This page contains links to the programming languages linked to the LEGO and VEX robots presently used in School District 71. It also has links to other software and languages that you might find useful as you build a base of knowledge and skills.
As always, be careful with any download. Most contain executable files which can be used to spawn viruses and worms. Use the main site for program (the VEX site, for example, say: http://www.vexrobotics.com). If your link address doesn't seem clear...get some advice about safety. Some sites like CNET (which checks for malicious attachments every day) may be worth checking out.
INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMMING 
Many of our elementary schools have LEGO Robot Clubs (from there students move up to VEX Robots in Secondary Schools). The LEGO Mindstorm uses software designed by National Instruments. The programming using this software is "drag and drop". This software comes with the LEGO kits. This kind of software allows users to quickly learn the basics of programming. From this base students can move on to the ROBOTC software typically used with VEX Robots. The information on this page is built around that view. Additional resources on programming can be found below the LEGO and VEX sections.
LEGO PROGRAMMING 
After mastering the Mindstorms software (created by National Instruments) you might choose ROBOTC for LEGO. This uses a version of the C programming software that has been adapted for Mindstorm processors. Or you might explore either LabView - another drag and drop approach to programming. Microsoft, is making their Robotics Developer Studio available for free. You can use this to create a virtual world and then run both LEGO and VEX robots within your world and in a real world model.
VEX PROGRAMMING 
OTHER LINKS 
Feel free to send us your suggestions for software.
Stewart Savard (eLibrarian) and Randy Grey (Career Coordinator) |