Robotics - SD71

ROBOTICS

SD#71 (Comox Valley, BC)

SOFTWARE

2010-2011

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

LEGO "Robot Educator" demo - from LEGO
LEGO Mindstorms demo - from National Instruments (they created the software)
NXT Software updates - from LEGO

NXT quick guides to programming - from LEGO Engineering
20 Mindstorm programming examples - from Lego Engineering
NXT Building tips - PDF from LEGO Engineering
15 minute building projects - from LEGO Engineering
LEGO Mindstorms - basic building instructions - from active-robots.com
60 plus projects with building instructions and programming guides - from nxtprograms.com
NXT tutorials - from Oregon Robotics

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.

ROBOTC for LEGO - preview from Carnegie Mellon University
Purchase ROBOTC NXT single license or VEX single license - from Carnegie Mellon University
Examples of ROBOT C projects: both LEGO and VEX - from robotc.net

Introduction to Lab View - from National Instruments
Using Lab View: software a step beyond the Mindstorm program - from National Instruments
From LEGO to Lab View: requires LabView software

Microsoft C# 2010: download this free program first - from Microsoft
Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio: with links for download - from Microsoft
Robotics tutorials - from Microsoft

LDraw - CAD programming for LEGO fans
Reviews of "Best Free Lego Building Software" - from Gizmo's Freeware
LeJOS - Java for NXT

VEX PROGRAMMING

Programming software - programming types (autonomous to controlled)
Intro to ROBOTC - from robotc.net
EasyC Introduction - San Jose State University
ROBOTC - for VEX and NXT
Preview of ROBOTC - for NXT
Purchase ROBOTC NXT single license or VEX single license - from Carnegie Mellon University
Examples of ROBOT C projects: both LEGO and VEX - from robotc.net

VEX for the Technically Challenged: building and programming intro (by Yolande Petersen and Justin Petersen)

Microsoft C# 2010: download this free program first - from Microsoft
Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio: with links for download - from Microsoft
- Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio - from Wikipedia
Robotics tutorials - from Microsoft