However beneath the surface, there is enough to interest the more experienced enthusiast. Controlling the three servo motors is a 32-bit ARM7 Micro-controller that uses 6-wire ports to monitor its plethora of sensors: Light, Colour, Ultrasonic, Touch, and Sound.
The NXT software used to program the bot has a graphical interface, once again showing LEGO’s interest in roping in first timers. And once again, the GUI is only the surface of a powerful programming environment called LabView, developed by the Texas giant, National Instruments.
The same LabView software has been used by scientists and engineers worldwide in a variety of applications from controlling MP3 players to testing the Microsoft XBox, to helping control the NASA Mars Pathfinder exploration.
All in all, the NXT is a unique product. There’s no denying that it was designed for the hobbyist, but those who can, have used it to make some pretty amazing things. The 280$ price tag can put you off, but if you’re looking for a good robotics kit, or even something to get you started with, then this should be on your list.