With this book, readers will learn how to program LEGO Mindstorms robots with the NXT-G graphical programming language. This second edition will not only help those new to the NXT robotics kit, but will also update and advance the knowledge of those familiar with the 1.0 kit. The book provides several exercises with complete solutions to obtain and test programming skills, and detailed instructions for building a test robot.

Chapter 1 presents basic robotics and programming concepts, while chapter 2 describes the basic structure of a program as a collection of NXT-G blocks. Chapter 3 demonstrates a simple version of a “Hello World” program for a robot called Spot, used as a testbed. Next, chapters 4 to 13 describe the essential issues of basic configuration blocks, such as how to control robot motors, how to record robot movements to a file that can later be played back, how to program the robot to issue-specific sounds, how to use data hubs and wires, how to program logic conditions (true/false), how to configure sensors in order to monitor external conditions and make decisions, how to program the various waiting and loop blocks, and how to program the robot with the ability to make choices and select from multiple possible actions in order to perform more complicated actions. Chapters 14 to 26 provide details of more advanced configuration blocks, such as those used to: generate random numbers in a range; compare and test whether values are within a range; compare two logic data type inputs and output a true/false data type response; give the robot the ability to combine text into sentences and letters into words; turn the robot into a calculator; store data in a text file that is kept in the NXT brick’s memory; configure sound and light sensors; configure a motor block; and communicate and share information with other NXT robots via a Bluetooth connection.

Appendix A presents basic mathematics useful for understanding NXT programming and operation. Appendix B provides instructions for building Spot, a very simple robot design. Appendix C describes an image editor, a tool that allows one to create small images that can be displayed on an LCD screen.

This book will be of interest to any LEGO robotics builders who intend to advance their knowledge using the NXT-G graphical programming language. In general, the book is very practical, with well-illustrated descriptions.