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Lego Mindstorms: Robotics Invention System

by Matthew Russell

As seen in MAKE 06 Toolbox

Type(s): Kit, Toy
Tags: legos, robotics

http://mindstorms.lego.com/
$199 (US, estimated)

Tool photo.

Contrary to what you might have thought, you can do a lot more with Legos than build another useless static display. Actually, you can pick up a set that includes a bunch of gears, motors, sensors, and a fairly sophisticated microcontroller that runs all of this stuff for under a couple of Bennies. But don't just settle for what comes out of the box; be sure to reprogram the firmware with an alternative like LeJOS to really squeeze out that last bit of juice if you really want to impress the girls. Also, keep an eye out for some fat price cuts coming up since Lego announced that a newer version of this set is coming out later in the year.