Mindstorms Robotics Invention System 2.0 by Lego
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Book Reviews of Mindstorms Robotics Invention System 2.0
Book Review: Excellent Robotics Experiences!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a mother of six kids- ages 5 to 15- and a home schooling mom, I asked for this set for my own birthday, and the whole family has had a blast! We have Windows XP and have not had a single problem with conflicts. My 10 year old has built and programmed a bunch of very cool robots, and is now checking out books from the library to learn more about robotics. We spend hours building and programming. The robots can be built like you would build any Lego system. The constructopedia is easy to follow if you're used to larger Lego projects. (Think Hogwarts castle complexity with gears and motors thrown in.) The programming is set up to work like Lego construction. Different parts of the programs are in different "bricks". You select the bricks you want on the computer screen, drag and clik them into place. Then you download the program to your robot and hit run! Totally simple, lots of fun, and an awsome introduction to building REAL Robots-- not remote controled vehicles. The set includes membership to an online community of robot builders. I was amazed to see some of the robots built with this set. Robots to climb stairs, draw pictures and make peanut butter sandwiches (must wash the Legos afterwards.) I recomend this set to anyone ages 10 and older interested in constructing real robots without needing extensive programming knowledge. =)Book Review: The Best Toy I have Played with in 40 Years
Summary: 5 Stars
This system is phenominal. We own version 1.5, purchased a year ago and we have not put it down. And trust me, this is not for kids only. I only wish there was something around like this when I was 12 - I was stuck with Robbbie the Robot replicas.When my son opened it for Christmas, we knew it would be a big hit. We have spend uncountless hours working on this together (quality, quality time) and the problem solving skills he has gained have put him in a position that he can now program a computer in Visual Basic at 12 years. (Not that this system teaches you VB, but it sure teaches you logic and structure, necessities for any program language)
We have since bought all the expansion kits, a few books and have built robots capable of some unbelievable feats.
Keep in mind that older Technic sets work well with these sets as well as many of the other Lego sets you have.
I would recommend this set to anyone, especially those who longed for a real robot as a child, not a "flashing lights only" Robbie.
Book Review: The toy of the future
Summary: 5 Stars
Believe it or not, I love these products so much I wrote my Senior Thesis around it. If you want to read it,you can find it by searching on Google: "Robots: America's Answer to Dwindling Math Scores". I'm not trying to self promote (yes I am shameless though), but this toy I believe can help in changing this nation at it's core if promoted properly. Any educator or parent I believe will be moved by this article and I hope will assist in molding our nation's youth. A description of my thesis is as follows: "As a result of robotic entices and inadequacies of nationally recorded math scores among school age children, a systematic approach to using technical advances in an outdated curriculum for mathematical improvement is explored. Lego Mindstorms, BEAM technology, and robotic creations are examined and then included in a potential year long case study. The rationale behind the choices, a thorough guide to success, and futuristic implications are investigated."Book Review: Lego Lovers Of All Ages
Summary: 5 Stars
I grew up with lego so it was natural that I would end up getting a mindstorm set. I couldn't find enough time to do all things that I could come up with, until I found a group at work that acually used the sets.We have 5 sets for the company that we use for our WIT(Women In Technology) work shops to teach girls (mostly teens) how to program a pen drawing robot that can't cross a line but tries to draw the longest one. The girls have great fun, and all the team leads love coaching the groups to come up with interesting solutions.
When the sets aren't being used by the WIT, we have obstacle course races with hopfully smart AI's to handle road blocks, ramps, mazes, and movable objects. The races are unlimited for those of us that use expansion sets. So far though, it's been the best AI that tends to finish the course.
Finding a group to do challanges against adds unmeassurable value to the RIS. I only wish I had more pieces.
Book Review: A MUST!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an engineering student and we use these in our robotics lab. Adults with an interest in programming can use java or C to program, children can use the included software. The software is an easy to use visual drag and drop type software. I would recommend every parent to purchase this toy. It allows the kids to learn the basics of programming and see the immediate results when the program is downloaded to the robot. My 9 year old daughter never lost interest in my assignments. This is one of the best learning toys I have ever seen. I am planning on purchasing on for myself to use with my daughter (lots of little parts, messy children will need some supervision or most of the robot will be in the vacuum). Children between 7-12 will enjoy the product, with alot of assistance from parent, over 12 should have no trouble at all with it. Excellent for education, and a lot of fun for a parent - child activity.