When I saw this (very professional) video on Youtube, from the scientific staff and students at Cambridge University I knew it was something I had to share with other families.
As a mother who actively encourages her kids to play with Lego and has done so since the age of zero, I was more than a little proud of both the scientists who put this idea together and of Lego for making this possible.
But I suppose I also felt a little validated in my support of Lego over other cheaper, “easier” toys all these years. See! It can be useful!
Ok. Self-Congratulatory Pat-On-The-Back/Rant over 🙂
Lego Mindstorms In the Lab
As part of the Google Science Fair project (established in conjunction with Lego amongst others), the team at Cambridge designed a robot using Lego Mindstorms that can aid in their research on bones.
What a wonderful application for a “toy” and I can imagine most of the staff would have played with Lego as a child (and probably as an adult as well).
Enjoy the video :0)
There is another one, about communicating with Robots in English rather than code.
Very inspiring for kids with a passion for Lego and science.
Lego Mindstorms NXT
The creations above were created using the Lego Mindstorms NXT kit.
The kit is highly recommended for kids who show an interest in robots and sequential thinking.
Not all kids who are interested in Lego are naturally interested in Robots. Some (like my son) will move more towards design or architecture and the robotics aspect of Lego does not appeal to them.
However, if you child is 1o years or over and does like robotics/mechanics then the kit would be a wonderful way to develop their interest.
The “NXT” generation of buildable, programmable robots is here!
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT is back and better than ever, with new robot models, even more customizable programming, and all-new technology including a color sensor! MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 combines the unlimited versatility of the LEGO building system with an intelligent microcomputer brick and intuitive drag-and-drop programming software. The new 2.0 toolkit features everything you need to create your first robot in 30 minutes and then tens of thousands of other robotic inventions that do what you want!
- The intelligent NXT LEGO brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, 4 input and 3 output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication link
- Three interactive servo motors
- Four sensors: Ultrasonic Sensor, 2 Touch Sensors and the all-new Color Sensor
- Color Sensor has triple functionality: distinguishes colors and light settings, and functions as a lamp
- Easy-to-use software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming and 16 fun building and programming challenges All the LEGO® elements (612 pcs) you need for creating incredible robots Building instructions for 4 new amazing robots
- Personalize your robots with the Sound and Icon editors
- Share your project files with your friends with the Pack-N-Go project packager
- Batteries not included
- You can purchase the NXT kit through Amazon who also offer free shipping.