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Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 should be in-store sometime next week. Here are some more details regarding the 619 piece kit, numbered 8547.

Included in the box is the NXT brain, three servo motors and four sensors. The colour sensor is new and has a threefold purpose, sensing light, colour or functioning as a lamp. The intelligent NXT LEGO brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, four input and three output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication.

Software for the NXT is available for both Macintosh and Windows computers and four included projects provide a running start for anyone considering robotics as a hobby.

To be honest, the set doesn’t provide anything groundbreaking. Various third-party NXT sensors have been available for quite some time, including a colour sensor. The NXT brick is effectively the same as the existing one. Nonetheless, it’s likely most NXT enthusiasts will be keen to add this to their collection, if only to boost the number of sensors, motors and brains to build some sophisticated robots.

Owners of the current NXT brick should be aware that programs for the new NXT 2.0 brick are not downward compatible, however NXT programs will run on the NXT 2.0.

The much-anticipated next generation Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 has arrived in the country and should be available at most Lego retailers some time next week.

The arrival of this product is more than a month in advance of its initial release date of August. I have a reliable source who has indicated that Lego South Africa is simply waiting for customs clearance…

NeXTSTORM has a collection of inventive Lego creations. His latest is a theatre production featuring pirates titled The Pirates and the NXTfied Theatre. The stills below don’t do the video version any justice.

Built using a single NXT brick and a few other motorized components, the pirates sail onward to reach their goal.

For the technically-minded, some behind the scenes footage is provided.

Watch the video here.