1. Minds and Computers 2.1 The RCX l Hitachi H8/3297 series processor l 3 inputs/sensors (1, 2, 3) l 3 outputs/motors (A, B, C) l 32k RAM/ 16k ROM ä 12 kB free in leJOS l Multiple threads of execution l LCD Display & Speaker l 3 programmable buttons l IR send/receive l Sensors ä Light, touch, rotation ä Sonar and compass avail

2. Minds and Computers 2.2 LEGO Mindstorms NXT l Atmel 32-bit ARM processor l 4 inputs/sensors (1, 2, 3, 4) l 3 outputs/motors (A, B, C) l 256 KB Flash Memory l 64 KB RAM l USB 2.0 Communication l 4 programmable buttons l 100x64 b/w LCD Display l Sensors ä Active: Old light and rotation ä Passive Touch, sensors for NXT ä Digital Ultrasonic l Motors ä 170 RPM ä 360 RPM for old motors, why?

3. Minds and Computers 2.3 ROBOLAB l Pilot Mode ä graphics based ä limited capability ä great for kids? l Inventor Mode ä variables ä conditionals ä loops ä multitasking l Investigator Mode ä Charts & graphs ä Analyze data

4. Minds and Computers 2.4 Inventor

5. Minds and Computers 2.5 Working with RCX l RCX needs firmware on it in order to be programmable l Programming process 1. Design program 2. Implement on PC 3. Download onto RCX using IR tower  Code converted to bytecodes that RCX understands 4. Test 5. Debug and go back to step 1 or 2

6. Minds and Computers 2.6 Pilot

7. Minds and Computers 2.7 Challenges 1. Getting there ä Using Pilot 1 - program your car to move for 1 sec ä Measure the distance it went ä Predict distance for n sec (Pilot 2 may be useful) ä Run and check model 2. Touch-activated ä Using Pilot 4 make it so your robot starts when the touch sensor is pressed and stops when it hits something ä How could you keep your robot from running off the table with a light sensor?