LEGO MINDSTORMS: Vision Command

$99, Smart Toy, Win

Teaches: programming, logical thinking

CTR Review

This LEGO MINDSTORMS accessory set consists of 141 LEGO pieces and a special digital camera with an extra long USB cord. This makes it possible for your computer to react to its environment based on what it "sees" through the camera. It could, for example, sound an alarm when someone walks past the robot, or follow the path of a ball. When combined with the Robotics Invention System, it can also serve as the eyes and brain of your own robot. Although somewhat complex, the experience offers a good opportunity to learn basic programming.