Robert Full shared some ideas on TED way back in February 2005.  He shows some great research that was done in how certain critters can move so fast over such unstable mediums, such as screen, gravel, or vertically up a wall.

It’s definitely worth watching… maybe someone will create a running robot with some LEGO parts and some ideas from this video?  If you do, send me a link!  :)

Found via Brothers Brick.

Brick Bender has put together a short version of some writing styles.  Here is a couple quotes, and then the link to the full article:

-LEGO is always singular and should be used as a modifier/adjective; ie. LEGO bricks, LEGO elements, or LEGO parts.

-They are not blocks, they are bricks.

Brick Bender – An unofficial style guide

Related posts:

1. Happy 4th of July – LEGO Style!

Why?  Because they had to create quality tutorials in order to qualify for the prizes.  And you and I get to read and use those tutorials.

You can see the projects and winners here on the Tutorial Contest Winners Announced! page.

Here is a list of the tutorials produced by the Top 3 winners:

• So You Want To Build A Robot?
• An Introduction to Interrupts
• Choosing Sensors for Your Robot
• Materials for your Robot
• Introduction to Encoders
• Power Supply Basics
• XBEE Basics
• AVR Basics
• An Introduction to Mapping and Localization
• Controlling AX-12 Servos
• Following a Wall
• Obstacle Avoidance in the Real World
• Where Am I? Place Recognition Using Omni-directional Images and Color Histograms
• Cheap Battery Monitor Using Resistive Voltage Divider
• Prototyping a PCB with Desoldering Braid
• Get position feedback from a standard hobby servo
• Project documentation for the hobbyist

Related posts:

1. An excellent robotics website – Society of Robots
2. RobotC – Tutorials and Drivers
3. Need to ScreenCast? Try Jing!

Anyone can ask a question, and they will try to answer them.  Usually there are links to the source for the answer (or answers).

One of the recent questions, was this:  Is it safe to use LEGO in an Aquarium?

The answer, not surprisingly, is yes.  I mean, after all… if a child can put these in their mouth (EWWW), then they are safe for the aquarium.

I wouldn’t go putting my electronics pieces in an aquarium.  But I think you already knew that.  :)

Here are the direct links (in PDF format) for the instructions and booklet. NOTE: These PDF files are several MB each.

• LEGO Set: 8258 – Crane Truck
  Book 1/4
  Book 2/4
  Book 3/4
  Book 4/4
  PF Leaflet

• LEGO Set: 8265 – Front Loader
• (also includes instructions to use the PF Motor Kit elements in 8293: Battery Box, M-motor, Pole Reverser).
  Book 1/3
  Book 2/3
  Book 3/3

• LEGO Set: 8263 – Snow Groomer
  Book 1/2 (Main Model)
  Book 2/2 (B-Model)
  

While the Costumer Service pages have included the 8293 B-model instructions, these were already available from the TECHNIC Products website, you can find them on the TechnicBricks website.

Related posts:

1. More Building Instructions
2. Classic Space – Cosmic Adventurer – Full Building Instructions
3. Building Tips – Things NOT to do!

A neat way to make diagonal stripes for one of your MOCs.  SNOT building often takes some thinking outside the box… this method is pretty easy to replicate, and works well.

It looks like a company in Hong Kong has purchased the IP rights to the PLEO. Jetta Company was the original manufacturer of the PLEO.  They plan on continuing the product, and fix some of the issues that the original PLEO had.

You can read more on the Jetta Company page about PLEO.

Here is their official press release:

Jetta Company Limited acquires Ugobe out of receivership

Hong Kong – Jetta Company Limited acquired the assets of Ugobe and will be re-launching "PLEO" in the near future. Established in 1977, Jetta has focused on manufacturing an extended range of toy, consumer electronics, juvenile, robotic and gift products and is one of the most recognized engineering and OEM companies within the toy industry. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Jetta currently operates five production campuses in Guangdong Province which combined has over 4.5 million square feet of production floor space. At the forefront of the fast-paced toy and robotics industries, Jetta continues to strive for "excellence" and is pleased to add "Ugobe" to its operations.

Related posts:

1. Pleo Faces Extinction

Do you want to have a seat in our closed web forum, the MINDSTORMS Community Partners, where we involve you in our development and tests of new ideas, concepts, prototypes, products and discuss various issues around our SW, HW, FW and wetware…?

Then send an application via email with a description of yourself, your involvement with LEGO MINDSTORMS, your special areas of interest, and a paragraph on why you are eligible to be an MCP member!

Send it to mindstormsnxt@lego.com with the header ‘MCP 4 application’.

Applications will be received from now and until 31 July 1200 GMT. All email applications received after this date will be rejected.

Applicants must be 18 years old to apply.

The first is for a great RobotC tutorial written by professor Albert Schueller from Whitmore College.  You can read Xander’s post here, or download the RobotC Tutorial PDF directly.

Xander also writes drivers for RobotC.  He’s recently updated his project page, to show the new drivers and what they cover.  You can see the RobotC Drivers here.

And, if you are interested in using RobotC, you can purchase a license, or read more on the official RobotC website.  They do have a 30 day trial.

Related posts:

1. Excellent Robotics Tutorials – And a Trossen Winner