How does the Lego Mindstorm NXT Robot work?
They call the NXT a “LEGO brick”. Basically it is a giant LEGO piece with computer chips inside and a small LCD screen, with USB port for connecting to your computer to download programs, and other ports for connecting its sensors and servo arms. The NXT “sees” in shade of grey, allowing it to distinguish between light and dark and measure the light intensity of various objects and surfaces. The ultrasonic sensor lets the NXT measure distances and see objects (as far as 255 centimeters, or about 10 feet), almost like a bat in the way it uses sound waves. The sound sensor detects decibels and adjusted decibels, up to about 90dB. It is not very precise, but could be used to pickup clapping sounds or voice sounds (though not distinguish what is being said, just the loudness). The Lego Mindstorm NXT touch sensor is pretty simplistic, measuring when it is pressed (whether something touches it or it brushes up against something) or released. The NXT brain has a 32-bit ARM microcontroller, 25
