John Baichtal - Lego and Arduino Projects: Projects for Extending Mindstorms NXT with Open-Source Electronics

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Remember the initial excitement of experimenting with Lego robotics? It felt like the entire universe was open to you! With so many robots to build to tackle interesting challenges, perform experiments, and make interesting algorithms, the possibilities were endless. From modifying some bricks with LEDs, to gluing assemblies together to make your robot better, robot building with Legos is an exciting experience.

One of my personal favorite experiments with Lego robotics was conducting an experiment to determine if using a light sensor or touch sensor (which was calibrated with springs using Hookes law) would be better for counting pills. Between the real world applications, as well as the scientific method applied behind it, it ended up winning two gold medals at my high school and regional science fairs.

In order to accelerate towards more advanced experiments in robotics, using the RCX 2.0 was not a viable solution. The lack of ability to interface to various sensors and actuators was a major roadblock, so I adventured into the land of Arduino! Since then, my mind has been opened up to even more interesting areas of robotics.

The journey of learning about robotics is interesting and never-ending. This book will be a huge help to springboard you into more in-depth robotics. Not only will you be able to make more sophisticated robots that tackle more complex challenges or perform more elaborate experiments, but you will have a better opportunity to discover which area of robotics you enjoy the most, whether its programming, electrical, mechanical, or design and implementation.

As you embark on your new Lego robots that utilize Arduino, it will feel like the entire universe is open to you again, with even more galaxies to explore! Embrace this, as you never know where your next robotic creation may take you. Maybe it will be like RoboBrrd, from a prototype to a kit, inspiring even more robot builders. Be sure to share your excitement for robots with your friends or an online community. Remember, robots teach us about ourselves, how we think, behave, and act.

Welcome to the awesome world of robotics! Now get on with the learning and advance your robots to the next step!

Erin RobotGrrl Kennedy

IN THIS CHAPTER

In the classic swords & sorcery flick Conan the Barbarian, the title character is asked What is best in life? To which the mighty-thewed warrior responds, To crush your enemy, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women.

Wrong, Conan. You are wrong.

First of all, crushing people and getting off on their significant others lamentations is mega uncool. No, Conan, what is best in life is having your cake and eating it too. Why, barbarian, should youoh, for examplebe able to play with Arduinos but not be able to integrate them into your Lego Mindstorms NXT projects?

If you dont know, the Arduino phenomenon is pretty much the coolest thing to hit the amateur electronics scene. It makes programming your own microcontroller absurdly easy. You may also be unaware that the Lego Mindstorms NXT phenomenon is pretty much the coolest thing to hit the amateur robotics scene. It makes building your own robot absurdly easy.

Make: Lego and Arduino Projects is dedicated to combining the two.