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(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2006--
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20060104005997&newsLang=en
LAS VEGAS --At the Consumer Electronics Show CES 2006
http://www.cesweb.org/default_flash.asp
Consumer Robotics Pioneer Introduces Next Generation of Its Robotics Toolset
Designed to Excite All Robotics Enthusiasts, from Novices to Experts
LEGO® Group today announces LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ NXT, a new system that redefines
the consumer robotics category the company created in 1998. Smarter, stronger
and more intuitive than ever, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT is a robotics toolset that
provides endless opportunities for armchair inventors, robotics fanatics and
LEGO builders ages 10 and older to build and program robots that do what they
want. LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, available in August 2006, was shown for the first
time to media who attended tonight’s Digital Experience™, and will be
demonstrated in the Robotics TechZone (Sands Expo #70127-C) Thursday, January
5 through Sunday, January 8 during the 2006 International Consumer Electronics
Show.
Building upon the success of the globally-renowned Robotics Invention System,
the next generation of LEGO MINDSTORMS makes it quicker and easier for robot
creators to build and program a working robot in just 30 minutes.
Simultaneously, new technologies and expanded sensor capabilities add a level of
sophistication to excite and challenge more experienced robot creators.
The heart of the new system is the NXT brick, an autonomous 32-bit LEGO
microprocessor that can be programmed using a PC, or for the first time in the
retail offering, a Mac. After building their robots, users create a program
within easy-to-use yet feature-rich software, powered by LabVIEW from National
Instruments.
Downloading programs to an invention is easy. Users with Bluetooth®-enabled
computer hardware can transfer their programs to the NXT wirelessly, or anyone
can use the included USB 2.0 cable to connect their computer to the NXT for
program transfer. The robot then takes on a life of its own, fully autonomous
from the computer. The inclusion of Bluetooth technology also extends
possibilities for controlling robots remotely, for example, from a mobile phone
or PDA.
“When LEGO MINDSTORMS launched, we fundamentally changed the way people viewed
LEGO building and play and helped spark the trend of affordable and attainable
consumer robotics,” says Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, CEO, LEGO Group. “Eight years
later, we’re ready to improve upon the single best-selling product in the
company’s history. We’ve developed the new toolset with expanded components and
capabilities to challenge our existing community of dynamic fans. Meanwhile, the
system’s new software, design and 30-minute quick-start program are geared
toward recruiting a new, younger generation of robotics enthusiasts.”
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT highlights include:
-- All-new NXT intelligent brick
-- 3 interactive servo motors feature inbuilt rotation sensors to align speed
for precise control
-- New ultrasonic sensor makes robots “see” by responding to movement
-- New sound sensor enables robots to react to sound commands, including sound
pattern and tone recognition
-- Improved light sensor detects different colors and light intensity
-- Improved touch sensor reacts to touch or release and allows robots to feel
-- 519 hand-selected, stylized elements from the LEGO TECHNIC® building system
ensure robot creations will be sturdy and durable while also looking
authentic
-- Opportunities for physical programming of robots and interaction with robots
during programming
-- 18 building challenges with clear, step-by-step instructions help acclimate
users to the new system to create robots ranging from humanoids and machinery
to animals and vehicles
-- Digital wire interface allows for third-party developments
-- Information, inspiration, news, community programs and more at
www.mindstorms.com
LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT will be available at most toy and discount merchandise
retailers, select consumer electronics retailers or online at www.LEGOshop.com
in August 2006 and will have a suggested retail price of $249.99 (USD) and $
379.99 (CAD). A special version for school and institutional use is also
releasing later this year.
In related news, LEGO Group also announced the launch of www.nxtbot.com, a
blog written by writer, gamer and robotics enthusiast Jeff James, focused on the
growing and fascinating world of consumer robotics. The company also announced
details for a Developer Program. Information can be found at
www.mindstorms.com.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Information and product images can be downloaded from the press
section of www.mindstorms.com
About the LEGO Group
The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund,
Denmark, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials for
children. The company is committed to the development of children’s creative and
imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the
1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: “Only the best is good enough.”
LEGO, MINDSTORMS, TECHNIC and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group.
(C) 2006 The LEGO Group.
-end of report-
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