The first robot, or the beginner robot, is a robot that the Mindstorm NXT system suggests that you begin building first. Complete instructions are given for this robot in the "Quick Start Guide". According to Lego, this robot can be created in about one hour. Figure 1.18 shows the first robot.

Figure 1.18: The First Robot

The first robot is fairly primitive. This robot uses only two of the servos and does not make use of any of the sensors. However, this robot would be a very good robot to use to learn basic movement programming commands.

Though the first robot is rather primitive, it is used as the starting point for several other projects provided by Lego. A variety of hooks and grabbers can be attached to the front of the beginner robot, powered by the third servo. Additionally, the beginner robot demonstrates the "tricycle configuration" for the servos, which is used by many other Mindstorm NXT projects.

If desired, the first robot requires no programming. You can simply run the demo program on the brick, and watch this robot move around.