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How to Build a Scorpion in Mindstorms

LEGO Mindstorms are fun and educational toy kits that teach the basics about robotics. Recommended for ages 10 and older, the NXT edition allows users to build and program robots to perform simple tasks and commands. Each kit includes all of the manuals, software, parts and accessories needed to construct any one of four specific robot designs. One of these designs is the scorpion model, nicknamed "Spike," which has pincer arms, walks on six legs and can be programmed to react to stimuli with ultrasonic and audio sensors. It also has the ability to "attack" with a touch-sensor enabled "stinger."

Instructions

- 1
  Construct the body of the scorpion by following the full-color instructions that come included with the Mindstorms kit. These step-by-step directions illustrate the placement of each part and the quantity required. Attach all of the axles, beams, joints, gears, connectors, pins, wheels, cables and sensors around the NXT brick as depicted in the examples.
- 2
  Upload the LEGO Mindstorms NXT software CD that includes predesigned programs that can be used in the NXT brick of the scorpion. The software includes a Robot Educator, most frequently used commands, Programming Palette, configuration panel and information on a website to go to for accessing downloads to use with the kit, in addition to more useful hints and tips.
- 3
  Interact with the robot educator on the NXT software. This tutorial will guide the user through the basics of how to program the scorpion to learn and obey commands.
- 4
  Program a series of commands on one of the three Palettes: Common, Complete and Custom. Each one requires varying degrees of skill and knowledge of the NXT software and enables the user to control the behaviors of the scorpion.
- 5
  Connect the NXT brick to a PC or Mac that is running the NXT software to download the desired commands to the brick. The NXT is also enabled with Bluetooth technology and can receive programming via a Bluetooth device. Make sure to switch the NXT to recognize the device.

Educational Toys