1. Intro. To Java Programming using Lego Mindstorms
Prof. Shawn Lupoli
Comm. College of Baltimore County

2. What did he say?? (Common Terms)
NXT
Biggest Lego “Brick”
Contains the brain of the robot
Connects to:
Sensors
Motors
IDE/Eclipse
Integrated Development Environment
Application used to write and compile your program

3. Classroom Setup
This is included into a Freshman/Sophomore JAVA programming class (CMSC 201)
Computer for every college student
IDE -> Eclipse (eclipse.org)
LEGOS
Plug-In
API (reference)
NXT Java Compiler
Labs (11-13 labs based on topic of week)
Tutorial
Normal Java Programming

4. Classroom Setup (cont.)
2 day a week class
Active Learning/Lecture (Tuesday)
Lab (Thursday)
Lab
Group Lego Lab
Individual Regular Programming Lab (Homework)
I strive for a “doing” learning centered approach

5. Eclipse IDE Free All platforms supported (Windows, MAC, etc..)
Students are spared an extra expense
All platforms supported (Windows, MAC, etc..)
Very easy for IT to install since it does not need drivers or other software
Looks like Visual Studio
Must do some tinkering to get it to work

6. LEJOS Java Programming for LEGO NXT (or RCX) Free again!!!!
Found in SourceForge (.net)
Open Source software repository

7. LEJOS (cont.) Has: Installation tutorial (slightly wrong)
Programming Tutorial
API as a guide to allow easy programming
Forums (good for help!!)

8. NXT Compiler
The preloaded NXT software (literally inside the NXT) is over-written with the new compiler.
Remember the size of the program that the NXT is very limited

9. Labs - Introduction Introduce to Lego Kit as a whole
Have them build a vehicle that we use for several weeks
In class we mock a software setup
Download new software on NXT

10. Lab - Variables Introduce Motor Function and Touch Sensor
Measure the size of a room

11. Sample Program #1

12. Concerns and Complications
Installation
What a pain, BUT….
Poor (ok not too bad) documentation
USB Dongles
Built in
Thumb Attachments
32 bit to 64 bit conversion
APIs wrong sometimes

13. Ok, what about costs? Lego Educational kit Eclipse  FREE $300
One set is good for 3 students
Eclipse  FREE

14. Common Questions Do you let take the kits home?
No, the kits are accessible at school at anytime. They also have a non-classroom lab that contains the software needed.