This tag is used to ask questions about the programmable aspects of the LEGO Mindstorms product line. More specific tags about the version of the programmable controls and software should also be used. These tags would be RCX or NXT or EV3.
Lego Mindstorms is a line of programmable robotics/construction toys, manufactured by the Lego Group (based on technic elements). It comes in a kit containing many pieces including sensors and cables. Mindstorms originated from the programmable sensor blocks used in the line of educational toys. The first retail version of Lego Mindstorms was released in 1998 and marketed commercially as the Robotics Invention System (RIS). The next version was released in 2006 as Lego Mindstorms NXT. The newest version, released on August 5, 2009, is known as Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0.
Mindstorms is actually the entire package including various types of LEGO bricks, sensors, actuators, cables, controllers and software.
The actual hardware/software package that is the programmable part of this is called either RCX, NXT, NXT 1.0, NXT 2.0, or EV3. RCX was the first controller/software system released and has since been superseded by NXT and then NXT 2.0, although both older versions are still in widespread use. The latest version is EV3, released on August 1, 2013.
