those "I've fallen and I can't get up" situations -- and nobody wants a whiny bot on their hands.

Read - Mindstorms NXTlog
Read - NXTway-G in action

Continue reading Lego Mindstorms NXTway-G much cooler than Segway

Filed under:

Lego Mindstorms NXTway-G much cooler than Segway originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LegoMindstormsNXTNXTway-GRoy WatanabeRoyWatanabeTue, 13 Mar 2007 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego CakeBot lives to serve, envies your digestive system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/30/lego-cakebot-lives-to-serve-envies-your-digestive-system/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/30/lego-cakebot-lives-to-serve-envies-your-digestive-system/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/30/lego-cakebot-lives-to-serve-envies-your-digestive-system/#comments
Look at it serving diligently, not even a whimper or a grumble. Sure, you'll be sorry a few years from now as it bakes a cake from the remains of human civilization, but isn't it so cute in the fleeting present? The Lego CakeBot was built by Niclas and Isak for a birthday party and does its job well -- if only those kids knew the far reaching destruction that will soon be caused by their innocent little creation. Peep the video after the break.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading Lego CakeBot lives to serve, envies your digestive system

Filed under: ,

Lego CakeBot lives to serve, envies your digestive system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cakebotlegolego cakebotLegoCakebotmindstormsrobotTue, 30 Jan 2007 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[German robotics group crafts LEGO factory to build... LEGO cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/german-robotics-group-crafts-lego-factory-to-build-lego-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/german-robotics-group-crafts-lego-factory-to-build-lego-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/german-robotics-group-crafts-lego-factory-to-build-lego-cars/#commentsIt's one thing to craft something remarkable all by your lonesome, but constructing an entire factory to handle all the dirty work for you is really doing something. A robotics group assembled (ahem) at a German "grammar school" (VHG) in lower Bavaria has fabricated a feat that even Toys R Us would marvel over, as the group's expansive LEGO Mindstorm factory was built entirely out of LEGO blocks, and moreover, programmed to assemble LEGO-based vehicles. Taking a note from every other major assembly plant in the world, this automated construction site feeds blocks from one end to the other, carefully pushing, pulling, and connecting pieces as necessary to completely assemble a LEGO car. While we've no idea how you'd even begin concocting this same masterpiece at your own domicile, nor how tough it is to be admitted into this apparently incredulous university, you'll reportedly need at least 2,000 man hours and €3,000 ($3,937) just to get started, but feel free to click on through for a lengthy video demonstration.

[Via MetaFilter]

Continue reading German robotics group crafts LEGO factory to build... LEGO cars

Filed under:

German robotics group crafts LEGO factory to build... LEGO cars originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockblocksbuildbuildingconstructcontructionfabricatefactorylegomakemindstormsminstormtoysSun, 07 Jan 2007 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO car is better at parallel parking than you are]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/13/lego-car-is-better-at-parallel-parking-than-you-are/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/13/lego-car-is-better-at-parallel-parking-than-you-are/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/13/lego-car-is-better-at-parallel-parking-than-you-are/#comments Now that all those cool kids are getting self-parking cars and being all big-headed about it, a fresh Mindstorms NXT creation has come along and put them all in their place. The SPC (Self Parking Car) can detect a space large enough for parking all by its lonesome, do the parallel parking deed, and then at your verbal command of "GO!" return to the road, ready to park another day. For a mere $249 (the price of the kit), you too could be this awesome, not to mention all the gas you'll be saving in the process. Of course, that whole "people moving" situation could get a bit sticky, but we're sure you'll work something out. Peep the video after the break.

[Via TechEBlog]

Continue reading LEGO car is better at parallel parking than you are

Filed under: ,

LEGO car is better at parallel parking than you are originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlegomindstormsnxtrobotself-parkingWed, 13 Dec 2006 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reveals multi-platform Robotics Studio]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/21/microsoft-reveals-multi-platform-robotics-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/21/microsoft-reveals-multi-platform-robotics-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/21/microsoft-reveals-multi-platform-robotics-studio/#comments
It seems that Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Academy isn't the only organization working on multi-platform robotics software these days, as Microsoft has just revealed its own so-called Robotics Studio, which is intended to be a rich, scalable programming environment that can control anything from the simplest Lego Mindstorms creation to a highly-complex, car-assembling industrial bot. Unveiled at the RoboBusiness Conference and Exhibition in Pittsburgh, PA, the new software development kit will let users employ a visual programming tool for building command sets or debugging their applications, and also utilizes technology from PhysX manufacturer Aegia to enable realistic 3D simulations for determining how programs will execute in the real world. Not only does the platform support interaction with properly-formatted third-party languages, it will also allow outside developers to build their own commercial applications in the same way that software manufacturers create programs to run on Windows or Windows Mobile today. You can download a preview of the new toolkit-- which also enables web-based bot control -- by following the Read link, or if you just want to know a little more about its history and capabilities, Channel 9 has a great video featuring demos and interviews with the development team.

[Via Information Week]

Filed under:

Microsoft reveals multi-platform Robotics Studio originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aegiabotscmulegomicrosoftmicrosoft robotics studioMicrosoftRoboticsStudiomindstormsmulti-platform softwareMulti-platformSoftwarephysxprogramming toolsProgrammingToolsrobobusiness conference and exhibitionRobobusinessConferenceAndExhibitionrobotsweb-based controlWeb-basedControlwindowsWed, 21 Jun 2006 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Multi-bot programming language accepting beta testers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/multi-bot-programming-language-accepting-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/multi-bot-programming-language-accepting-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/19/multi-bot-programming-language-accepting-beta-testers/#comments
If you have what it takes to spend countless hours tinkering with small robots, coding in a brand new language, and filing a stream of bug reports, then the National Robotics Engineering Center wants you to beta test its new multi-plaform bot programming software. Tasked by the educational outreach department at Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Academy with developing a commercial application capable of controlling the most popular kits on the market, the team came up with a language called RobotC, which can be used to write scripts for both the NXT and RCX varieties of Lego Mindstorms bots as well as that Vex Robotics kit we featured in our Holiday Gift Guide. As part of the beta testing program, you'll get a free copy of the software to play with in exchange for your promise to participate in the Bug Tracking system -- which probably isn't much of a burden for those hardcore enthusiasts who spend all day living, breathing, and blogging this stuff anyway.

Filed under:

Multi-bot programming language accepting beta testers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botscarnegie mellonCarnegieMellonkitslegomindstormsmulti-platformnational robotics engineering centerNationalRoboticsEngineeringCenternxtprogramming languagesProgrammingLanguagesrcxrobotcrobotics academyRoboticsAcademyrobotsvex roboticsVexRoboticsMon, 19 Jun 2006 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Feature: Lego Mindstorms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/06/video-feature-lego-mindstorms/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/06/video-feature-lego-mindstorms/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/06/video-feature-lego-mindstorms/#comments Yesterday we set you off with some video of the ROKR E2 from a CES press event; today, we're giving you a look at the revamped version of Lego Mindstorms. Popular with hackers for its programability, the new mindstorms add some support for Bluetooth and USB 2.0. To read more check our post on it, but to see it, click below.

Format
QT MPEG4, 2:36, 9.35 MB

[Download Here]

Filed under:

Video Feature: Lego Mindstorms originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2006 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESengadget videoEngadgetVideolegolego mindstormsLegoMindstormsmindstormsvideovideo featureVideoFeaturevodcastFri, 06 Jan 2006 17:33:00 EST