Thank you for the Seven Lesson Schoolteacher link. VERY - VERY - VERY interesting reading. I read it with my mouth hanging wide open. A friend and I had been discussing these very things without any of the detail or clarification he was able to.
I'm surprised nobody has qualified alcohol or other addictions as the litmus test for abilitiy vs. practice, talent vs. experience. If this is similar to the nature vs. nurture arguement, which of course it is, then simply by recognising the differnece shows they both exist.....(at least to the extent we use the terms)
take two people that present similar ability/talent (not saying which is responsible, measured with some sort of skills/comprehenshion test), get them drunk/high/happy/sad(out of their norm) and take the measurments that qualified their similarity again!
one will show talent (or whatever word/description you want to limit yourself with)
hang on a sec, lemee go gets me drink.....
Re:Read "The Pianist's Talent"
on
The Expert Mind
·
· Score: 1
I find your post / distinctions interesting.....
Why?
Because, I consider myself talented in that I have an ability to learn quickly. Seems like most everything I do I catch on quicker than most. This has not neccesarily been helpful. For whatever reason, I tend to trust my own judgement more than an expert. Not that I think I am an expert, just that until I really actually understand, I won't take someones word for anything. I seem to run across 2 kinds of teachers, and this is where I get that talent does exist. Because I trust my own judgement (even knowing I don't know about the subject), I don't learn by following the teachers method. I learn by listening to the teachers method, and deciding for myself what will work and what won't for me to learn what they are teaching. I know how I learn, I know how I think. This always creates a situation. Either the teacher will let me ask questions, and provide answers even though they may not know what I'm doing or why I'm asking. These are the teachers with talent. And they are the exception. Most will be annoyed, or insulted if I don't do it their way. These are the ones that obviously became a master more through practice than talent. Humility seems to be a good indicator. Those with true talent are the ones that don't think they are better than anyone else. Those that are still trying to convince themselves that they are better than anyone else have a hard time with anything but what is the 'known' way of doing things.
And to clarify, I most certainly don't think I'm any better than anyone else. With my belief that there is a difference between talent and practice, I think everyone is equally talented. Some people never get the oportunity to find out what their talent is. I am a quick learner. That isn't better, (believe me), it is different and therefore, simply because people learn differently shows that their is no one way to teach / learn anything. When I teach somebody else something that I'm good at, I try to teach them how they learn. It is very frustrating to try and teach someone that isn't familliar with themselves enough to know how they learn. Every time I have to put something into someone elses terms, it teaches me more in the process. The last year or so of that 10 years to master somthing, to eek out that last 1% that you don't know, requires you to teach other people. You get to see how NOT set in stone the methods are when you let people learn their way, and it expands your own ability to think about that subject.
oh, and yes, being a quick learner precludes me from EVER aquiring the ability to spell!
And THAT might just be a great idea. For social services to be able to hand out cell phones that can only dial 911 and the appropriate social services. A way to help them help others....
And if Novell hasn't registered a vote yet, with their push for a standard API for hardware manufacturers to release drivers, it might be a good time to woo them into a vote....
Personally, I wouldn't want to see a DRM blue-ray driver, or any DRM device, but *would* like to see Linux (or SuSE/Novell) get some attention as an un-tapped market.
However, on the other side, I'm told that PXE isn't RISC doable yet.
My point is that I like the idea of a cheap box that you plug into you wall socket. I invisioned a main server in the closet somewhere that is able ot use the power wiring for network communication. Then you just go to the store, grab one of the boxes, and plug in into the next room you want access to your server from.
If it is a thin client, use thin client tech, like PXE or X11 or Citrix ALONE. Why CE?
>Even if the NXT itself holds up, the USB ports on the computer will eventually break >from the frequent plugging in and unplugging. I've seen it happen with several other >USB devices in the past, it's certain to happen with this one too.
As long as we're completely speculating, I'd say 50/50. Who knows, since it hasn't been released yet, they may offer a version with said adapter....
The important thing here is that you can. How many people that are planning on using Bluetooth with this, won't already have an adaptor? Personally, I'd like to see a LEGO branded adapter on the shelf right next to the kit, so when customers read the kits included/needed list, and determine they want/need one, that it will be right there in front of them ready to jump in their cart.
Your concerns have been addressed. LEGO has been working diligently with the beta testers to eek out weaknesses. All of us have been quite suprised at the level of quality even in the beta hardware. If you've been looking for a toy (tool) without the shortcommings you have obviously run into in the past, I think this is the one.
On a side note, as with all lego products, the cables included with the kit are VERY robust. I haven't personally heard of any beta tester having any problems at all with the USB cable that comes with the kit. LEGO specifically challenged us to 'wear the thing out' if we could (entire kit). And believe me, we've been trying! hehehehe
Yes, as far as I know, LEGO is NOT planning on including a BT adapter with the kit. However, at an average price of $25, and a list of hundreds of compatible adapters per regeion, it don't see that as an issue.
As far as programming goes, I don't think the NXT has enough resouces itself to use the NXT as a programming environment. There is a program that comes on it that lets you create simple little test type programs, (more a list of simple commands) without even needing a PC. When you want to use more robust software to create programs for the NXT (C-based, Official LabView based, Java, etc.) You are going to have to use a PC. All the programming I've done with it has been via Bluetooth. LEGO has made it possible to program (compile) software for the NXT without it being connected to anything. You could use whatever you want to swap out programs on it. It communicates using the Bluetooth Serial Port. You can control it command by command if you wanted, or transfer files (programs) to and from it. The USB cable IS required to flash the firmware, but aside from that, everything can be done via bluetooth and it works well. Personally, I believe someone will write a replacement firmware that may enable a more powerfull stand alone program to be run on the next allowing more functional programs to be created, again without even connecting to a PC once the firmware was updated. Theoretically, you could use a NXT to deliver a program to another NXT. Sky's the limit with this thing.
The Bluetooth functionality of the NXT I think falls under wireless connectivity, doesn't it?
As a MDP'er, who didn't play with the previous IR RCX version, I can only tell you that the other MDP'ers who have, have said the BT in the NXT by comparison is a dream. From first hand experience, I only use the BT because your right, I'd hate to actually use a cable. The NXT connects with anything BT that I have. Laptop, phone, PDA, etc. There has also been development of java BT remote control for cell phones. I mean, come on! You can take the box home from the store. Spend 1/2 hour building, installing software, and programming, and have a moving robot working without ever plugging in a cord. The BT stack currently is limited to widcomm and M$, but the list of adapters for those stacks is huge and growing. I already had the cheapest Kensinton I could find for my laptop to talk with my phone, and it just worked with the NXT (which is the norm).
The ones on the CD will be PC/Mac. However, LEGO had invovled over 100 community folks to prepare all known previous offerings (of the OSS / Linux / 3rd party variety) as well as develop new ones (Java command based remote control, Linux Firmware update/installers, etc.) to be readily available when this comes to market. In fact, they are ready now so one could even expect a little polish.
LEGO has embrased the hacking community and actively sought, promoted, and aided in the development (or added support) of the aready available 3rd party (C-like) programming lanuguages for develpment of NXT programs, firmware, and communication. I don't have the links, but these are already working and available. I have not used graphical programming tools like LabView, and wasn't sure I wanted to start my son out with such software. Then, after actually working with him I saw it as a benifit. I didn't have to explain OOP concepts, or objects working with each other. Simply by working with that software (which he was able to do without instruction, at 12 yrs, beta software even) he automatically is familliar with those concepts, even without the words or understanding. When I get my butt in gear and start working with the other programming environments (specifially linux based) I hope I am able to keep him in OOP mode without having to explain why. The more he can use the software that comes with the NXT, the less confused he will be when we start to go through the details or programming with IDE text based environment. I hope.....
At the most basic level, you can simply send commands via Bluetooth Serial port and controll the NXT directly. So your free to use anything you want. LEGO as proven themselve willing to bend over backward to help the community develop whatever style they want to.
I believe they have gotten it right to use the graphical software for the kids just starting out. It is very empowering to have that instant gratification. Drag a moto block onto a screen. Tell it to go forward 3 rotations. Press download button and your robot moves! In fact, I don't see any other way really for LEGO to meet their one of their important goals of this project, to have a total noob (under 21 kids and over 21 kids) be able to get the kit and have a robot built, programmed, and moving withing 1/2 hour. This goal was realized. Parents who don't have engineering skills or kids without experience have no worries. I don't believe this could be done any other way then the way they have done it. I didn't play with the RCX software, but heard lots of horror stories. I can tell you that those who told the horror stories have also said the version that comes with the NXT is much, much, more refined, and doesn't have the problems / limits they were seeing with the older software. There was also mention from professionals who actuall use and swear by LabView being able to get the LEGO specific objects to work in the full blown professional version.
I am new to this robotic stuff. However, from being involved in the beta program adn listening to those with far more experience that I have, I can guarentee this thing is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more polished than most are going to expect. I'd suggess reserving opinion until you get your hands on one of these kits. I know from experience that ones own words don't taste very well when eaten. hehehe
>i guess because the mindstorms wasn't super successful we have this lack of players >in the amateur robotics market.
Your kidding right? Mindstorms !IS! SUPER successful! It was so successfull that it created a hacking community that also was so successful that LEGO involved them in the development of updates, as well as this NXT kit. To give the OP some credit, I too had no idea of the success of this kit until I got involved. I hadn't heard about FLL. I didn't know that there are 2 versions of the NXT kit. One for retail, the other for education. I was blown away by all the brainpower LEGO involved from the community to help with this project. From educators, to engineers and everyone in between. There are 3rd party projects that mix this. I believe the success of this kit was inevitable, regarless of the communities participation. Then to embrace the hacker community as well as professional (educators, FLL clubs, competitions, etc.) just made it happen even sooner. There have been development projects to enable the use of other parts and robitic kits. There have been developments for using 3rd party robotic sensors and motors. I for one worship my new robotic overlords!
I was lucky enough to be allowed to participate in the MDP. (Mindstorms Developer Program) It was my first experience with LEGO robotics, actuall, ANY robotics. I have done lots of programming, but never robotics. Some of the more senior members of the group suggested buildin a 'line follower' bot. This was my first AI project and was allot of fun because the goal was speed within a very defined task. It was VERY interesting to start to think about giving the NXT some autonomous intellegence to navigate the course. This kit has it's bases covered. AI, communication, hacking, building, destroying, etc.
>Just look at that robot on that homepage. Imagine all the things that it can do. >Why, if Lego scaled up all its parts, I bet it could take on ASIMO easily.
There is nothing stopping you from building ASIMO already. There is a "walker" robot that is buildable in the kit when it comes. It is an amazing robot and by simply building it, I have learned more about robotics that I thought I could in a year. Really. I've always wanted to get involved with robotics from watching things like robot wars, and the ASIMO and the like. When LEGO put out the invitations for participate in the Developer Program, I about hurt myself applying. From playing with this kit, and like the OP, I hadn't played with Legos for years. I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY to say the least. This is so far above and beyond what I thought was possible, it almost brings a tear to my eye. My 12yr. old son (who is an avid lego builder) was able to build all the models in the directions and program them for the functionality you may have seen in preview videos, even in the Beta stage. This kit has really open up our minds and gotten the creative juice flowing. Now, if I could just find a way to make money building LEGO's, I wouldn't have to leave the Apt. I could just send my robot shopping for me!
Trust me. LEGO has put sooooo much effort into this kit it is ridiculous. They have been working closely with the hacker community (for years now) preparing for this release. I can guarentee that when you get this kit, you STILL won't realize all that can be done with it. I've had it for over a month, and still stay up nights with ideas going through my head. Then I find out about things like FLL and most recently this whick looks like allot of fun.
>But seriously, if more work were put into developing things like this - toys such >that everyday people with some ingenuity and some creativity could program their >own robots, I believe that we would have a lot more ideas as far as where to take >robots.
So I agree with the OP. I am for sure going to be considering real world robotic solutions to some of the projects I work on. Especially since it is now doable to prototype just about any proof of concept with this kit.
A toy's compatibility with a cell phone is a nice thing, and by all means should be worried about at the time of purchase of the cell phone. I don't know who you service provider is, but if it is a Verison phone, you can pretty much blame them for crippling it. Some providers like Verison, cripple the BT and other communications to the phone so they can charge you for using hardware that you own. Buyer be ware. I have a BT phone (non Verison) that I just LOVE! Being a M$ avoider, I am able to use my BT to do anything. In fact, it was much, much easier to use my SuSE 10.0 BT than XP. I just turned my phone on, paired the device and used the obex file transfer to move my music, videos, pictures, to and from my PC.
The NXT has something for everyone. I have been testing the NXT for the last month. My 12 year old son and I have had a blast with this kit. He loves to do the building / modifying, and I like more of the programming challenges. Together we make a great team. I never knew about the FLL until I started in the MDP program. Now I plan on not only getting my son involved in FLL, (if we even have it here) but am willing to participate myself or start one if need be. If there was ever a tool (ok, toy) that was just as much fun for the parent as the kid, this is it! Of course there are the toys that are MORE fun for the parent, like when I bought my 3yr. old a N64 for x-mas, but those aren't so easy to justify with the significant other...... If you know what I mean.
Even in beta form, the models and instructions and programming were something my 12 yr. old was able to figure out on his own. Lego certainly has hit the mark with this kit!
There are several ways you can use Bluetooth with the NXT. It can be used to send commands the NXT directly. It functions as a Bluetooth Serial port. The commands are well documented. One of the MDP's has already started / developed a java app for cell phones that can function like a remote control for the robot. The NXT programming software can use the Bluetooth to communcicate with the NXT(s) so you don't have to have a USB cable attached to it the whole time. So far, the Bluetooth stack that is supported is the Widcomm and MS stacks. There is a growing list of confirmed adapters from all over the world that work with the NXT. I myself am a MDP, and can attest to the ease of use for Bluetooth. Each NXT can have 2 connections. One in, and one out. You can chain these things together to have a series of NXT's all controlling each other if you wished.
Slashdot Mirror
>Been there, done that, found the solution, not going back.
Thought you were going to say, "Been there, done that, found the solution, bought a Mac."
B-)
Thank you for the Seven Lesson Schoolteacher link. VERY - VERY - VERY interesting reading. I read it with my mouth hanging wide open. A friend and I had been discussing these very things without any of the detail or clarification he was able to.
Simply amazing to read.
Thanks again.
B=)
Higher education!
B-)
I used to use Visual Studio for everything back in the day before seeing the light....
When that bright light slapped me upside the head, I was still a little lost without my IDE I was used to.
Although it is a commercial offering, it is well worth the money, or at least is used to be.
Lately, ( I still use v9 because of it) they've been concentrating more on the windoze side of things, and broke the tabs/docking features I use.
They've improved the STL support, but the Qt MACRO support is still a little lacking.
Does re-factoring, CVS, intellisense (- can't spell), debugging, etc.
Check it out, it isn't very expensive...
B-)
I'm surprised nobody has qualified alcohol or other addictions as the litmus test for abilitiy vs. practice, talent vs. experience. If this is similar to the nature vs. nurture arguement, which of course it is, then simply by recognising the differnece shows they both exist.....(at least to the extent we use the terms)
take two people that present similar ability/talent (not saying which is responsible, measured with some sort of skills/comprehenshion test), get them drunk/high/happy/sad(out of their norm) and take the measurments that qualified their similarity again!
one will show talent (or whatever word/description you want to limit yourself with)
hang on a sec, lemee go gets me drink.....
I find your post / distinctions interesting.....
Why?
Because, I consider myself talented in that I have an ability to learn quickly. Seems like most everything I do I catch on quicker than most. This has not neccesarily been helpful. For whatever reason, I tend to trust my own judgement more than an expert. Not that I think I am an expert, just that until I really actually understand, I won't take someones word for anything. I seem to run across 2 kinds of teachers, and this is where I get that talent does exist. Because I trust my own judgement (even knowing I don't know about the subject), I don't learn by following the teachers method. I learn by listening to the teachers method, and deciding for myself what will work and what won't for me to learn what they are teaching. I know how I learn, I know how I think. This always creates a situation. Either the teacher will let me ask questions, and provide answers even though they may not know what I'm doing or why I'm asking. These are the teachers with talent. And they are the exception. Most will be annoyed, or insulted if I don't do it their way. These are the ones that obviously became a master more through practice than talent. Humility seems to be a good indicator. Those with true talent are the ones that don't think they are better than anyone else. Those that are still trying to convince themselves that they are better than anyone else have a hard time with anything but what is the 'known' way of doing things.
And to clarify, I most certainly don't think I'm any better than anyone else. With my belief that there is a difference between talent and practice, I think everyone is equally talented. Some people never get the oportunity to find out what their talent is. I am a quick learner. That isn't better, (believe me), it is different and therefore, simply because people learn differently shows that their is no one way to teach / learn anything. When I teach somebody else something that I'm good at, I try to teach them how they learn. It is very frustrating to try and teach someone that isn't familliar with themselves enough to know how they learn. Every time I have to put something into someone elses terms, it teaches me more in the process. The last year or so of that 10 years to master somthing, to eek out that last 1% that you don't know, requires you to teach other people. You get to see how NOT set in stone the methods are when you let people learn their way, and it expands your own ability to think about that subject.
oh, and yes, being a quick learner precludes me from EVER aquiring the ability to spell!
hehehe
B-)
And THAT might just be a great idea. For social services to be able to hand out cell phones that can only dial 911 and the appropriate social services. A way to help them help others....
B-)
agreed.
And if Novell hasn't registered a vote yet, with their push for a standard API for hardware manufacturers to release drivers, it might be a good time to woo them into a vote....
Personally, I wouldn't want to see a DRM blue-ray driver, or any DRM device, but *would* like to see Linux (or SuSE/Novell) get some attention as an un-tapped market.
B-)
I hope to see at least one of these candidates go after the 'minority' marked of non M$ PC's if the PC is going to be the next battle front...
Any guess as to who would be more or less inclined to support Linux?
B-)
Yes, which is EXACTLY my point.
If this is a thin client, why CE, and OS?
However, on the other side, I'm told that PXE isn't RISC doable yet.
My point is that I like the idea of a cheap box that you plug into you wall socket. I invisioned a main server in the closet somewhere that is able ot use the power wiring for network communication. Then you just go to the store, grab one of the boxes, and plug in into the next room you want access to your server from.
If it is a thin client, use thin client tech, like PXE or X11 or Citrix ALONE. Why CE?
B-)
why CE?
Why not PXE or whatever so that you not limited to M$ crap!
This could be very usefull for automating a household with ltsp. (ltsp.org)
B-)
>Even if the NXT itself holds up, the USB ports on the computer will eventually break
>from the frequent plugging in and unplugging. I've seen it happen with several other
>USB devices in the past, it's certain to happen with this one too.
Thank god for Bluetooth!
hehe
B-)
sheesh
>Then I find out about things like FLL and most recently this whick looks like allot of fun.
http://www.teamhassenplug.org/GBC/
I guess you can't enclose in bracket's when using plain text. And it helps to actually 'preview' ones own post. Sorry about the !#@$ .
B-)
>Then I find out about things like FLL and most recently this whick looks like allot of fun.
cool eh?
B-)
As long as we're completely speculating, I'd say 50/50. Who knows, since it hasn't been released yet, they may offer a version with said adapter....
The important thing here is that you can. How many people that are planning on using Bluetooth with this, won't already have an adaptor? Personally, I'd like to see a LEGO branded adapter on the shelf right next to the kit, so when customers read the kits included/needed list, and determine they want/need one, that it will be right there in front of them ready to jump in their cart.
Your concerns have been addressed. LEGO has been working diligently with the beta testers to eek out weaknesses. All of us have been quite suprised at the level of quality even in the beta hardware. If you've been looking for a toy (tool) without the shortcommings you have obviously run into in the past, I think this is the one.
On a side note, as with all lego products, the cables included with the kit are VERY robust. I haven't personally heard of any beta tester having any problems at all with the USB cable that comes with the kit. LEGO specifically challenged us to 'wear the thing out' if we could (entire kit). And believe me, we've been trying! hehehehe
This thing is ROCK SOLID!
Yes, as far as I know, LEGO is NOT planning on including a BT adapter with the kit. However, at an average price of $25, and a list of hundreds of compatible adapters per regeion, it don't see that as an issue.
As far as programming goes, I don't think the NXT has enough resouces itself to use the NXT as a programming environment. There is a program that comes on it that lets you create simple little test type programs, (more a list of simple commands) without even needing a PC. When you want to use more robust software to create programs for the NXT (C-based, Official LabView based, Java, etc.) You are going to have to use a PC. All the programming I've done with it has been via Bluetooth. LEGO has made it possible to program (compile) software for the NXT without it being connected to anything. You could use whatever you want to swap out programs on it. It communicates using the Bluetooth Serial Port. You can control it command by command if you wanted, or transfer files (programs) to and from it. The USB cable IS required to flash the firmware, but aside from that, everything can be done via bluetooth and it works well. Personally, I believe someone will write a replacement firmware that may enable a more powerfull stand alone program to be run on the next allowing more functional programs to be created, again without even connecting to a PC once the firmware was updated. Theoretically, you could use a NXT to deliver a program to another NXT. Sky's the limit with this thing.
The Bluetooth functionality of the NXT I think falls under wireless connectivity, doesn't it?
As a MDP'er, who didn't play with the previous IR RCX version, I can only tell you that the other MDP'ers who have, have said the BT in the NXT by comparison is a dream. From first hand experience, I only use the BT because your right, I'd hate to actually use a cable. The NXT connects with anything BT that I have. Laptop, phone, PDA, etc. There has also been development of java BT remote control for cell phones. I mean, come on! You can take the box home from the store. Spend 1/2 hour building, installing software, and programming, and have a moving robot working without ever plugging in a cord. The BT stack currently is limited to widcomm and M$, but the list of adapters for those stacks is huge and growing. I already had the cheapest Kensinton I could find for my laptop to talk with my phone, and it just worked with the NXT (which is the norm).
No worries mate!
B-)
The ones on the CD will be PC/Mac. However, LEGO had invovled over 100 community folks to prepare all known previous offerings (of the OSS / Linux / 3rd party variety) as well as develop new ones (Java command based remote control, Linux Firmware update/installers, etc.) to be readily available when this comes to market. In fact, they are ready now so one could even expect a little polish.
B-)
LEGO has embrased the hacking community and actively sought, promoted, and aided in the development (or added support) of the aready available 3rd party (C-like) programming lanuguages for develpment of NXT programs, firmware, and communication. I don't have the links, but these are already working and available. I have not used graphical programming tools like LabView, and wasn't sure I wanted to start my son out with such software. Then, after actually working with him I saw it as a benifit. I didn't have to explain OOP concepts, or objects working with each other. Simply by working with that software (which he was able to do without instruction, at 12 yrs, beta software even) he automatically is familliar with those concepts, even without the words or understanding. When I get my butt in gear and start working with the other programming environments (specifially linux based) I hope I am able to keep him in OOP mode without having to explain why. The more he can use the software that comes with the NXT, the less confused he will be when we start to go through the details or programming with IDE text based environment. I hope.....
At the most basic level, you can simply send commands via Bluetooth Serial port and controll the NXT directly. So your free to use anything you want. LEGO as proven themselve willing to bend over backward to help the community develop whatever style they want to.
I believe they have gotten it right to use the graphical software for the kids just starting out. It is very empowering to have that instant gratification. Drag a moto block onto a screen. Tell it to go forward 3 rotations. Press download button and your robot moves! In fact, I don't see any other way really for LEGO to meet their one of their important goals of this project, to have a total noob (under 21 kids and over 21 kids) be able to get the kit and have a robot built, programmed, and moving withing 1/2 hour. This goal was realized. Parents who don't have engineering skills or kids without experience have no worries. I don't believe this could be done any other way then the way they have done it. I didn't play with the RCX software, but heard lots of horror stories. I can tell you that those who told the horror stories have also said the version that comes with the NXT is much, much, more refined, and doesn't have the problems / limits they were seeing with the older software. There was also mention from professionals who actuall use and swear by LabView being able to get the LEGO specific objects to work in the full blown professional version.
I am new to this robotic stuff. However, from being involved in the beta program adn listening to those with far more experience that I have, I can guarentee this thing is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more polished than most are going to expect. I'd suggess reserving opinion until you get your hands on one of these kits. I know from experience that ones own words don't taste very well when eaten. hehehe
B-)
>i guess because the mindstorms wasn't super successful we have this lack of players
>in the amateur robotics market.
Your kidding right? Mindstorms !IS! SUPER successful! It was so successfull that it created a hacking community that also was so successful that LEGO involved them in the development of updates, as well as this NXT kit. To give the OP some credit, I too had no idea of the success of this kit until I got involved. I hadn't heard about FLL. I didn't know that there are 2 versions of the NXT kit. One for retail, the other for education. I was blown away by all the brainpower LEGO involved from the community to help with this project. From educators, to engineers and everyone in between. There are 3rd party projects that mix this. I believe the success of this kit was inevitable, regarless of the communities participation. Then to embrace the hacker community as well as professional (educators, FLL clubs, competitions, etc.) just made it happen even sooner. There have been development projects to enable the use of other parts and robitic kits. There have been developments for using 3rd party robotic sensors and motors. I for one worship my new robotic overlords!
B-)
I was lucky enough to be allowed to participate in the MDP. (Mindstorms Developer Program) It was my first experience with LEGO robotics, actuall, ANY robotics. I have done lots of programming, but never robotics. Some of the more senior members of the group suggested buildin a 'line follower' bot. This was my first AI project and was allot of fun because the goal was speed within a very defined task. It was VERY interesting to start to think about giving the NXT some autonomous intellegence to navigate the course. This kit has it's bases covered. AI, communication, hacking, building, destroying, etc.
B-)
>Just look at that robot on that homepage. Imagine all the things that it can do.
>Why, if Lego scaled up all its parts, I bet it could take on ASIMO easily.
There is nothing stopping you from building ASIMO already. There is a "walker" robot that is buildable in the kit when it comes. It is an amazing robot and by simply building it, I have learned more about robotics that I thought I could in a year. Really. I've always wanted to get involved with robotics from watching things like robot wars, and the ASIMO and the like. When LEGO put out the invitations for participate in the Developer Program, I about hurt myself applying. From playing with this kit, and like the OP, I hadn't played with Legos for years. I was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY to say the least. This is so far above and beyond what I thought was possible, it almost brings a tear to my eye. My 12yr. old son (who is an avid lego builder) was able to build all the models in the directions and program them for the functionality you may have seen in preview videos, even in the Beta stage. This kit has really open up our minds and gotten the creative juice flowing. Now, if I could just find a way to make money building LEGO's, I wouldn't have to leave the Apt. I could just send my robot shopping for me!
Trust me. LEGO has put sooooo much effort into this kit it is ridiculous. They have been working closely with the hacker community (for years now) preparing for this release. I can guarentee that when you get this kit, you STILL won't realize all that can be done with it. I've had it for over a month, and still stay up nights with ideas going through my head. Then I find out about things like FLL and most recently this whick looks like allot of fun.
>But seriously, if more work were put into developing things like this - toys such
>that everyday people with some ingenuity and some creativity could program their
>own robots, I believe that we would have a lot more ideas as far as where to take
>robots.
So I agree with the OP. I am for sure going to be considering real world robotic solutions to some of the projects I work on. Especially since it is now doable to prototype just about any proof of concept with this kit.
B-)
A toy's compatibility with a cell phone is a nice thing, and by all means should be worried about at the time of purchase of the cell phone. I don't know who you service provider is, but if it is a Verison phone, you can pretty much blame them for crippling it. Some providers like Verison, cripple the BT and other communications to the phone so they can charge you for using hardware that you own. Buyer be ware. I have a BT phone (non Verison) that I just LOVE! Being a M$ avoider, I am able to use my BT to do anything. In fact, it was much, much easier to use my SuSE 10.0 BT than XP. I just turned my phone on, paired the device and used the obex file transfer to move my music, videos, pictures, to and from my PC.
The NXT has something for everyone. I have been testing the NXT for the last month. My 12 year old son and I have had a blast with this kit. He loves to do the building / modifying, and I like more of the programming challenges. Together we make a great team. I never knew about the FLL until I started in the MDP program. Now I plan on not only getting my son involved in FLL, (if we even have it here) but am willing to participate myself or start one if need be. If there was ever a tool (ok, toy) that was just as much fun for the parent as the kid, this is it! Of course there are the toys that are MORE fun for the parent, like when I bought my 3yr. old a N64 for x-mas, but those aren't so easy to justify with the significant other...... If you know what I mean.
Even in beta form, the models and instructions and programming were something my 12 yr. old was able to figure out on his own. Lego certainly has hit the mark with this kit!
There are several ways you can use
Bluetooth with the NXT. It can be used to send commands the NXT directly. It functions as a Bluetooth Serial port. The commands are well documented. One of the MDP's has already started / developed a java app for cell phones that can function like a remote control for the robot. The NXT programming software can use the Bluetooth to communcicate with the NXT(s) so you don't have to have a USB cable attached to it the whole time. So far, the Bluetooth stack that is supported is the Widcomm and MS stacks. There is a growing list of confirmed adapters from all over the world that work with the NXT. I myself am a MDP, and can attest to the ease of use for Bluetooth. Each NXT can have 2 connections. One in, and one out. You can chain these things together to have a series of NXT's all controlling each other if you wished.
B-)