Linux-Powered Lego-Like Devices Target Developers

An anonymous reader writes "A six-person startup is readying a product resembling nothing so much as a set of electronic Legos for device designers. The idea is to provide a set of snap-together components from which engineers can build 'anything,' the company claims, without having to learn solid state electronics. Both hardware and software (Linux/Java phoneME/OSGi) are open source, so that over time, the Lego box will grow, the company hopes. Initially, there's an ARM11-powered base with built-in wifi, and modules for camera, GPS, motion detector, LCD display, keyboard, touchscreen, and stereo speakers. Ooh, and a mysterious 'teleporter,' too."

Do you program them in Logo?

[Apple Acolyte]

Haha. It's a joke!

Right....

[morgan_greywolf]

But who's gonna wanna develop a hardware- and software-based solution from pieces called 'BugModules'? I mean, if I'm a developer, do I want to use something that has 'BUG' right in the name? That doesn't instill any confidence in the product, if you ask me...

Yes, but...

[crowbarsarefornerdyg]

Oh, wait. It DOES run Linux!

Yes, but

[Anonymous Coward]

will it blend?

Bugs versus features

[Anonymous Coward]

So it truly isn't a bug - it's a feature...

Re:So..

[GiMP]

Is this like and adult open source version of lego mindstorm? I remember loving that as a kid, never really figured out how to make it do anything, though....

They weren't even released until 1998. You either weren't a kid, or I have good reason to feel old.

Re:So..

[Hognoxious]

To do: build a mindstorm robot that chases kids off your lawn.

Re:Without Learning?

[edittard]

Bah! Off the shelf standard screws? In my day each one was individually designed to fit. And the apprentices had to cut the threads using their own teeth. If they'd grown any yet, otherwise, better toughen up them gums, kid.

Re:Without Learning?

[RManning]

I have mod points today. I was going to mod your post but I couldn't find 'Bitter' or 'Grizzled'.

Re:Without Learning?

[Anonymous Coward]

Great, now so-called engineers can build things without knowing how they work, doesn't sound like an engineer to me, more like a simple programmer, more specifically, a java programmer. Nothing more than a glorified typist.

That's right! How dare anyone presume to build something without the proper background? I would never consider a project that didn't allow me to design my own programming language, write a compiler, write and compile my own operating system, and all running on silicon I designed and fabricated, after mining the silicon myself mind you, up hill both ways in the snow!

How about you get over yourself? You do not need to be a professional engineer or computer scientist just to touch hardware or code. Allowing more people to work with hardware on a budget is a great tool for students, hobbyists, and even engineers. Exposing more people to these fields is a good thing; you don't need to be a professional chef to cook dinner, you don't need a degree in literature to write your blog, and you don't need to be a professional engineer before you can touch any piece of hardware.

Re:The plural of Lego

[davidsyes]

Legoose?

What's good for legoose is good for le gander?

Re:Right....

[Anonymous Coward]

"Yeah, and we built it outta BUGS!!!!"

Cue ASP.NET jokes in 3... 1... 2...

Re:So..

[glittalogik]

Next project:
- Build an adjustable motorized ramp, so your robot can go uphill both ways.
- Find some snow.

Re:Right....

[Nazlfrag]

Digg?

Re:Do you program them in Logo?

[Anonymous Coward]

You damn right, go fuck some hot chicks,,, in the ass. Nothing beats blowing your load in some bitches ass and pulling out with shit on your cock.