Hobbies And Interests
Barcode Scanner
Using the light sensor and a little coding, you can create a barcode scanner that will read either real barcodes or ones you construct from LEGOs. The microcontroller is given a set of data that links a given barcode to a string of information, and as the barcode is placed over the light sensor, the string of information is registered and displayed. This project is excellent for showing fundamentals of optics and logic.
Marble Launcher
The LEGO Mindstorms set provides servos that you can use to throw or bat marbles through the air or along a surface. The microcontroller is programmed to move the servo at a regular interval. The marbles are fed to the servo arm through a magazine provided with the LEGO Mindstorms set. The servo then launches the marbles in the direction specified. Although this project is simplistic, it does provide a basic understanding of programming the Mindstorms microcontroller and the use of servos and their integrated potentiometers.
Vehicles
The LEGO Mindstorms microcontroller can be placed on a wheeled chassis powered by the servos provided in the construction set. The microcontroller powers the servos with a predefined set of instructions or a series of conditional statements, and the wheeled vehicle will move across the floor. You can create any type of wheeled vehicle, such as a standard car, three wheeler, motorcycle or even a Segway that is able to balance itself.
Speed Detector
Using the ultrasonic sensor, the LEGO Mindstorms microcontroller can sense the location of an object and register its speed and direction with multiple passes. The speed and direction are displayed on the microcontroller screen. This is an excellent way to learn about echolocation, acceleration and speed.
Color Sorter
Using the light sensor and servo motors, the LEGO Mindstorms microcontroller can be programmed to sense the color of an object and place the object according to color. A series of conditional commands programmed into the microcontroller makes this possible, and this project shows the basics of automation, which is pervasive in contemporary manufacturing.
Other Activities
The LEGO Mindstorms set is very easy to program and comes with many sensors and motors to create various projects. With an understanding of the basic programming, you can use the sensors in various configurations and applications to create many interactive electronic projects, including a remote control, an electric guitar, a robot vacuum, a car that follows a line, a telegraph, automated arm and sound meter. The LEGO Mindstorms set comes with excellent instructions and an explanation of the LEGO Mindstorms microcontroller language, but you can also become part of the LEGO Mindstorms online community and interact with others, exploring new projects and methods of programming your microcontroller.