English Table of Contents

 

 

009 Chapter 1: Introduction - The basics of robots

010 ---- 1 : What are robots?
011 ---- 2 : That is the MINDSTORMS NXT!
012 ---- 3 : The NXT - The brain with a power supply
013 ---- 4 : The servo motors - Turning and stopping precisely
014 ---- 5 : Four kinds of sensors
016 ---- 6 : Gears, pulleys and shafts - Power transmission
018 ---- 7 : Connectors and bushes
019 ---- 8 : Other parts
021 ---- 9 : The NXT software - Controlling your robot's movements

023 Chapter 2: Sensor - Using sensors

024 ---- 1 : Detecting a light touch
025 ---- 2 : Detecting a touch from the front and the back
026 ---- 3 : The ON/OFF switch using the touch sensor
027 ---- 4 : The rotary switch using the touch sensor
028 ---- 5 : The ON/OFF switch using a part like a key
029 ---- 6 : Detecting light by opening and closing a cover
030 ---- 7 : Detecting something which is rolling
032 ---- 8 : Controlling the motor power by changing an interval of clapping
034 ---- 9 : Switching tasks by the numbers of claps
036 ---- 10 : Measuring distance using the servo motor
038 ---- 11 : Controlling the motor power with a lever
040 ---- 12 : Using the NXT button as a touch sensor
042 ---- 13 : The theremin

043 Chapter 3: Motor - Using motors

044 ---- 1 : The simple car
046 ---- 2 : Changing speed and power with a gear
048 ---- 3 : Powering up with worm gears
050 ---- 4 : The coming and going movement
052 ---- 5 : The piston movement
054 ---- 6 : Moving and Stopping - Intermittence movement
056 ---- 7 : Transmitting power to the free angle of the axis
058 ---- 8 : Transmitting power with rubber bands
059 ---- 9 : Changing the direction of the axis by using rubber bands
060 ---- 10 : Changing the center of a gear
062 ---- 11 : Rotating something attached to the upper part of the machine
063 ---- 12 : Rotating something attached to the front of the machine
064 ---- 13 : Going straight, and curving backward
066 ---- 14 : The car with a suspension
068 ---- 15 : The differential gears
070 ---- 16 : The car with a steering
073 ---- 17 : The 4WD car
074 ---- 18 : The car which turns its arms
075 ---- 19 : The car which runs using its forelegs
077 ---- 20 : The simple biped walker
079 ---- 21 : The four-leg walking machine
080 ---- 22 : The six-leg walking machine
082 ---- 23 : Moving by vibration
084 ---- 24 : Shooting balls
086 ---- 25 : The low/high transmission
087 ---- 26 : Rotating four axis
090 ---- 27 : Switching tasks by changing the rotatory directions of the motor

095 Chapter 4: Motor & Sensor - Using motors and sensors

096 ---- 1 : The car which stops at an edge of a table
098 ---- 2 : Controlling the motor power by the sound volume
100 ---- 3 : The car keeping a distance from the forward obstacle
102 ---- 4 : The car which moves like an inchworm
104 ---- 5 : The simple line tracer
106 ---- 6 : Changing gears by claps
109 ---- 7 : The winch
112 ---- 8 : The automatic door
114 ---- 9 : Comparing weights by the servo motor
117 ---- 10 : The fan
120 ---- 11 : The flower blooms by light
124 ---- 12 : The robot which changes an expression

Point

012 ---- Recommendation of the rechargeable batteries
017 ---- Other gears
020 ---- Other technical parts
020 ---- Compatibility with other LEGO bricks
025 ---- Pliers with rubber
044 ---- Other tires
051 ---- Using windup springs
054 ---- Using rubber bands
057 ---- The universal joint
065 ---- Mechanical method or software method?
067 ---- Using springs
069 ---- The differential gears

Column

047 ---- The gear ratio
071 ---- Let's look for unique mechanisms in the town
094 ---- A folding chair and a bicycle stand
111 ---- The pullback car

What this book says

( This is the translation of the preface which is written in page 2 and page 3 of this book.)

You can build all of works.

If there is even one set of the MINDSTORMS NXT, you can build all of works appearing in this book. You do not need to give up building works with lack of parts. In addition, you do not need to struggle with getting parts.
Please start to build works in relief.

This book supports your creativity.

The MINDSTORMS NXT is not a plastic model. I don't want you to be satisfied with just building works which appear in manuals and CD-ROMs.If the original works only for you can be created, this is the MINDSTORMS NXT, and this is the LEGO bricks. However, some basic knowledge, experience and knacks are necessary to create the original works.

This book is for you to get "something" related to the basic knowledge, experience and knacks.

In this book, there is a plenty of "ideas" about the basic, small and simple mechanism. If you put together these ideas or remodel works in this book, you can easily build your own works. Please make this book the starting point, and enjoy building works with the MINDSTORMS NXT.

All of works in this book is not perfect.

All of works in this book is not yet finished. However, it does not mean that "Mechanism does not work" or "Sensors do not work".The works in this book were built as simple as possible, as you can understand their mechanism and movement well. They are not decorated to look better. Also they are not reinforced for bearing movement of long time either. Therefore please add seasoning of your style to your works when using my works in this book.

This book is slightly unkind.

In manuals attached to the MINDSTORMS NXT and the LEGO series, each procedure of building is explained one by one. This book is not kind like those. There are a plenty of pictures of works looking from various angles. At first, you may use your head to choose and connect parts. But according as your experience and knowledge increase, your imagination will expand. I would like to ask for patience to you a little.

Enjoying with LEGO bricks is real.

The modern society is filled with virtual things. I am anxious about children growing up without knowing reality. The MINDSTORMS NXT and the LEGO bricks are real. Children hear the sound of motors and gears. Sometimes they have a pain because their fingers are caught in gears. It is real, and it is a valuable experience. The MINDSTORMS NXT is an expensive toy. However, I think that it is the intellectual education toy which is never wasted even if you buy it for children. Of course, I recommend it to the adults who have a heart of a child as well.