A Simple Industrial Process Simulation with Mindstorms NXT as Tool in Automation Lessons

This work presents the development of a simulation prototype for an automated manufacturing process using the Mindstorms NXT LEGO© robotic kit. This process consists of assembling a basic product, namely a mini car done with LEGO© pieces, into two phases. First, the coupling of the body and chassis and after this, the separation of assembled products by colour. The intent here is to show that it is possible to create an automated system with NXT, like a mockup, that can be simulate a real system, and which has similarity to an automated system using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), with the advantage of being more practical and cheaper than an educational simulation system with PLC. The aims here is present an adaptable tool, to auxiliar the automation teaching and to motivate to use of new technological tools in classroom