LEGO Education Announces WeDo robotics coming in January 2009
Designed for ages 7-11+, WeDo robotics engages children in hands-on technology experiments that focus on science, math, social studies, and language concepts.
Developed as an intro to robotics, WeDOo Robotics fits well into the LEGO MINDSTORMS robotic line. WeDo, which remains connected to the computer at all times, helps create a clear link between the virtual world (computers and programming) and the physical world (represented by LEGO models).
Through the use of icon-based programming software, students quickly and easily learn how to write and download porgrams to their LEGO creations. The basics of programming, engineering, and constructing are all part of the process.
My understanding is that it's using similar software to the NXT but this stays tethered to the computer so is probably deriving it's power from the computer. There appears to be no NXT brick. So you're controlling motors and sensors (tilt sensor, motion sensor) through the computer. I think this is supposed to be a lower cost option for schools and families compared to the NXT. I see at the website it's priced at $129.95. If I didn't already have NXT kits, I'd get this for DS5! The ages 7-11+ wouldn't apply to kids at this board. My DS4 could build and program the NXT at 4yrs old.
LEGO Education is supposed to be adjusting it's prices in January so if you want something from LEGO education, I'd order in December as it's likely that prices are going up rather than down.
Here's the link.
http://www.legoeducation.com/store/...by=9&ID=1573&c=1&t=0&l=0
