Synopsis
Shows the reader how to build a variety of increasingly sophisticated computer controlled robots using the Lego Mindstorms Robotic Invention System (RIS). Initially, this book covers fundamental building techniques and mechanics needed to construct strong and efficient robots using the various 'click-together' components supplied in the basic RIS kit. Then explains in simple terms how the 'brain' of the robot may be programmed on screen using a PC and 'zapped' to the robot over an infra red link. Also, shows how a more sophisticated Windows programming language such as Visual BASIC may be used to control the robots. Includes numerous step-by-step photographs

Great companion for Lego Mindstorms Robotics invention set., 16 October, 2000
Reviewer: A reader from Girvan, Ayrshire, Scotland
This Book is a great companion for anyone who has the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System 1.5 There are some really nice projects which are all explained with diagrams and photographs. The book gives a number of robotic projects using the RIS set and includes a nice and simple robotic hand. For the more advanced user there is information on how to program the RCX using Microsofts Visualbasic as an alternative. Highly recommended

Dave Baum's Definitive Guide to Lego Mindstorms
Dave Baum

Dismissed by many as a toy, Lego's Mindstorms sets are in fact incredibly powerful robotics construction kits capable of producing machines as complex or as simple as the user wishes. While it's possible to build with the manufacturer's (rather good) instructions straight from the box, to get the very best from these excellent toys it's essential to get hold of a good book on the subject--like Dave Baum's Definitive Guide to LEGO Mindstorms, for example.
In 300 pages, Baum covers an enormous amount of territory, starting with Lego's own relatively simple programming system before moving on to the more complex, but infinitely more useful, NQC--a programming system written by the author specifically for Mindstorms. The text is concise yet manages to cover a lot of ground. The description of NQC and command reference alone makes this book worth its weight in gold. There's a great chapter on construction techniques and many step-by-step 3D drawings of how to build several core robot types. Handy appendices include short reviews of all the Mindstorms kits and suggestions for Lego extras which will help create the most flexible system possible.
Used in conjunction with the kits themselves, this is both an invaluable learning aid for the young and a great companion for those of us who need to invent imaginary children to justify playing with Lego to a partner. --Chris Russell
Synopsis
The LEGO (R) MINDSTORMS (TM) Robotics Invention System is clearly a new kind of toy. Introduced in the fall of 1998, LEGO (R) MINDSTORMS (TM) quickly became LEGOs' best-selling kit of all time. But the market data proved to be the real surprise. From its surveys LEGO (R) found that the median purchasing age for the Mindstorms kit is 23. LEGOs (R) MINDSTORMS (TM) kit enables anyone to build a programmable robot with an assortment of LEGO (R) pieces that snap, slide and clink into place.

A very good book... if you can follow it., 5 October, 2000
Reviewer: Fraser Dallachy (future.fighter@mindless.com) from U.K.
Dave Baum is obviously very experienced in the fields of mechanical engineering and computer programming, and, as is my experience with most such people, does not make a very good teacher. Nevertheless, he gives it a go - but he assumes too much knowledge of computing languages and mechanics from his readers (do you know what bitwiseAND and bitwiseOR mean? Or what a "platform" is in computing?)
Aside from this, the book is fascinating, and definitely worth buying if you are interested in programming your RCX in a language other than RCX code - some tuition is better than none at all.
Tha author advises reading through this book as a starting point for Mindstorms building, however, I would say familiarise yourself with the set first, then go on to the book

Good book to get you going beyond the LEGO challenges, 14 February, 2000
Reviewer: (nick.leteney@feenix.co.uk) from Cheshire, UK
The book covers both the mechanical building of some robots and the programming. There are a good number of robots to work through with some good ideas to to help you improve your building designs. The book covers the LEGO brick programming, but the included CD also contains NQC, which although a little technical, is far more powerfull. The book does not cover other programming tools, which is OK as its better to have one covered in depth than skim over a larger number. Definitely worth buying. The only complaint (which is why I don't think it is worth the 5 stars) is that almost half the robots need additional pieces, such as a rotation sensor, extra motor or steering rack

Synopsis
Continues on from where BP901 INTRODUCING ROBOTICS WITH LEGO MINDSTORMS stops, covering more complex and sophisticated robots and more advanced programming with VisualBASIC, VBA and Spirit.OCX. Includes many designs for practical and innovative robots that demonstrate the use of sensors.

Creative Projects with LEGO Mindstorms
Benjamin Erwin, Seymour Papert

Book Description
LEGO Mindstorms robotics, made easy -- and powerful! Real projects, code, tools, and insight!
16 sophisticated projects, all with detailed, step-by-step instructions -- plus full-color images and movies on the accompanying CD-ROM!
Extensive code examples in RCX, NQC, ROBOLAB, and Visual Basic -- plus ROBOLAB demo software and the latest version of NQC.
More than projects- insiders insight into the critical thinking needed to make robotics work. LEGO(r) Mindstorms™TM has already turned hundreds of thousands of people into active robotics hobbyists. Now, theres a complete, serious guide to building LEGO Mindstorms robots. LEGO Mindstorms insider Benjamin Erwin presents 16 highly-creative, start-to-finish projects -- all explained step-by-step in the book, and presented in full color on the accompanying CD-ROM, with accompanying movies. This is far more than a "cookbook"- Erwin shares unparalleled insight into the critical thinking and programming skills behind successful robotic building, stressing the connections between LEGO engineering and real-world engineering. He focuses on practical construction and programming techniques, drawing upon his extensive experience to help robot-builders avoid the pitfalls that often frustrate them. Every chapter starts with "Inspirations" that help readers understand where the ideas for the robot came from, and ends with "Further Work" suggestions for improvements or modifications. From "Tickle Me LEGO" to "Flashlight Follower," "Animal Feeder" to "Bubble Machine," each project is supplemented with even more detailed, full-color instructions, movies, and other resources on CD-ROM -- including code built with RCX, NQC, ROBOLAB, and Visual Basic.
Benjamin Erwin helped develop the innovative LEGO Mindstorms ROBOLAB educational software while at Tufts Universitys Center for Engineering Educational Outreach. He has extensive first-hand experience using LEGO Mindstorms robots to teach critical thinking to middle-school kids. He now works with ATG in Cambridge, MA.
Synopsis
This title contains 16 projects with step-by-step instructions, plus colour images and movies on the accompanying CD-ROM. Also included are code examples in RCX, NQC, ROBOLAB and Visual Basic plus ROBOLAB demo software.

Building and Programming Lego Mindstorms with Java
Farrai

Synopsis
Up until very recently, the only languages available to program Lego Mindstorms were NQC, pbForth, and legOS. This is be the first book detailing how to program Lego Mindstorms using the newly released Java Virtual Machine for Lego Mindstorm programming. Programming Lego Mindstorms provides readers with all of the information they need to construct and program Lego Mindstorm Robots.

Book Description
The kit includes:
Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms (1-928994-67-9) This best seller provides readers with a fundamental understanding of the geometry, electronics, engineering, and programming required to build your own robots. Mario and Giuli Ferrari are world-renowned experts in the field of Lego Mindstorms robotics, and in this book they share their unrivaled knowledge and expertise of robotics and provide a series of chapters detailing how to design and build the most exotic robots. Mario and Giulio also give detailed explanations of how to integrate Lego Mindstorms kits with other Lego programmable bricks such as Scout and Cybermaster, as well as with non-robotic Lego Technic models.
Programming LEGO Mindstorms with Java (1-928994-55-5) This book teaches readers how to program their robotic creations and bring them to life! Until recently, the only languages available to program Lego Mindstorms were NQC, pbForth, and legOS. This is one of the first books detailing how to program Lego Mindstorms using the newly released Java Virtual Machine for Lego Mindstorm programming.
Synopsis
This set should provide the reader with all of the ideas and techniques necessary to build robots using Lego Mindstorm kits as well as providing a fundamental understanding of the geometry, electronics, engineering, and programming required. It includes all the basic information in "Building Robots with Lego Mindstorms" and more advanced programming in Java with "Programming Lego Mindstorms with Java". Initially, the only languages available to programme Lego Mindsorms were NQC, pbForth.

Lego Mindstorms Idea Book
Joe Nagata

Synopsis
Provides step-by-step instructions for building ten different robots using a Lego collection and the Mindstorms kits, including a rolling car, centipede, dinosaur, climbing robot, train and beetle. The hobby creations are illustrated in 250 CAD drawings. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

LEGO Mindstorm Masterpieces: Building and Programming Advanced Robots
Ferrari Et Al

Book Description
In LEGO Mindstorm Masterpieces, some of the world's leading LEGO Mindstorms inventors share their knowledge and development secrets. The unique style of this book will allow it to cover an incredibly broad range of topics in unparalleled detail. Chapters within the book will include detailed discussions of the mechanics that drive the robot - and also provide step-by-step construction diagrams for each of the robots. This is perfect book for LEGO hobbyists looking to take their skills to the next level whether they build world-class competitive robots or just like to mess around for the fun of it.
About the Author
Called the "DaVincis of LEGOS," Mario and Giulio Ferrari are world-renowned experts in the field of LEGO MINDSTORMS robotics.
Mario Ferrari received his first LEGO bricks in 1964, when he was 4, and they remained his favorite toy for many years-until he thought he was too old to play with them. Then in 1998 the revolutionary LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System reignited his childhood passion, leading him to conclude that LEGO is the closest thing to the perfect toy.