Signature Q3 2008

Wacky Apps | By Mike Sharsky | Photography by Drew Endicott | Q3 ’08 For those whose memory of LEGO goes no further than that chunky blob you built as a kid and insisted was a spaceship, it may come as a surprise that, since 1998, serious-minded grown-ups have devoted long hours to building robots made from LEGO parts. Steve Hassenplug is a senior software engineer for Landis+Gyr in Lafayette, Ind. Or that’s what he tells people. In reality, he’s a tireless tinkerer with LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, the latest generation of MINDSTORMS that lets hobbyists build a vast variety of movable robots around the electronic NXT controller “brick.” Hassenplug helped developers exchange ideas for the revised product’s new Bluetooth wireless capability. Now, he competes in robot races that rely on GPS coordinates. He’s developing his “Green Monster” competitor to more nimbly navigate course obstacles, using real-time coordinates sent via Bluetooth technology. “What I hope to be able to do is write a program on my phone, connect that to my NXT and send the coordinates that way,” he says. How devoted are these enthusiasts? Hassenplug is discussing how Bluetooth technology lets NXT builders add all sorts of wireless sensors and controllers. He’s about to be asked how much time he spends on NXT each week. Before the question arises, however, Hassenplug reveals all. “I apologize for being out of breath,” says the engineer, whose panting has become audible over the phone. “I was walking from one end of my yard to the other plotting out GPS coordinates for my robot.” The tide of Bluetooth technology, it seems, waits for no one. Visit mindstorms.lego.com for more information. What’s NXT? Mild-mannered software engineer by day, Steve Hassenplug turns into a builder of Bluetooth enabled LEGO robots - including one that cleans floors - by night. OK, during lots of daylight hours, too. So, you’ve created your own novel application of Bluetooth technology or know of someone who has. Share your wacky apps by e-mailing signature@bluetooth.com. 30 | SIGnature | Bluetooth.org http://mindstorms.lego.com http://bluetooth.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Signature Q3 2008

Signature Q3 2008 Contents Connect: Growing Markets Inbox: Spread the Word Ask the SIG: The Fast Lane In the News Perspectives: Views From APAC Bluetooth Technology in Retrospect: Headset History Bluetooth Technology in Retrospect: Headset History Bluetooth Technology @ Play: Unplug Your Fun Bluetooth Technology Interactive: Wireless Tourism Checkout: Groovy Gadgets Bluetooth Wireless Explorer: Mind Games Bluetooth Technology 101: Ads You Like It Bluetooth Technology 501: Group Efforts Wacky Apps: What’s NXT? Get in the Game: If The Glove Fits ... Revolution: The Space Age

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