Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Lego has officially released Mindstorms NXT 2.0, and is available for preorder now.

The specific details and other information about the new set is posted on the Mindstorms website, under "news". You can view that information here.

There are four main models that you can build:

(quoted from the website)

"Shooterbot, a moving vehicle robot that can guard your room and will shoot balls at intruders!

Robogator is an animal robot that acts and moves like an alligator. It will protect its area and jumps forward and snap at anything that comes too near. Watch out!

Colour Sorter is a robotic sorting machine that can sort different coloured objects and dispense them as you please. It can easily be modified with a catapult mechanism that can precisely shoot the different colours where you like.

Alpha Rex is your ultimate robot. It is a humanoid robot, easy to assemble and with multiple functions; it walks and turns, dances, talks, can see and avoid obstacles, can grab and distinguish between different coloured objects.

Note: 10 extra bonus models with building instructions will be made available on this website after the launch of the NXT 2.0!"

There are also new software features:

"Sound Editor: is a new application that makes it possible to customize and personalize your robot by importing sound files – or record your own via a PC microphone (not included in set) and loading them onto the NXT micro-controller, making the robot speak with your own voice or a funny sound.

Picture Editor: is a new application that makes it possible to import picture files – or for you to draw your own and load them onto your NXT, to be shown in the display when you want!

Remote Control: allows for instant and direct control of your robot without any special programming needed. Just create a model that can move and you have direct control over it.

Pack and Go: the Pack and Go function makes it easy for you to share your programs with other users, as it packs the program with the images and sounds used in the program, so you do not have to think about it!
(Requires that the other users to have NXT 2.0 software).

Bluetooth Contact Block: Now you can get your NXT to connect and dis-connect to multiple NXTs while running a program
The block allows the NXT to choose between many different NXTs, making it possible to make complex machines. Your NXT can be connected to up to 3 other NXTs at any given time.

Over the coming weeks more features will be shown and stories from users will be told here on mindstorms.com!"

Summer Lego Sets Now Available!

New Lego sets are now available for order and backorder:

Among the new summer sets just released at Shop@Home are the new Star Wars: The Clone Wars sets, as well as the classic Endor and Echo Base playsets.

Also notable sets are the new Space Police III sets, with the theme's initial release just a few months ago.

Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is now available for pre-order, which will ship by August. At $279.99, it's a bit more expensive than its predecessor, but it comes with many new features.

We also have the new exclusive, the 10196 Grand Carousel at $249.99. The set comes with over 3,200 essential and rare pieces, some new minifigures, and can even move like the real thing (with the help of Power Functions).

Four new Technic sets are available, including the 8256 Go-Kart that wasn't released to the US in the first half of 2009. The others are: 8263 Snow Groomer ($49.99), 8265 Front Loader ($79.99), and the highly anticipated 8258 Crane Truck ($149.99).

Three new Creator sets, as well as another released in the spring, are all available now for order.

And finally, we have the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, an accurate model with a sleek design and a very realistic interior. It can be backordered for $59.99.

Also, for a limited time, you can get a gold minifigure keychain with orders of $75 or more.

NXT Ball Contraption 3

See more on Flickr.

Video:

NXTLOG People's Choice Building Challenge

NXTLOG has run out of ideas for building challenges and asks NXT builders for help in the People's Choice building challenge. In this unique contest ending June 30, you will be able to create your own NXTLOG robot that models the theme for your own building challenge, complete with rules and judging criteria. The winning entries will even become future NXTLOG building challenges! Find out more here.