Using visual programming kit and LEGO Mindstorms: An introduction to embedded system

Abstract

Easier programming environment for novice users has always been matter of consideration throughout the development of programming kits. Text based programming kits have been dominant in programming world for decades, but without popularity from novice users. Human-being is more likely to be interested in graphics instead of characters. Numerous approaches to graphical programming environment have been introduced, and they are actively being used to educate young programmers. Although graphical programming relatively easy comparing with text based programming environment, it is still not an easy or interesting environment for novice users. Most programming is educated with a computer system, where executed program results are usually through the display devices like monitor. When result of a programming can be expressed by robot instead of display devices, it is more attractive and efficient. LEGO Company has been developing cheap and powerful programmable robot set named Mindstorms. Robot made from Mindstorms can be programmed with various language kits and it itself is provided with a graphical programming kit. Combining the robot with visual programming environment will provide efficiency in learning embedded system. Mindstorms robot is programmed with a few visual programming kits and it is compared with other visual programming for evaluation.