LEGO is a product that transcends generations – I still have a few boxes in the loft. It is one of those few brands that has adapted well to the changing times – introducing themed sets and more recently expanding to create the LEGO Mindstorms line. Sitting on the premium end of their products, Mindstorms extends the LEGO Technics series with electronic circuits, motors, sensors and a visual programming tool. Today we’ll be reviewing LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0, the next generation, version 2.0 of the core Mindstorms product. And we’ll be giving this $280 set away to one lucky reader.
I admit – $280 for some LEGO sounds like an awful lot, but comparable Robot kits can go for as much as $1500. Although this is a premium LEGO item, it’s also quite an inexpensive introduction to the even more premium hobby of robotics. In addition to the superb LEGO components – which can of course be added to with other Technics kits – you’re also buying the programming software. Is it all worth it? Read on to find out.
Box Disappointment
Despite the nicely engineered outer box with flip up contents, the inside is a complete mess and there seems to be a lot of wasted space. Especially given how large the outer box is, I was expecting perhaps a cardboard or plastic tray that everything can slot into. If you’ve ever built LEGO, you’ll understand the frustration of having search around for pieces when they’re inside a bag, but spreading them out on a table makes them very easy to lose. Sigh, first world problems.
There’s nothing to help with organising all the bits. Instead, there’s a chaotic collection of non-reusable bags and a flimsy bit of card for actuators and sensors. Once this has been opened, storing anything in the box without losing small pieces is going to be impossible, so be sure to buy some separate storage boxes or trays.
What’s included?
There’s a lot in there, so I’m certainly not going to break down every component, but here goes:
- A set of tracks and wheels
- 2 touch sensors
- 3 motorised joints
- 1 ultrasound distance sensor (the eyes)
- 1 multifunction RGB light and colour sensor unit
- Various lengths of comms cabling (like telephone wire)
- Hundreds of plastic components (Technics, if you’re familiar)
- CPU / control box / battery unit (Batteries not included)
- Starter pack
- Test track (~A1 sized)
- Instruction manual
- Software CD
Getting Started
Helpfully, a complete getting started kit is provided in a separate bag, with all the bits you need to “build your first model in 30 minutes!”. I put this to the test.
Note: in the video, I ended up opening another bag because I couldn’t find a few pieces; I later found them hidden under something else.
The build was finished in 24.5 minutes, though I’d say I have some experience. I’m not including the time it took to install the software on my Mac (there is a version for Windows included too).
After the initial build instructions, the manual goes on to explain all about the various components, and then tells you the CPU brick needs batteries. Might have been nicer to explain that first! It gives a good introduction to the software and basic operation.
Helpfully, the software can also be downloaded from the web, so no worries if you lose your CD. It is however a 624 MB ISO file.
More Models
Though the box itself shows a variety of models, printed instructions are only included for the “Getting Started” robot. If you want to build the others, you need to download additional instructions from the online support site, or use the build instructions included with the LEGO Mindstorms software (more on that later). There are an additional 12 official models available online, but it would have been nice to include these on the CD for anyone without Internet access. There are also third party books sold with additional designs and ideas, like The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Inventor’s Guide by David J. Perdue and The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Discovery Book: A Beginner’s Guide to Building and Programming Robots by Laurens ValkLego Digital Designer, which examines the model and dynamically generates build instructions for you. Clever.
In fairness, these additional models are so complex that you really shouldn’t expect them be provided in printed form; the Rubics Cube Solver (yes, I did just say that) alone weighs in at 104 pages. And I’m pleased to say I built that too, but unfortunately my cube was too new. If you want to try this, you’ll need to sand down and lubricate your cube so it doesn’t get stuck when turning.
Programming and the LEGO Mindstorms Software
Programming is performed using LabView technologies, a well-developed educational and engineering product that makes learning programming fun and easy with a visual designer. It’s a Java application, so compatible with either Mac or Windows – but this does mean the interface is a little quirky.
You can download a completed program to your NXT devices using either wireless Bluetooth or the supplied USB cable. Alternatively, you can run it immediately as long as a connection is maintained, so it’s very easy to test bits.
The visual designer allow you to drag and drop many different programming blocks:
- Threading and branching
- Movement and motor control
- Sound and display output (you can upload custom files)
- Waiting until conditions met
- Reading sensors
- Logging data
- Type conversions (numbers to text etc)
You can even save blocks of code for re-use later (aka functions). The software is admittedly rather daunting at first, even (or should I say especially?) for a seasoned programmer like myself. If you just try to jump straight in, you’re going to get frustrated easily and soon give up. Make sure you run through all the included models in the tutorial system, and you’ll end up with a solid grounding to start programming your own.
There are no official mobile apps, though LEGO have promised something for later this year with the launch of new NXT 2.0 kits.
As well as providing a programming environment, the LEGO Mindstorms software also has build and programming tutorials for additional models. I was quickly able to adapt the basic introductory model to the “bedroom defence” robot that seeks out intruders and shoots them.
There are four core robot shapes are included, the first of which has a few variations that increase in difficultly, culminating in that pictured above. The build instructions can be made full screen, and are just as clear as any printed manual, so you should have a good amount of fun with this before even needing to approach the user submitted designs.
I felt the programming aspect of the tutorials could do with some work; it basically consists of screenshots for you to follow and copy into the main window without really explaining what you’re doing – there is actually explanation text, but it’s small, and far too easy to ignore. What would have been nice is some more complex code to download, along with a step by step walkthrough showing what the code does at each stage and why it’s grouped as it is.
There is a built-in help system – I suggest you go through that after building and programming the first few demo projects. That said – the blocks of logic, control flow, actions and sensors you build from are relatively simple, so it certainly does teach the fundamentals of programming from simple steps. I think the visual designer would be great for children or early teens to pick up if they perhaps don’t have actual programming experience, but I don’t have children to test on. Personally, I found myself wanting to type in regular code with variables and function name – and as it turns out, there’s actually quite a few open source NXT programming projects, so you’re not limited to just the visual designer. When your daughter is bored of LabView, introduce her to C!
Should you buy the LEGO Minstorms NXT 2.0 kit?
At $280, LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is expensive, but like all LEGO products it’s a gift that will last for generations. I would say get this for your children, but I’m a 30ish year old guy and this has been so much fun. Perhaps you’re also harbouring dreams of competing on Robot Wars with your own Arduino-based fire breathing death machine named The Squigglator, but LEGO Mindstorms is a more realistic way to get started and you’ll be really surprised at what you can achieve in very short time. Building your own robot and programming it would be lasting, bonding experience with your son or daughter – whilst still satiating their generation’s desire for everything to be computer based. I guarantee you’ll have fun with this, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Buy!
How do I win the LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit?
Related topics: LEGO, MakeUseOf Giveaway, Robotics.
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If I got the lego mindstorms nxt 2.0, i'll try different variety, such as doing chores. My point is, i will try my best to make our everyday life even easier.
WOW! I used to have a really old knex robotics kit and lego drone with camera when I was a kid. Some how I think I'd be swimming in my childhood again to re-experience it.
I would get my kids to choose what to make, they have great imaginations!
I would make a robot.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that will do the dishes!
My sons would try to build a robot!
A wicked looking robot death machine...
I would give it to my nephew who is a Lego fanatic and he'd make - well, who knows? He's autistic and often in his own world, but when he is building with Lego's you can see the excitement and hear it when he talks about his creations.
I wouldn’t actually make anything myself, I would give it to my sons. I’m not sure what they would make first, but I’m sure it would be awesome
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...Robot Like Transformers :D
a cool robot - or whatever my grandson want to make
I'm not sure what would be the first thing built as I would be gifting this to my grandsons.
a unicorn
Watch my grandson make something amazing, he loves Lego's, yes.
A robot to sort laundry :-) Then I would let Daddy and daughters play :-)
My nephew would make the robot
would build a moon rover
i'd give it to a kid
a robot to make me some beer!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... a mobile pet for my daughter. Then a beer extractor. I need something to get me beer
if I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... give it to my godchild
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is the first item on the instruction sheet.
This is very cool . Would love to build it
I would allow my sons to come up with some great thing to build but I think a talking robot is pretty cool.
... give it to my son.
A sorter
To assemble it and create a running robot :)
I'd give it to my son and see what his evil genius creates
Scare amany kitty Cats as iCan
the CAT gona love this
Don't know what I'd build first, but it'll be epic
Don't know what I'd build first, but it'll be epic
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is ... a call to my best friend and tell him the good news because I'd gift it to him. Not only has he been a Lego fan since childhood, but as an adult he has the imagination, intellect and interest to appreciate the kit more than anyone I know!
I keep coming back to this page and every time I realize not just how awesome Lego is but how fantastic and out of this world this set is...awesome review!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...portable House
This is actually something I am giving to my son if I win, but I think maybe a robot or a remote control car is something he would love making
A remote car
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is Rubics Cube Solver.
The first thing I'd make is a space rover.
a little robot to be my little butler
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is my own Wall-E?
I will make it with my boyfriend who is a Lego Addict!!?
?L?E?G?O?
Robot
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is my childhood robot!! :)
Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I would love to build this with my son, although he would probably build it without my help, but father son time is always great. Thanks again.
Good luck to all.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that can pick up legos pieces
Give it to my son and be the coolest mom ever!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a rover robot
wow awesome, i want to win, from philippines
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is feeder for all my cat..
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... the first thing in the instruction booklet.
I don't know! I'd leave that up to my son and his daddy! ;)
-Ashley Marie Morrissey
ashummz05(at)yahoo(dot)com
I used to love playing with the old lego robots in middle school!!
Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I grew up loving lego's and have gotten my son into too. Wining this would be amazing so that we can spend some time together building this.
A robot that sweeps the floor
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is, there would be more and more awesome, sleepless, LEGO building days and nights!!!!! :D
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is, there would be more and more awesome, sleepless, LEGO building days and nights!!!!! :D
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... a robot which could bring back my phone whenever i forgot it downstairs...
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a cookie cooker
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a dancing one!
I'd build a robot to follow me around and clean up after me.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a back tapper that will console me when Im sad
I'd build a dancing robot!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... Something to freak out my dogs. :-P
What a Gadzet , curious to win and see how it works..
A dancing robot
I'd make something so cool that I don't dare to think of it yet
The first thing I would make would probably be a mess.
I would give it to my grandson and he would probably make a robot or vehicle.
Thank you for this amazing opportunity, my son and I would love to build this together
Mongoose feeder. We have six or so mongooses living in our yard. They are really twitchy creatures... Think bull in a china shop overdosed on espresso with an itch in an awkward location twitchy.
I would configure the mindstorm to a buggy form with a cat pellet dispenser. I would make it track nearby motion. The catapult would scatter pellets around the buggy's ambush site. This would lure them in and then unexpectedly the buggy would turn to face the nearest mongoose.
There would be mongoosey chaos... Pellets flying in the air, tails and torso's colliding in tufts of surprised little barks.
Perhaps I may pre-coat the pellets with peanut butter, they like that too, but it makes the situation some what more sticky.
I would let my nephew's imagination run wild.
The first thing that I will do if I will have Lega Mindstorm NXT 2.0 is to give it to my buddy, who is a big Lego Fanatic!
I would help my son build the bedroom defense robot to protect his room from his little sister and from the puppies!
washing my clothes.
a car
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make...would be destroyed by cats.
a house
I'd use it to build a rubik's cube solver
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is an oreo cookie separator
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is an oreo cookie separator.
an unidentified flying object
'm gonna have to get one of these. Hope I win it.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a cleaner for my room.
I would give it to my son and i imagine he would make a pirate ship first then try to create a dinosaur
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...
The Rubik's cube solver to watch it solve my many cubes!
I would like to build an automatic book page turner!
I'd build a pencil sharpening robot for my classroom.
The great, great, great, great, great grandfather to the grey goo.
Assemble it! I love LEGO since I am small. I love to form different kinds of stuff on it! My daughter also loves LEGO! Its a fun day to play with my daughter w/ LEGO stuffs! :)
mow the yard
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d make is a robot that builds LEGOS...with my son. I would actually give this to my little boy who is a LEGOmaniac!
f I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a spy robot and will build it with my son as this is his favorite :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a personal butler. ;)
Car
I would take this to our next Webelos Scout meeting to see what they would create.
I'd use it in my chemistry lab to automate titrations, maybe
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd do is give it to my son so he could recreate - and improve - his team's robot from this year's robotics competition!
A 3D printer to print more LEGOS...
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...a 3D printer.
... having fun with it. :)
Awsumm.. seeing first time such simple programming TOY/ BOT/ LOCOMOTIVE.
ball thrower for the dog
A super cool robot man!
Start building :)
Start building:)
gotta build some robots that my cats can play with.. they like to chase things :)
I'm not sure what will i make as I'm not very good with handicraft...
I'd have my son make a robot to fetch us cool drinks on a hot summer day
I would build rubicks solver yeeeey
I would give it to my son and daughter as they amaze me everyday with what they build with lego.
i'd hive it to my son and he would probably make some kind of vehicle
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a tutorial first.
I want this
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that attempts to retrieve fallen objects and probably fails miserably.
try out what i can build with it (and maybe find out if there is sth really usefil^^)
find out what i can build with it (and maybe if there is sth really useful^^)
I'd make a catpualt
if i won this I would it to my nephew Ben hes the Lego King and anything he makes will be robotic
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... whatever is pictured on the box.
...is something to play with my dog.
I'd make a robot :)
A Robot.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... an ebay sale listing.
I would build a book page turner lol :)
Robot
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a punching robot
my daughter is a lego fiend, i'm sure she would try to build a lego robot bulldog
my daughter is a lego fiend, i'm sure she would try to build a lego robot bulldog
LEGO GLADOS!
Build a JCB
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is ROBOT.. :P
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a machine to build other Mindstorms robots.
This would be my youngest Grandson's choice...this kit is right down his alley!!
I'd have to make the "Gettting Started" robot. Looks like fun.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that will give foods to my 7 dogs
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... A spyderbot (intentionally misspelled) My boys, 5 and 2, love Megamind and his "spyderbot" Also my youngest is an adrenaline junkie who enjoys getting scared or being chased - my oldest loves puzzles and building things. Build and Program this thing with my oldest. Then set it to chase them and enjoy :P
a robot
I would first help my grandson build this Lego Mindstorm! He absolutely Loves Legos! He is 6 and tries hard to save all his money just to buy the little ones!!
If I win LEGO mindstorms NXT 2.0.. I will try to assemble it and make simple program that can guard the room. :)
Teach my daughter the ways of robotics
I'd build a room defense system to keep my kids out of my bedroom during those "adult" moments.
If i won this kit id share it with my 2 boys who would like to make a car and tractor i like the robot myself but the Possibilities are endless.we are a LEGO LOVING FAMILY :) LOL
I would make the Rubik's Cube Solver!
the kids would have fun
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd do is give it to my hubby and son so they can geek it out. We already use Minecraft as a teaching tool, Mindstorms is the next step! :D
A Rubic's Cube Solver of course just to see if it really works :)
Then who knows...If it can do that then the options are limitless!!!!!
My son would probably build a robot with it!
a robot to bring me a cold drink
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot spider
My SON adores Lego!!! Great fun toy and educational!!!
My Son adores LEGO!! Such a great toy!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...
something awesome with my kids!
A ventriloquist show. :)
I worked with old versions of LEGO Mindstorm NXT. They are brilliant!!!! Easy to work with and loads of fun within. The limit is just our imagination, so there is no limit at all...
Give it to my Son who just loves Lego.!!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a program seperate objects depending on colour.
I will give it out to any kid around me.
A very impressed face when my nephew showed me what he built!
If I had a a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...
... something to sweep up after my kids! ;-)
The first thing I would make is the robot
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is something interesting from the instruction manual...
A robot dog!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot with my kids!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d make is a robot holding a bag
The first thing I would make is something to surprise my girlfriend. She's a real fan of Mindstorms. She wants one of her own but she hasn't enough time to really use and enjoy it to the fullest.
I'd make something to keep the cats busy :)
give it to my daughter
if i win i will give this to my nephew Yjeshua... he loves Lego , he just had brain surgery , he is only 5 years old....
With my new Lego I would build my dream cat,
With a helicopter pad, a bar and a spa,
If I can master the art,
Of no giving up by pulling it apart!
f I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...Whatever my kids want to help build
I'd make a little show to my nephews, 1 yr old, 7 months and 3 months!
Make a show to my 1yr old nephew
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot!
... a mess, excitedly ripping open the box and spreading out all the bits!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a new super hero robot to save the world!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, I'd gift them to my nephews.
I'd build my own personal Iron Giant
A surveillance robot
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...
a robot that can stack standard lego so i can program in a model and have it built for me. the larger lego models with all the detail are great but time consuming and annoying when you knock a piece off and have to start again. a robot doesn't have feelings and wouldn't get angry and frustrated.
afterwards it can clean the house 24/7 until it evolves to develop human emotions and thought and attacks me while i'm sleeping.
...but mostly the model building thing.
I would love to enter this, but I am unable to use the widget. I can't click "Enter Now!".
I think I would make a Motion tracker
i want lego
i want this give to me please
Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I would love to build this with my son, although he would probably build it without my help, but father son time is always great. Thanks again.
Good luck to all.
wow thats great I love getting one;..........o my god !!!
First ting I would do is gather my kids and start building!
To fetch a beer from the fridge! :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a rubic solver
I would build a crazy contraption that will follow me around and hold all of my snacks and drinks.
The first thing I would build is the starter model. I've never tried robotics before!
My son would be very creative with this and create an automated pitching machine..
I would give it to my genius nephew Justin and he will build some complicated device.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...A color sorter!
Great way to start in robotics with lots of room to explore
linetracer for my nephew
The first thing I'd make is a Wall-E!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is the model inside the box :)
A 1:1 scale Optimus Prime. What? I could do it. They shrunk to fit certain sizes in the original cartoon :P
I'd use it to interest students in programming.
Whatever my nephew wanted!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d make is a race car
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is something.
OH MY GOD! This set is so awesome. I can just see the way my son's face would light up. It would take him hours to build this but I can just hear how excited he would be to build this. With our first build we would probably make a racecar since he wasn't to be a racecar driver when he grows up. But he will also have to definitely share it with his sister. She'll want to make a princess. We shall see if it's possible.
Alien ship
These look amazing and way to hard for me, my 11 year old would be able to work them out though
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d make is making a robot that would interact with me
Give it to my daughter as she is a huge Lego fan
If I...the first think I would make would be a bot that would bring me a drink!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...a solution to help people who can't walk!
I would make a lego sorter
If i won i would make my lego fanatic son very happy and then we'd make a robot of some kind!
Thank you so kindly for an awesome Giveaway. If I were to win this- I would give this to my son for Christmas =)
If I won I would give it to my older 3 boys so they could make whatever they wanted with it...they love lego
Would make a rubiks cube solver after my sons get done playing with it.
I'd build a robot with my 6 year old son.
give it to me son
Build the first robot in the book. Try and get my son re-engaged.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... clean my room.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is an automatic car.
I love lego
I would build something unique.
I would make the robot and then see what other things i can build with the robot and all my other legos.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...a robot to bring my tea to my bed in the morning
if I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... a rubix cube solver
would try to make a robot :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...
I would give it to my son!
I don't know what would be built, only that it would be built by my kids :)
I'll give it to my lil bro. He loves Lego! :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is.. ....My son so very happy when I give it to him! :)
something awesome
... a pet-like robot
The first thing I'd make is my son very happy!
I'd like to build a robot.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...the bedroom defence model.
I think I'll make a crane.
I'll build a mouse trap
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot which would help mom to separate out impurities which can be removed only by hand picking for example in Rice, wheat and other consumable goods!
The first thing I’d make is a rubik cube solver =D
remote control army tank
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot!
I am a great Lego Fan! first thing i would do is make a Rubik cube bot!
I think i don't need it
a remote control car
a mobile cam system
I'll play with it
solve a Rubic cube!
If I win i would give it to my friend
ROBO Dancer, so my 8 moths old baby boy keeps smiling with his new fun, smart toy.
rubic cube solver
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is Fish Feeder bot
A skittles sorter would be a good first project for me :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is something random that comes off the top of my head
Loved your review, the video and definitely concur on the inside packaging ... surprising that they don't build slotted trays to keep things organized. Would love to surprise my Lego-fanatic son Krish if I win this set!
A robot to bring me my phone when it rings
Give it to my 11 year old son who wants to build a frisbee throwing robot for our dogs. Lol
There's so many things one can do with this, i will probably make a robot that shall perform some basic task :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)/Drone with a spy cam, so that I can find out what's going on in my surroundings and snoop in on people's activities without even having to leave my couch!!! Hahaha!!!
If I won I'd make a cup holder that can also pour the drink.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot
Hmm... I would combine it with my old nxt 1 and RIS to help start my doombot army.
A robot that can Press cloths for me ;)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that could figure out a maze, like the one at the Perot Museum in Texas.
a robot!
the one that will solve rubik's cube because i never solved one. LOL
If I won this I'd make a robot to do my business statistics homework... hopefully it will have better luck than I will...
Will give it to my kid!
I'd make a robot that interacts with my dog! :D
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot to water my garden when I'm on vacation.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a perfect line tracer similar to that of a printer or whatever. Remember the robot from the film iRobot, I would make a Robot that draws!!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot to program other robots...
... a robot to make the tea!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is build a robot
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that can fly.
I will definitely make a robot that can solve math problem.
if i had lego mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit ...the 1st thing i would do is..make a sensor controlled ATV(all terrain vehicle)...
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a crawler that can go up and down the stairs while maintaining balance. It would not be a fast machine but a nice little crawler that can be controlled through a phone maybe......
I'd give it to my little brother
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...a Terminator!!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...
a line racer!
Make a robot that can clean up
give it to my son.. He loves lego. :)
to play a game!
If I won I would give it to my son
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...the introductory model. Then a tank to make the dogs freak out.
I'd use it to supe up my existing LEGO collection...
I'd build a robot snake! ;) I'm a huge LEGO fan btw!
The first thing I'd make is a robot to bring me coffee every morning.
roboGator!!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... a rail gun
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is to build a new robot.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...a robotic alarm system from reminding the kids when they come home past curfew.
i would make AT-AT
Give it to me! I would be very happy!
the best thing that MakeUseOf recommends... :)
My sons would be the ones doing the creating!
I would "make" my son make a super cool robot ! I would love my sons to have an opportunity to try this!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that makes me coffee and delivers it to me every morning. That would be super awesome! Like having my very own butler. LOL :D
I will make it the security robot which running around and monitor my apartment when I am away from house. Will attach a wireless IP CCTV on the running robot so I can know my apartment status when I am away. :) Cool idea!!
A rover.
a beverage fetching robot...
grandson would love it!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...a robot to help me take over the world! :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is probably a robot that solves rubics cubes, and check who would be done first solving one.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is try to build a robot to automatically refills my glass, while I'm working at the PC.
my 1st robot man
I'd make HAL if I can find all of pieces in the box.
I would give it to my son he loves lego he would know what to make and it might get him of minecraft for awhile
I would make a robot to play the sublime music of Bach on my keyboard.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is transformers
f I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is big cats
a robot :D
I would build a robot to streamline my morning routine!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a Rubik's cube solver
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that could chase my kids
I'd make the biggest, baddest robot ever!
My son would love to make a robot that walks, with vision to avoid obstacles & with touch sensors so it could pick things up.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
I would start an independent FIRST LEGO League team.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is robot
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is the makeuseof logo
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot!
Something that my elementary school students would be able to build with me.
I don't think the "buy" recommendation is warranted, since Lego has announced the NXT 3.0 which will come out in September. My kids (8 and 6) are chomping at the bit for the new one, which will allegedly allow you to control your robot with an iPhone app and doubtless include other wonderful things. At the very least, the NXT 2.0, if there are still any kits available, will probably become much cheaper very quickly. But still, I'd like to win one!
I would teach my son how to program and make robots. We would do a robot to classify M&Ms by color.
work on it till i finish building it
If i had a lego mindstorm nxt kit, the first thing i would build is a chopping/destruction robot with hardcore/dubstep style music programed. my even attach a flame thrower XD
play with my daughter
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is..Color Sorter
I would make a ROBOT which will find me things from my working table.
I would be amazed of my new LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 for a long time.
i would build automatic candy dispenser
I have np clue what the first thing I'd make because there are too many things I want to make!
The first thing I would make is a BattleBot!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is the robot from the examples
follow the instructions. :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... I don't know... maybe something to annoy the cat.
This kit would be great for my son and me to create together. He has had a lot of fun building with Lego blocks and has also done some programming with a software called RoboMind.
If we were to win this, I think we would work together on the Getting Started Robot, then move on to other projects which follow my son's interests.
A car for my toddler son to chase
I'd give it to the kids to make something.They are the ones with imaginations.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot to retrieve cat toys and bring them to me so I can play with the cat without walking back and forth since she is too stupid (or stubbern) to learn to fetch.
something that uses every part in the kit!
Since my great-nephews are so into Legos, I would give it to them.
Start playing of course!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d make is… Terminator..
an alligator robot
A robot for our dogs to chase around and play with.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d make is an NSA bug rover. finding NSA and government spy bugs among other things NSAish
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot.
Anything i could ! It an awesome shit ...
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot.
Build a beer-fetcher...
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is to try the bedroom defense model with my cats! (Only if it isn't dangerous, of course.)
a gumdrop gun
If I win this i would like to play with sister and it would be a good gift for her
I don't know what I would build first, but I would LOVE to get my hands on these and play!
i would build a gumball dispenser that could detect you hand waiting under the dispensing unit with the light sensors.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... Skynet.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...a bread maker, especially for making the dough. And then let my husband play with it XD
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... build something wonderful
first I would try to make some kind of segway :)
i want one :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot!
My 9 yr old son is crazy about Robots! This will suit him to perfection.
rubics cube model
I'd make something to take over the world! Muuuahahahahahaha.... ;-)
I'd make something like a monster truck.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d build is build a robot
Make us of is doing an amazing deed by hosting such a give away. It is the best product for any robotics fanatic. If i get it ill be making a robot capable of climbing walls.
I would sit down with my 5 year old granddaughter and build something really cool with her, probably to terrorize her mother or grandmother ;-)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... a recreation of the line-following robot I had to build during my second year at university - even though the original worked alright, since then I've thought of some improvements for both the programming and physical design.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is the Rubix Cube solver to demonstrate to a few friends.
i'd build a color sorter.
I'd use it as a opportunity to teach my son how to program in a really fun way we can both enjoy.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a mobile robot :D
give it to my brother who love it very much :)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a security dog :D like an allarm
This would Entertain my son all summer!
I believe that the LegoStorm is still one of the accepted robotics kits that can be used to fulfill the requirements for the Boy Scouts Robotics Merit Badge.
Bad robot :)
a gift of this to my 11 year old grandson who LOVES robotics!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... read the instructions and have fun!!
If i had a Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0, The first thing i'd make is a robot that could help me clean little things (: Or whatever it could do..
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a Rubix cube solver or something that can follow a black line.
I would make something cool :P
Out of the box you know :D Like a transformer
Dont know if its possible !! : /
The first thing I would make would be a robot that could entertain my dog
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... an autonomous extraterrestrial research vehicle... like oportunity?
I would make a cool laser-shooting, chair-jumping robot.
my Hubby very very happy!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot!
If I won, I'd give it to my son, or to a friend's son.
The robot
...a man cave where I can build undisturbed.
If I win, I'd build a rover robot.
This stuff is too good for kids!
If I win, I'd make a sentry bot that recognizes people as they come into my room.
the racing car...
a beer opener robot :P
Robot to go get me a beer
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a robot that uses artificial intelligence to solve problems in material deliveries in industry facilities.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is ask my son what he would like to make and we would build it together!
... I would program it myself, and it would be something really crazy and a lot of fun :D :D
Great giveaway!
stuff.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is...... Well, I admit that I'd probably just play around with it until I created something that I could terrorize the house cats with. :P
Open it and construct it!!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a CNC plotter :)
You had me at Rubics Cube Solver!
i would probably give it to my little cousin
First thing I'd make is a good stiff drink
If i'd win this one, i'd make something that monitors my desk and shoots things at everything that comes too close.
Or maybe make something that follows my cat :p
I would give it to my bro who is a boss at EA games and would absolutely
love this for himself and his girlfriend and his daughter, they BIG fans :)
This review is a little late. The NXT came out in 2006 and the 2.0 version came out in 2009. The next generation of Lego Mindstorms, EV3, is due to be released this year.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, I would like to build a bot which would help old and disables people :)
I'd open the box and let the 5 year old Lego nut who would be the ultimate recipient of said prize determine what gets built - if prior projects are any indicator, it would have something to do with either NASA, the Enterprise or Millenium Falcon.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is... a replica model of the lunar rover :D
surely the rubic cube solver
It's awesome that they are giving away one of these sets, but I can't help but notice that the set being reviewed above is the NXT kit that came out several years ago, not the new one slated for an upcoming release.
Either way, I'd use the kit in combination with the one I bought previously to build battle robots with my son.
...my 10yo geek daughter (don't know where she gets it from *grin*) deliriously happy by giving it to her. And then watching the amazing stuff that results.
(And not at all joining in, programming it, ... oh well, maybe a bit...)
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is build a robot
If I won this, I would win "Father of the Century" from my boy- who happens to be turning 11 in two weeks. He's a big Lego nut- and has just started learning to program using Scratch. He would be all over this- and, in fact, has begged me to buy him one of these. Our public library has classes every two months or so using these and he is all over that! And the way I figure it, I have stepped on enough Legos in the past decade to justify my winning of this awesome prize!
I would make whatever it turns out to be!!!!! It would be a mystery until it is done!!!!!
I would give this set to my son who has been wanting to join our local First Lego League team.
robot
to wash dishes :)
...an attacking robot!
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is hmmmm...
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a line tracer! Kind of easy to make! :D
Gotta build a rocket launcher....
The first thing I'd try and make is a rolling machine...
I'd make a robot that could build other robots.
I would take over my yard.
make a robot that can separate things by colour
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is an actual deathstar.
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I’d make is a robot that helps me to solve first world problems... LOL
If I had a LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit, the first thing I'd make is a M&M feeder that can feed me chocolate~
if i win i would give it to my son
Win Legos => Build Rubics Cube Solver => ??? => Profit $$$$
Give it to my son he is a big Lego fan and collector.