Introduction to Robotics Using Lego Mindstorms NXT and pbLua

This book is an introduction to robot building and programming using the Lego Mindstorms NXT building kits and the pbLua programming language. Hence, it is an introduction both to programming as well as the elementary physics necessary for robot design and programming. The intended audience is first-year college students with no programming or science background, but with knowledge of algebra.

The book consists of ten laboratory exercises. Starting with following predetermined paths, exercises progress to the use of the touch, light, and ultrasonic sensors for free-form navigation of a mobile. Later exercises involve gearing, building a robot arm, and building a simple walking robot. In parallel with developing proficiency with sensors and motors, the exercises progress from scripts of motor commands to loops, conditionals, variables, and user-defined functions. Graphical instructions for building all of the robots employed in the exercises are included as well.