National Instruments Updates Graphical Software for LEGO(R) MINDSTORMS(R) NXT
Robotics Platform
Next Generation of Robotics Platform Includes New Robot Models, New Sensor
Technology and More Customizable Programming
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 26, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Instruments
(Nasdaq: NATI) today announced a new version of its intuitive drag-and-drop
software that powers the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 robotics kits for retail and
education. With this system, children as young as 9 years old can design their
own robots using new features such as color recognition, Bluetooth support and
additional robot models that offer children more options to express their
creativity. The software, which will be included with all LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT
2.0 kits, is based on the widely adopted NI LabVIEW graphical programming
software, which provides children easy-to-use, drag-and-drop functionality to
program their robotic creations. With this software, students simply drag and
drop icons that are representative of the various tasks they want their robots
to perform, similar to how professional engineers and scientists control
today's latest robotics with LabVIEW.
"We are constantly amazed at how graphical programming based on LabVIEW makes
the NXT simultaneously powerful and easy to use," said Lars Nyengaard,
director of innovation and robotics for the LEGO Group. "We're proud to have
built the MINDSTORMS software around LabVIEW technology, which uses
picture-based interaction that facilitates a fun and creative design
experience for children. This new generation of MINDSTORMS delivers new
features to help our young customers increase their interest and knowledge in
robotics."
First released in 2006, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT has been used by children around
the world both at home and in the classroom. The hands-on system engages
student curiosity and helps teach problem-solving and analytical skills that
are vital in the 21st century workplace. NXT 2.0 software creates the
possibility for new types of robotic customization so that no two robots are
alike. Software features include support for a new color recognition sensor,
which helps robots perform color-matching tasks and sense light levels, and
programmatic Bluetooth support. Additionally, new sound and image editors can
load images and sounds into the robot's memory for display on the LCD screen
or to play back the sound of choice. Children also can share project files
with friends using the new Pack-N-Go project packager. The LEGO MINDSTORMS
education version, which launched this past January, includes such features as
an easy-to-use data logging tool.
"LEGO and NI share a vision of inspiring today's students to be tomorrow's
innovators," said Ray Almgren, vice president of academic relations at
National Instruments. "We believe that LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, powered by LabVIEW
graphical programming, helps children explore technology and provides an
important hands-on learning platform that develops creativity and ingenuity in
today's students."
The LEGO Group and National Instruments have a long-standing relationship that
began in 1998 with the development of the programming software for the
original LEGO MINDSTORMS for Schools product and continued with the
introduction of LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT in 2006 and the LEGO Education WeDo(TM)
platform in 2009. NI and LEGO are committed to inspiring creativity and
innovation in children and have worked together to ensure that this "NXT"
generation of MINDSTORMS is smarter, stronger and more intuitive than ever.
Today, the intuitive LabVIEW software platform powers a robotics continuum of
products for all ages, delivering age-appropriate software from grade school
to graduate school and into industry.
The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 robotics kit for retail is available through
retailers that carry LEGO products. The education version of the kit, which is
specifically designed for use in classrooms, is available through LEGO
Education distributors.
To learn more about the NI collaboration with LEGO on MINDSTORMS NXT software,
readers can visit www.ni.com/academic/mindstorms.
National Instruments in Academia
National Instruments is committed to enhancing engineering and science
education worldwide by providing educators and students with powerful
graphical system design software and modular hardware to connect the
curriculum with the real world. Professors and students benefit from powerful,
professional tools such as NI LabVIEW graphical development software, which
helps students visualize and implement engineering concepts. The integration
of LabVIEW in the classroom creates an effective, dynamic learning environment
- from LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT in primary schools to research laboratories in
universities. For more information about NI academic products, curriculum
resources and discounts, visit www.ni.com/academic.
About National Instruments
National Instruments (www.ni.com) is transforming the way engineers and
scientists design, prototype and deploy systems for measurement, automation
and embedded applications. NI empowers customers with off-the-shelf software
such as NI LabVIEW and modular cost-effective hardware, and sells to a broad
base of more than 30,000 different companies worldwide, with no one customer
representing more than 3 percent of revenue and no one industry representing
more than 15 percent of revenue. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more
than 5,000 employees and direct operations in more than 40 countries. For the
past 10 years, FORTUNE magazine has named NI one of the 100 best companies to
work for in America. Readers can obtain investment information from the
company's investor relations department by calling (512) 683-5090, e-mailing
nati@ni.com or visiting www.ni.com/nati.
LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI and ni.com are trademarks of National
Instruments. LEGO, MINDSTORMS and WEDO are trademarks of the LEGO Group. Other
product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their
respective companies.
Editor Contact: Hilary Marchbanks, (512) 683-5937
SOURCE National Instruments
Editors, Hilary Marchbanks of National Instruments, +1-512-683-5937
