The Lego-bots are coming

Lego unveiled the newest version of its Mindstorms product at the Consumer Electronics Show this week: a programmable robotics kit that allows consumers to build fully functional robots out of the classic plastic toy.

The company introduced the first version of Mindstorms in 1998 and has since garnered a passionate fan base. News of the update began to spread among aficionados earlier this week, after Wired ran an article talking about the design process behind the new robots.

According to the article, Lego worked with fans to create the new version, paying beta testers in Lego kits and getting their input on design an programming.

"Relying on the (Mindstorms User Panel) is a gamble that Lego hopes will lead not only to a better product but also to a tighter, more trusting bond between corporation and customer," the magazine wrote.

Blog community response:

"Yesterday I wrote 'There are rumblings that Lego has been phasing out Lego Mindstorms despite the system's general awesomeness.' I was wrong. Lego is investing in Mindstorms with a vengeance. Awesomeness is here to stay."
--DavidBau

"But what's really cool about the new Mindstorms is that they're a collaboration between Lego's engineers and some of the fans who run the very active Lego community projects built around open-source versions of its software. Lego used one of the fan-designed sensors and asked other fans to help design some of the software used to program the Mindstorms. Someday business schools will use this as a case study in applying Web 2.0 peer-production techniques to traditional product innovation."
--The Long Tail

"Once programmed, the robot 'then takes on a life of its own, fully autonomous from the computer.' Hmm that reminds us, it's probably no coincidence that Lego made their NXT mascot above resemble Johnny 5 who, you will recall developed consciouness just long enough to feel the fear of being cast opposite Ally Sheedy. So think twice about programming in self-awareness, mkay?"
--Engadget