Five experts in Mindstorm programming present advanced techniques for building and programming robots using LEGO bricks and LEGO's RCX Code, presenting advanced sample projects and coverage of LegOS, pfForth, and sensor development.

Written by three world-leading experts in LEGO Mindstorms homebrew hardware, this book contains the detailed instructions for the construction of sensors and other extensions to the NXT. Over 15 projects are explained with well-illustrated, clear, step-by-step instructions so people with even limited experience in electronics can follow. This book is for intermediate-level users of NXT who would like to advance their capabilities by learning some of the basics of electronics. It makes a great reference for the NXT hardware interfaces. Examples even come complete with multiple, alternative NXT languages.

Although LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT allows anyone to build complex inventions, there are limits to what you can do with what comes inside the box. This book shows you how to advance the NXT with more than 45 exciting projects that include creating a cool magic wand that writes words in thin air, building a remotely guided vehicle, and constructing sophisticated robots that can sense color, light, temperature, and more. All projects are explained with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, so you'll be able to create them successfully whether you're a novice or an expert. This book also shows you how to expand the programming software and use the alternative language NXC. New input devices—such as keypads, sensors, and even the human body—are covered, along with fun games such as surfing, PONG, and SIMON. On the serious side, there are classic engineering challenges such as controlling an inverted pendulum, making a robot that follows a wall, and building several light-seeking vehicles. Some projects are just entertaining, such as the Etch-A-NXT; others are useful, such as a motorized camera mount that takes panoramic photographs. This second edition accounts for the important changes found in the next generation NXT, and it also covers the original concepts in greater depth. Details are presented for practically unlimited expansion of the NXT inputs and outputs by using the I2C communications bus, and several power amplifier designs allow the NXT outputs to drive bigger motors. Instructions are also included for adapting LEGO Power Functions motors to work directly with the NXT.

From the Great Pyramid of Giza and Hogwarts, to a fully functioning harpsichord and James May's LEGO house, man has never shied away from an extreme building challenge, and the LEGO builders of the twenty-first century are no different. Whether they're re-creating the works of ancient masters in brick form or building life-size superheroes, some LEGO fans are taking their passion for plastic to the extreme. Sarah Herman has brought together some of the world's most ambitious builders in a fact-filled showcase of truly mind-blowing models for this exciting illustrated book that will delight all AFOLs (adult fans of LEGO).

Three MINDSTORMS experts have joined with the maintainer of the legOS HOWTO to produce the book that all advanced users of LEGO MINDSTORMS have been waiting for. Each author has written material based on his specialty. Dave Baum shows you how to take Not Quite C (NQC) to its limits. Ralph Hempel explains the ins and outs of pbForth. Michael Gasperi teaches you how to build numerous custom sensors with simple, systematic instructions. Luis Villa show you how (and when) to upgrade MINDSTORMS' built-in operating system to take advantage of the extra power of legOS, a complete C environment for the RCX. Extreme MINDSTORMS: An Advanced Guide to LEGO MINDSTORMS starts with an overview of the RCX firmware and includes a whole chapter on RCX 2.0. Next, the book concentrates on the steps needed to build Seeker, a light-seeking robot, and to program it in NQC. Later chapters extend Seeker's functionality using pbForth and legOS. The book concludes with two chapters on building both custom passive and custom powered sensors. These sensors can take LEGO MINDSTORMS to levels impossible to achieve with just the parts supplied in the box or available through normal channels.

* This is the first book to discuss competitive battling robots using MINDSTORMS. * This is written by an experienced robot builder, who is very active in the community. * Will contain the most thorough, realistic, and highest quality set of LEGO® instructions available. * Mass popularity for robot building is growing: robot clubs are appearing in schools and universities, competitions are becoming more widespread. *The technology is very consumer-friendly.

LEGO MINDSTORMS has changed the way we think about robotics by making it possible for anyone to build real, working robots. The latest MINDSTORMS set, EV3, is more powerful than ever, and The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book is the complete, beginner-friendly guide you need to get started. Begin with the basics as you build and program a simple robot to experiment with motors, sensors, and EV3 programming. Then you’ll move on to a series of increasingly sophisticated robots that will show you how to work with advanced programming techniques like data wires, variables, and custom-made programming blocks. You’ll also learn essential building techniques like how to use beams, gears, and connector blocks effectively in your own designs. Master the possibilities of the EV3 set as you build and program: –The EXPLOR3R, a wheeled vehicle that uses sensors to navigate around a room and follow lines –The FORMULA EV3 RACE CAR, a streamlined remote-controlled race car –ANTY, a six-legged walking creature that adapts its behavior to its surroundings –SK3TCHBOT, a robot that lets you play games on the EV3 screen –The SNATCH3R, a robotic arm that can autonomously find, grab, lift, and move the infrared beacon –LAVA R3X, a humanoid robot that walks and talks More than 150 building and programming challenges throughout encourage you to think creatively and apply what you’ve learned to invent your own robots. With The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book as your guide, you’ll be building your own out-of-this-world creations in no time! Requirements: One LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 set (LEGO SET #31313)