LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT - Open Source Firmware, Bluetooth and a License To Build.

Yesterday, on the FLOS Caribbean email list, the article 'Lego builds open source robotics toy caught my eye. I have one of the original Lego Mindstorms kits behind me somewhere in a haze of boxes; I've enjoyed them but don't have the time to play with them. Firmware that is open source always gets my attention, anyway, but unfortunately I don't get to play with it much anymore. When I do have time these days, I'm finding something else to do - but I certainly have NOT outgrown them. I view Legos as a model of intellectual usability, something which I think is really important. What's the sense of selling people things that they cannot do more with?

After poking around on it today, I found the press release and was somewhat disappointed that I couldn't find what license is being used. Typically when someone says that they are making something open source, they have a license in mind. According to the comments here, the license still hasn't been decided (as well as a good catch on using 'public domain' and 'open source' interchangeably), but I think that Lego will gravitate toward a more GPL-like license, if not the GPL itself, because a BSD-style license would allow people to sell changes in the firmware. That's speculation. That Lego was thinking about discontinuing Mindstorms because of profitability and turned around and did this - well, I really hope it works out for them. Such things need to continue to be 'available for children' (the excuse of adults!).

But aside from the Open Source license - look at the features on the main computing block:

32-bit ARM7 main microprocessor 256KB flash memory 64KB RAM 60x100 pixel LCD matrix display Can be programmed using a PC or Mac Users create a program with new software, powered by LabVIEW from National Instruments A single USB 2.0 port Bluetooth wireless connectivity, to transfer programs to the NXT wirelessly or offer ways to control robots remotely (possibly by mobile phones and PDAs) Digital Wire Interface, allowing for third-party development of external devices How can a geek NOT drool? The first generation was cool, but this generation... makes the stuff in the boxes behind me obsolete. The Bluetooth connection alone... imagine a child controlling their robot with a mobile phone? And you know, someone at MobileActive might use the robot in some political campaign. And, of course, it can be an educational tool for students.

As usual, Lego seems to be opening a new world for the imagination. The Open Firmware could allow for other devices to be connected as well, so they aren't just opening worlds - they are connecting them, and the world of children and engineers has become less distinct. I want one, but I would never get the time to use it. But then, maybe adults need to make time to experiment and play. The rationalizations continue... I could have a lot of fun with this. [t:Legos]. Woohoo...

I might even do something useful. I'll kick it around... let's see what my inner geek decides.