Everyone fantasises about building and controlling their very own super-advanced robots. (Or is that just us?). The problem is homemade robots usually malfunction, before turning on their creators and going on homicidal rampages. (At least they do in the movies). What's more you need to be really brainy to build one, don't you?

Well no, not if you use LEGO Mindstorms NXT. This jaw-droppingly advanced robotic construction system allows you to build and program your very own fully-functional computerised robots. No degree in electro-mechanics required!


Impressed? You should be because LEGO Mindstorms NXT has been blowing away hard-to-impress tech journos across the globe. And that's hardly surprising as it renders most commercially-available DIY robot systems obsolete.

At the heart of this ingenious new concept is the NXT - an über-intelligent, USB-friendly, computer-controlled 'brick' that acts as your robot's brain. Featuring a 32-bit microprocessor, LCD display, sensor ports, motor ports, a loudspeaker and control panel, this ultra-sophisticated motion/light-sensitive block brings your creations to life and offers countless design/functionality permutations. You can even control your robots using your computer or mobile phone (via Bluetooth).

Thanks to a handy quick-start guide, idiot-proof software and step-by-step building instructions, you can create humanoid, mechanical, vehicular and animal robots that obey your every command. You really can let your imagination go gaga. And to think we used to be impressed by schoolmates who could spell rude words with Lego bricks.

We really can't stress just how absorbing fiddling with Mindstorms NXT is; you'll be dreaming about robotic creations 24/7 - it's like being a Dr Frankenstein of the future without all that grave-robbing business. We've even taken to studying assembly diagrams on the bus. Help!

The LEGO Mindstorms NXT construction system is so technologically advanced we could sit here all day listing its gobsmackingly impressive features. But we won't because we're busy constructing our own masterpiece: Fireboxbot, a motion sensitive automaton that looks like General Grievous but pours tea whenever we click our fingers. No really!

In fact we'll give him a go right now…*click*… no Fireboxbot…don't throw the tea in his face...no, that powerclaw's not designed to throttle the boss...no, don't do th...Aargh!