Limited Black NXT

Because Lego's exclusive Black NXT was so popular, they're making 1998 (the year mindstorms was created) more units and selling it at Shop@Home. Again, it's $169.99 USD. Purchase it before it runs out here. More information on the Mindstorms Website here.

Alpha Rex in Estonia

This is the first post involving Alpha Rex's journey across the world (it has been going on for a long time). The Lego Company has sent him on a global roadtrip to celebrate 10 years of Mindstorms. Now, he's visited Tallinn, Estonia. More information here.

New sensors in Mindsensors Development Lab

Mindsensors has listed several new sensors in the making. This includes a line following sensor, a PF receiver controller, a timed trigger of cameras and flashguns, and a new version of the NXTServo. 

PFMate:

     NXTHotShoe:                   

NXTLineLeader:

More information on the sensors can be found here.

8256 Go-Kart

Though not availble in the US yet, the new technic set 8256 Go-Kart has been released through Shop at Home for various countries, such as Australia. The price is 14.99 EUR and 29.99 AUD. The little set comes with 144 pieces and instructions to build a lawn mower. It features steering and a moving piston.

More NXT 2.0 Information

Flickr user no_onions has displayed addtional pictures and information from the 2009 Toy Fair. The new NXT system will be $279.99 USD, and includes these features:

• 32-bit processor with 8-bit memory
• FLASH memory
• 6 wire system
• matrix display
• sound speaker
• 4 input, 3 output
• USB 2.0
• NEW color sensor
• 1 ultrasonic sensor
• 3 touch sensors
• 3 motors with rotation sensor built in
• Bluetooth
• PC/Mac
• 6 AA batteries
• 619 pieces

The new features are more pieces, a color sensor, and two more touch sensors than the previous version. More pictures here. It will be available in August.

Area and Volume Calculator

nxtprograms.com has posted several pictures and videos of its new project, the NXT Area and Volume Calculator. 

This device acts like measuring tape, rolling on the side of an object to determine its length, then width, then area, and so on. The robot is simply a motor with a standard balloon wheel attached to the NXT brick, but the program can display in different units depending on nationality or what you need to measure in. 

The video shows the robot being used to measure a packaging box:

New Technic Sets for late 2009

Four preliminary technic sets have been found to release in the second half of 2009. The numbers are 8265, 8063, 8258, and 8263,  shown here: 

via Technicbricks.

New NXTLog Challenge

Today, the new NXTlog challenge was announced, after over a month since the last contest. The theme is Video, and you have until March 31st to enter. Entries must have an NXT-G .rbt file and a video showcasing your robot. The NXTlog Video challenge is here.