Exploring the NXT

Yesterday, my dad had me sit down with the NXT kit of parts and attempt to build the robot from a tutorial.  Our team is really excited about the probability of using the NXT in this year's LEGO competition, and we really want to learn everything we can about it. The big advantage to the NXT is that it features new and improved motors and sensors that are more precise.  

After finishing with the construction, Amy joined me and we went to the computer to take the tutorials.  Because this was a new software for us as well we would be starting from the very beginning.  After refreshing our memories on the basics, (programming our robot to go in a straight line, back up, steer, etc.) we began to get into the sensors.  I think that my favorite sensor, both to program and to just watch, is the Ultrasonic sensor, or sonar.  It is easy to see how useful this particular sensor will be in the competitions.  

The NXT has an extremely valuable component built into it.  You can move the robot around, recording your actions, and the robot will play it back for you.  It isn't as precise, and we wouldn't be able to use it instead of the programming,  but it will help out a lot in letting us view how our robot is going to behave in different circumstances.  

For the next few days we will be focused solely on school and LEGO.  Our goal is to get the research report finished and make as much progress with the robot as possible.  

I can't wait to get started!

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