NI and LEGO teach future robotics engineers

In 1997, Chris Rogers, a user of LabVIEW graphical programming software from National Instruments of Austin, TX (www.ni.com), was working on a project for NASA through which students were learning to build and program planetary rovers. Rogers thought the concept of programming with LabView was very translatable to children, since it is a graphical, drag-anddrop environment. Chris brought National Instruments (NI) into collaboration with LEGO to create the Mindstorms for Schools system.

The system uses a combination of LEGO microcomputer "bricks," traditional LEGO building pieces, and a modified version of LabVIEW called RoboLab, to introduce engineering concepts to students. By building LEGO-- based robotic systems, students learn the same concepts that engineers face in the real world, including basic computer programming and problem-solving skills.

With Robol_ab, robotic construction is facilitated using LEGO Dacta components and pieces to construct a robotic model built around the programmable LEGO RCX (Robotics Command System) microcomputer brick. RoboLab software uses familiar drag-and-drop techniques that help students think logically as they program a series of events or commands for the controller to perform. After completing the program, it is sent to the brick, which stores it to run when activated.

NI engineers partner with teachers on a voluntary basis to teach RoboLab to students to bring engineering and science principles to Texas classrooms. "It's good for the teachers to be able to relate to the students that what they're doing in the classroom is what the real engineers are doing in the real world," said Michael Zeller, academic relations manager for NI. "It's amazing to see how complex the kids can get with their robots in such a short amount of time."