Announcing ROBOLAB™ 2.9:

Bridging the RCX generation to the NXT

Everyone's excited about the new LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT system. But what if you've invested years of your life in ROBOLAB™ and the RCX?

No worries. In August 2006 LEGO Education, in collaboration with Tufts University's Center for Engineering and Educational Outreach (CEEO), and National Instruments will release one last version of ROBOLAB, designed specifically to support RCX users and ease the transition to NXT.

Users can upgrade to ROBOLAB 2.9 software, allowing you to program both the RCX and the NXT (via USB).

In addition to providing compatibility with both the RCX and NXT, ROBOLAB 2.9 features new firmware to allow users faster processing, more motor speeds, floating point math, improved debugging and programming functions and more.

Meanwhile, ROBOLAB users ready to get started with the NXT technology, will be able to work in a familiar environment to create programs for the NXT brick - from basic Pilot to high end Inventor, and data logging programs.

Users can therefore continue to build up their educational robotics resources by investing in the new LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education hardware, which includes converter cables for the legacy sensors and motor, and use it with their existing sets.

In June 2006, LEGO Education and the CEEO will team up to launch a new teacher-to- teacher website dedicated to teaching math, science and engineering with LEGO bricks. The site will offer comprehensive online support and advice for LEGO MINDSTORMS, from how to use the new features to how to combine the existing platform with the new in the classroom. Visit www.LEGOengineering.com.

Features of the new MINDSTORMS Education NXT software platform will also be presented on the site, including the integrated Robot Educator, which is a fully animated guide to all programming features.

LEGO Education will continue to assist users of the current platform with inspiration and technical support until the end of 2009. The portfolio of hardware, software and curriculum activity packs, designed for students from 8 years up, will still be available, as will local support from educational suppliers.

ROBOLAB 2.9 is fully supported on Win 2000 and newer platforms; however NXT support will be restricted to Win XP (SP2). Macintosh users of OS9 must continue to use ROBOLAB 2.54 or older.

For more information visit www.LEGO.com/education or www.ceeo.tufts.edu or contact Marketing Manager, Peter Thesbjerg, LEGO Education (peter.thesbjerg@europe.lego.com)

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Lego ROBOLAB 2.9 manual Announcing Robolab Bridging the RCX generation to the NXT
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ROBOLAB 2.9 specifications

Lego ROBOLAB 2.9 is an innovative educational software platform designed to teach robotics and programming concepts using Lego’s versatile building system. Aimed primarily at students and educators, ROBOLAB 2.9 combines the tactile benefits of building with Legos and the intellectual challenges of programming, making it an excellent tool for engaging users in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning.

One of the standout features of ROBOLAB 2.9 is its user-friendly interface, which allows learners to create complex programs without needing extensive coding experience. The software employs a graphical programming environment where users can drag and drop blocks that represent different commands, thereby simplifying the programming process. This visual approach encourages experimentation and creativity, allowing users to focus on understanding the logic behind programming rather than getting bogged down by syntax.

Another key characteristic is its compatibility with various Lego hardware, including the LEGO Mindstorms NXT and the older RCX bricks. The integration of these hardware components allows users to construct various types of robots and machines ranging from simple vehicles to sophisticated robotic systems equipped with sensors and motors. This flexibility not only makes lessons more engaging but also introduces users to concepts like automation, programming logic, and sensor integration.

The software supports multiple programming languages, including a version of LabVIEW, which provides an industry-standard environment for dataflow programming. This gives students a glimpse into professional programming tools while still keeping the activities accessible and educational. Additionally, ROBOLAB 2.9 includes built-in tutorials and lesson plans, offering structured pathways for learners to follow as they explore robotics.

The technology behind ROBOLAB 2.9 is also noteworthy. It features a robust system for real-time interaction between the software and Lego hardware, enabling immediate feedback and adjustments. This real-time capability is vital for educational purposes as it allows users to see the effects of their programming in action, thus reinforcing their understanding of cause and effect.

In conclusion, Lego ROBOLAB 2.9 serves as an exceptional educational platform. By combining the fun of building with Lego bricks and the intellectual rigor of programming, it inspires creativity and fosters a deeper understanding of technology and robotics among students. Its ease of use, compatibility with various hardware, and strong educational support make it a valuable tool for both teachers and learners in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape.
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