ROBOLAB and NXT
LEGO ROBOLAB
ROBOLAB is a programming language developed by a collaboration between NI, Tufts Center for Engineering Outreach (CEEO), and LEGO. It has been popular for LEGO programming for many years. The new 2.9 version supports the use of our Vernier NXT Adapter.
Based on LabVIEW™, from National Instruments, Texas USA, the ROBOLAB Software uses an icon-based, diagram building environment to write programs that control the RCX. ROBOLAB's customized user interface is designed for student users ages 8 and up.
ROBOLAB has progressive programming phases that allow the programming level to match the student's knowledge and skills.
How to Get Started with ROBOLAB
ROBOLAB 2.5 can be purchased from LEGO Education.
The Vernier RobobookIf you are just starting using Vernier sensors with ROBOLAB, we strongly encourage you to start with the Vernier Robobook. The Vernier Robobook will install the proper calibration information for the Vernier sensors and let you test your sensor. It also has sample programs for using Vernier sensors that you can try out and examine.
One of the first steps in a ROBOLAB program using a Vernier sensor should be to initialize the sensor. It is referred to as "zeroing" in ROBOLAB. Use the Zero Vernier Sensor block. This block allows you to specify which Vernier sensor is being used.
Once you have used the Zero Vernier Sensor block, you do not need to set the sensor type on later uses of Vernier blocks. The sensor will be the one you specified in the Zero Vernier Sensor block.
Use the Vernier Container to read the value from the sensor. When you do this a regular Red, Blue, or Yellow container will be filled with the integer value of the Vernier sensor reading. At the same time, a new variable (called vernier1) will be defined and will get filled with the floating point value of the sensor.
The information in the previous paragraph assumed the sensor was plugged into Input 1 on the NXT. If you use Inputs 2, 3 or 4, the variable with the floating point value is named, vernier2, vernier3, or vernier4.
For some sensors it is useful to have the decimal part of the reading. When this is the case, use the vernier1 (or vernier2 or vernier3 or vernier4) variable.
There is one known bug - if you do a fork with vernier1 and a constant you will get an error - the workaround is easy - do a comparison of vernier1 and a container (or named variable). This will be fixed in future releases.
NXT ROBOLAB Programming Resources
The Center for Engineering Education Outreach (CEEO) at Tufts University is the leader in promoting the use of LEGO robotics in engineering education. Their web site has great sample programs and Robobooks, which are tutorials on how to use ROBOLAB and Vernier sensors. The Vernier Robobook provides a great way to test out sensors and to get familiar with how to use them.
ROBOLAB Robobooks (requires ROBOLAB) Additional Resources
13979 SW Millikan Way
Beaverton, OR 97005-2886