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NXTLOG News

05 MAY 2008
Earth Day Building Challenge Winners!

Many NXTLOGgers took up the global challenge of creating a MINDSTORMS NXT robot that could be used to help maintain a healthy, sustainable environment. There were many innovative entries that can be used to help save energy and the earth, but we can only acknoledge a few winners. Please visit, comment, and rate all the robots entered this competition by entering the tag "nxt200804"

Here are the winners:

CHAMPION'S AWARD
TP-Bot 2008
Created by: Dino_Martino

The TP-Bot 2008 helps the earth by helping people to use less paper... toilet paper! The TP-Bot 2008 is compatible for use with five different people. It has a scanner (where users present an accesspass and 4 digit secret code), a TP dispensing system, and the robot can even tell you how much toilet paper you have left. Dino_Martino provides a creative concept and a well detailed NXTLOG (we would love to see some video). Congrats on winning the Champion's Award! (This is Dino_Martino's 5th project on NXTLOG.)

ROBOT DESIGN AWARD
The Tree Doctor
Created by: Mister.Tux

The Tree Doctor is a true Earth Day robot designed to save a precious natural resource. The robot was designed to inspect trees to see if they have the pine beetle. Within 2 days, a few handfuls of these beetles can infest and kill an entire tree. The Tree Doctor roves around a tree and scans its hardness with an ultrasonic sensor. Mister.Tux found that trees infected with the pine beetle reflect back quite a bit of sound. For an innovative concept and robot design, Mister.Tux wins the Robot Design Award. (This is Mister.Tux's 8th NXTLOG project, and 2nd NXTLOG Challenge award!) P.S. LEGO MINDSTORMS is not intended for outdoor use - use MINDSTORMS outdoors at your own risk.

ROBOT PERFORMANCE AWARD
Vestas Windmill (turbine) FLL2007 demo
Created by: robotica008

The Vestas Windmill created by robotica008 (actually MDP/MCP Martyn Boogaarts) as a demonstration model during the 2007-08 FLL final in Rijnmond, the Netherlands. The robot behaves like a real wind turbine. By blowing into the front fan, the NXT knows how hard the large windmill should turn. For a true Earth Day robot that replicates an alternative energy solution, the Vestas Windmill is presented with the Robot Performance Award. (This is robotica008's 9th project on NXTLOG.)

CREATIVE USE OF NXTLOG AWARD
Crash Lab(with the florecant fetchbot)
Created by: RrangerRick

RrangerRick with the help of some minifigs has created a robot that helps fetch old lightbulbs safely so that new energy efficient compact florescent lightbulbs can be used. RrangerRick's NXTLOG is very creative with LEGO minifigs narrating the action. We also appreciate the message of this project, that saving energy can start with something as simple as changing a lightbulb. This is RrangerRick's 11th project on NXTLOG. Congrats!

HONORABLE MENTION(S)

Water Saver
Created by: iggy5772

Bottle sorter 3000
Created by: xaviack

Plant Waterer
Created by: mperrin

Hybrid Machine
Created by: NeXTSTORM

Garbot
Created by: spaz487

An Earth Friendly Report
Created by: NatoNX

Generator bot
Created by: arclegoman12

01 MAY 2008
MINDSTORMS NXT NXT Building Challenge!

NXT NXT...? Are you seeing double? Yes! We are presenting a doubly fun building challenge on NXTLOG where you create a robot that uses 2 NXT bricks! We are also giving you double the amount of time to enter this challenge. The 2 NXT's can be onboard the robot or the 2 NXT's can be separate...but we must require that the 2 NXT's communicate with each other. You have until Monday June 30th to enter.

Don't have 2 NXT's? Why not enter the challenge with a friend!

See the MINDSTORMS NXT NXT Building Challenge NXTLOG for more details.

Good luck and play well!

05 APR 2008
NXTLOG Biped Building Challenge Winners!

Lots of NXTLOGgers took up the ultimate challenge of building a MINDSTORMS NXT Biped. Although there were many stunning entries, we can only acknoledge a few. But, you can visit, comment, and now RATE all the robots entered this competition by entering the tag nxt200803

Here are the winners:

CHAMPION'S AWARD
Bipedal Dragon Prototype
Created by: billy259

The Bipedal Dragon Prototype has loose ankles that can bend left or right, tilting the robot as it steps. The Prototype also moves a hinged NXT intelligent brick left and right when it is stepping. The mechanism is a simple hookup to and extension on the legs (similar to the way Alpha Rex has that hookup). It is simple, but effective, and does not strain the motors. Combined with the rubber grippers in its feet, it is able to step forward and walk. Weightshifting is a bit difficult to manage when you want your robot to look a certain way, but in the end The Bipedal Dragon Prototype came out looking pretty good! billy259 provides an incredibly detailed NXTLOG, excellent pictures, and annotated program files (we would love to see some video now). Congrats on winning the Champion's Award! (This is billy259's 8th project on NXTLOG.)

ROBOT DESIGN AWARD
NeXTBIRD (or MODEL 05)
Created by: NeXTSTORM

NeXTBIRD was designed to look, walk, and act like an actual bird (and birds are bipeds). When NeXTBIRD's program is triggered, it moves its tail up and down making some sounds, or it moves its legs back and forth and seems very happy to see you, or NeXTBIRD will move forward and then, after making some noise, backwards. If the lights turn off, NeXTBIRD will start to snore for 20 seconds. Congratulations NeXTSTORM on your excellence in Robot Design. (This is NeXTSTORM's 5th NXTLOG project.)

ROBOT PERFORMANCE AWARD
Little Bigfoot
Created by: Mister.Tux

This is no ordinary biped, according to Mister.Tux, this rare species of NXT is related to Bigfoot, yes, the Bigfoot. The cute, 6 inch tall creature can scuttle at speeds up to 6 feet per minute. It's huge feet, each, at average, 5 inches by 6 1/2 inches will stomp down anything in it's path. You better keep an eye out next time you dare to camp out the woods! It took Mister.Tux three tries before constucting a working biped walking system. Working on the advice of the "tips" part of the MINDSTORMS NXT Biped Competition posting, Mister.Tux analyzed how humans walk. "I saw that when I step forward, I first pick up my heel then swing my foot forward while flattening it out. I then used gears to copy this movement." Mister.Tux's program is simple and effective (it's annotated too). For all your hard work and determination Mister.Tux, your Little Bigfoot project is presented with the Robot Performance Award. (This is Mister.Tux's 5th NXTLOG project.)

CREATIVE USE OF NXTLOG AWARD
The helpi'vefallenandican'tgetup! biped
Created by: jayko543

The H.I.F.A.I.C.G.U., (or "Granny") is a biped that will walk forward until she sees an object. Then a motor in the back flips a beam forward and makes Granny fall over. She will scream and display "help i've fallen and i can't get up! (push button)". When you push the button she "claps" and shows a smiley face on her LCD. Set her upright and you can do it all over again! jayko543's even designed a walker for Granny, but works just fine without her walker (she just looks more like an actual Granny with it). This is jayko543's second Creative Use of NXTLOG award (his first was in the Winter Wonderland Challenge). Congrats!

HONORABLE MENTION(S)

Golfing Biped
Created by: NXTsaur

MD-X2.4
Created by: 222Doc

Ape Biped (TWO LEGED)
Created by: nickguletskii

IAB V2 (Independant Automated Biped)
Created by: Murcielago53

robo walker
Created by: kineticenergy

A Clone War(featuring the AT-JW)
Created by: RrangerRick

biped walker
Created by: teenager101

Realy tiny walker (RTW) V1
Created by: srh1502

2 APR 2008
INTRODUCING NXTLOG 2.0!

NXTLOG 2.0!

Yes, a new and improved NXTLOG! You now can upload video, rate your favorite projects and have a better search experience.
We also updated the rules to help make NXTLOG not only a safe and fun community, but also the go-to place on the web for the best MINDSTORMS NXT projects.

Let the world see your robot in action! Just remember that videoes can be larger than 5Mb and have a runtime longer than 2 minutes.

10 MAR 2008
NXTLOG Camera Bot Building Challenge Winners!

100's of NXTLOGgers entered the Camera Bot Building Challenge. We saw entries ranging from NXT photo booths to automatic panoramic robotic cameras. Visit and comment on all the robots in this competition by entering the tag "nxt200802"

Here are the winners (cue cameras):

CHAMPION'S AWARD
OPTICKS (or MODEL O3)
Created by: NeXTSTORM

OPTICKS is capable of rotating an embedded camera on both a vertical and horizontal axis, making it possible to take detailed panoramic 360 photos, including a sky-view. OPTICKS can be triggered automatically (motion, sound, light) or manually (touch). This robot is equipped with three motors (A, B, C), four sensors (Light , Sound, Touch, and Ultrasonic), a single NXT brick and one digital photo camera. For an innovative concept, design, construction, and programming we award the OPTICKS the Champion's Award. (This is NeXTSTORM's 3rd project on NXTLOG.)

ROBOT DESIGN AWARD
PanoBot
Created by: GuzanPT

PanoBot is a panoramic camera as it can take pictures in 360º in the horizontal plane and about 60º in the vertical plane. The bot has a manual mode and an automatic mode. In manual mode you control the rotation, tilt, and the trigger. In automatic mode (depending on the variables) you can take a panorama picture with your desired horizontal and vertical degrees. GuzanPT beased the design off a robot arm bot found on the internet. Many adjustments were made to construct the automatic trigger. Congrats GuzanPT on your excellence in Robot Design. (This is GuzanPT's 3rd NXTLOG project.)

ROBOT PERFORMANCE AWARD
Photo Laboratory
Created by: Giorgis

This multifunction camera bot can take photos with a digital camera, but it can also be used to snap photos of intruders. What is most ingenious obout this robot is its program. You can select "clap control" (the robot takes photo when you clap your hands) or "timer control" (the robot waits 15 or 20 seconds before it takes the photo). But the best is the alarm mode! It has two selections: light alarm (the robot takes a photo when somebody turns on the light in your room) or the ultrasonic alarm (the robot takes a photo when somebody comes 2 meters close to it). For ingenious programming, The Photo Laboratory is presented with the Robot Performance Award. (This is Giorgis's 12th NXTLOG project.)

CREATIVE USE OF NXTLOG AWARD
PhotoBoothBot
Created by: TB0Y

TB0Y designed a PhotoBoothBot. A cardboard box is used for the booth, and the robot uses the Ultrasonic Sensor to detect when someone enters or leaves the booth. When someone enters, it says "Hello," and after waiting a few seconds it says, "Push button to start." After the touch sensor is pushed, it waits a couple seconds for the person to pose and then says "3-2-1-smile." The button pusher arm comes down and pushes the button on the camera and the picture is taken. A total of 3 pictures are taken then it says "Please exit," and after the person exits, it says "Thank you. Have a nice day." Congrats TB0Y on the Creative Use of NXTLOG award! (TB0Y has 2 projects on NXTLOG.)

HONORABLE MENTION(S)
Here are some more Camera Bots worth exploring...

Nadar 1.0 *Judges Entry*
Created by: brdavis42 (MCP Brian Davis)

DSC-F717 Cambot V1
Created by: Krystman

Nature Camera
Created by: Inglebert45

360/180 VR Panorama Camera
Created by: 2ndclemens

TrafficBot
Created by: Netwreck

PanoraBot
Created by: Exile-NXT

Camerabot Search & Destroy
Created by: NIKOLAS3220

Proffesional Photobot 1
Created by: Rakite

03 MAR 2007
NXTLOG 5000 Winners

We searched through 100's of innovative MINDSTORMS NXT projects to showcase for this tremendous milestone on NXTLOG. And the winner of NXTLOG 5000 is...

First Place
Mars Explorer Mk1 with Lander(PF Inc)
Created by: mezzauk

This is mezzauk's first NXT project, and it's awesome! It is an explorer robot with a PF (Power Function) enabled lander. The explorer begins by ordering the lander to lower both sides then the front so it can exit. A medium PF motor serves as a small radar/communication tower at the back - it rotates while the left, right, and front are deployed. The Mars Explorer Mk1 with Lander(PF Inc) is built with sets 8527, 8273, 9648, 8285, PF motor set and other small parts. We applaud mezzauk's first and winning contribution to NXTLOG. Thanks for your amazing and innovative work!

Second Place
Brick Sorter Crane
Created by: pejensen

Another first project on NXTLOG, this project included everything; great documentation, pictures, a program file, and an LDD file! This 2x2 LEGO bricks sorter can sort bricks in white, gray and black. The Sound Sensor activates the program to sort the LEGO bricks in the holder. All 3 motors are used and only the Ultrasonic sensor is not used. Congratulations pejensen!

Third Place
Stair Climber 2000
Created by: mikeike68

mikeike68's 6th project on NXTLOG, is a stair climber robot that can keep itself up without shifting weight or using a lot of gears. It is a simple design that uses flaps to lift itself up and rear wheels to push. mikeike68 shares a great documentation and LDD file. Thanks for sharing this amazing invention and helping NXTLOG reach new heights!

Honorable Mention
piano bot
Created by: vincentliu

NXSafari
Created by: ®NXT

Ping-Pong Ball Throwing Maniac
Created by: Antonio947

05 FEB 2007
NXTLOG Winter Wonderland Building Challenge Winners!

Almost 100 NXTLOGgers entered the Winter Wonderland Building Challenge and it was not easy to judge! Visit and comment on all the robots in this competition by entering the tag "nxt200801"

Here are the winners (cue snowfalling):

CHAMPION'S AWARD
Dancing Snowman
Created by: Mini_Man176

The Dancing Snowman waves its arms and rocks back and forth while playing Jingle Bells (credit to AvidProgrammer, Mini_Man176 wouldn't have been able to do Jingle bells without his Music box MyBlock). The snowman is made of long white technic beams, and some yellow and grey ones. The arms are moved by a gearing system that stretches across the back of the snowman, with the B motor. The A motor rocks the snowman back and forth. For a creative concept, design, construction, and programming we award the Dacing Snowman the Champion's Award. (This is Mini_Man176 's 4th project on NXTLOG.)

ROBOT DESIGN AWARD
SNoBiz!
Created by: TayTay365

TayTay365 based SNowBiz! on an idea of a snow cat. The skis or blades steer the robot as he races to rescue people and SNowBiz! is geared down so that he'd be able to bring them back. Most elements are separated to allow for hostile terrain. The light sensor pans left and right allowing SNowBiz! to spot people. TayTay365 also added stops so the turning radius isn't to sharp. Congrats TayTay365 on an excellent Robot Design. (This is TayTay365's 2nd NXTLOG project.)

ROBOT PERFORMANCE AWARD
ski lift
Created by: ulquiorra333

ulquiorra333's ski lift robot has an upper and a lower station with a line connecting the two at a very steep angle. The ski lift is powered by 1 motor in the lower station. The motor turns a big yellow wheel (along with a soft tire for extra traction) that moves the line. ulquiorra333 wanted to replicate a real ski lift and for that this robot is presented with the Robot Performance Award. (This is ulquiorra333's 5th NXTLOG project.)

CREATIVE USE OF NXTLOG AWARD
sneezebot ("achoo")
Created by: jayko543

One of the more creative interpretations of the Winter Wonderland challenge, the sneezebot helps you get a tissue when you have a dreaded winter cold ("achoo"). Apart from the innovative idea, the presentation of this project is equally creative. jayko543 uses minifigs and speech bubbles to tell the story of his mother's cold and how sneezebot comes to her aid. This project also includes and LDD file and exemplifies the Creative Use of NXTLOG. Congrats jayko543! (jayko543 has 7 projects on NXTLOG.)

HONORABLE MENTION(S)
Here are some more Winter Wonderland robots worth exploring. Remember that you must follow the rules of the contest and include a .rbt file and document all of your project on NXTLOG (and not just on your personal website). Some (not all) honerable mentions were not considered for awards due to missing information.

SnowCat
Created by: jbrost76 *Judges Entry*

SnowRunner
Created by: billy259

Snowscooter
Created by: Wietsevanderlaan

snowball transport
Created by: roboduderox

Snow Plow
Created by: NXTizzy

Snow Storm
Created by: Marcvs

(snow)ball chucker
Created by: behn185

Santa and Rudolph
Created by: nxtprograms.com

Robot Winter skilift/chair lift
Created by: prabhjot_1992

Plow Bot v.4100
Created by: NXTdude

Snowdog
Created by: th80sa

SkierBot
Created by: P3trus

Cord Lift 2 (LDD!)
Created by: Giorgis

14 JAN 2008
MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo Competition Video!

What does it take to win the MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo Competition?

You watch and decide!

Take a look at the video of the top 3 finalists from the competition battling it out to be the ultimate sumo robot!

See the video here: MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo Competition Video

01 JAN 2008
MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo Competition Winners!

What does it take to run a live NXTLOG Competition?

10 builders
40 hours of judging
30 hours of building
1000’s of LEGO parts
29 robots
5 (ish) days

Over 100 robots from 19 countries and builders of all ages entered the MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo Building Competition. The Robotics Posse (Bryan Bonahoom, John Brost, Brian Davis, Steve Hassenplug, and Jay Kinzie) evaluated each NXTLOG submission to determine which robots would be the finalists to construct and compete in a live Sumo match.

The Robotics Posse were joined by family and friends this holiday season in Steve Hassenplug’s basement (the "LEGOLAND of Lafaytette Indiana") as they built and battled the best sumo bots submitted to NXTLOG.

29 robots were selected to go head to head in a series of sumo matches. The 29 were soon narrowed down to 10 robots that competed in a final round to determine the ultimate MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo robot.

The top 3 performing robots were:

FIRST PLACE
MG_Sumo
Created by: mpego

SECOND PLACE
Wedge Bot
Created by: Aliator531

THIRD PLACE
F-16 Bulldozer
Created by: exploud123

See more info on the MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo Competition here: Special Event
See more info on the competition winners here: Sumo Winners
View and comment on all the robots in this competition by entering the tag "nxtlegosumo"

Download the MINDSTORMS NXT Sumo Competition Wallpaper here: http://mindstorms.lego.com/Download/

How to get a project published (and not rejected) on NXTLOG

There are a LOT of new users to NXTLOG lately and that means more new projects to search through, and more new projects for our moderators to approve.

All projects on NXTLOG are seen by moderators before they are published to make sure that they are (1) safe and appropriate, (2) a quality NXT project.

There are many reasons why a project can be "rejected" and sent back to the creator for "editing."

NXTLOG Moderator NXTLOGster has created a "How To" project with a few tips to keep in mind when creating a NXT project to make sure that your projects are published and not "rejected" 100% of the time.

How to get a Project Published on NXTLOG

How to Post a Comment on NXTLOG

The Commenting feature on NXTLOG has become very popular!

Leaving a comment on someone’s NXTLOG project is like joining in on a conversation. Good “commenters” add to the conversation in an informative and friendly way.

NXTLOGster, a NXTLOG moderator has created a project called "How to Post a Comment on NXTLOG." It is full of simple guidelines to keep in mind BEFORE you comment. There is also updated information on how to comment in the Help section of NXTLOG.

All comments and projects on NXTLOG are reviewed by moderators before they are published to ensure that NXTLOG remains a safe and fun community. So keep the moderator's guidelines in mind to have your work approved each time!

How to get started with NXTLOG

NXTLOG user NXTLOGster added a helpful "how to" project telling how to use this site.

There are tips on :

How to log in
How to share youe project
How to creatively "tag" a project

Check out the project "How to get stared with NXTLOG" here