Using Lego to either save or destroy Manhattan
There was plenty of fun stuff going on at Expand, but certainly one of the highlights was a competition put on by Lego. The toy giant challenged participants to create a machine that either saved or destroyed Manhattan. (Poor Manhattan is always in the crosshairs...) Six participants got up and demoed their creations, which ranged from remote controlled street sweepers, to soothing music-playing robots and a violent bot that smashed anyone or anything violating its personal space. Ultimately though, winners had to be selected (this is a competition after all).
Luis Godinez took home the runner-up prize for his traffic-smashing, pedestrian shooting truck. The whole thing is controlled by the Mindstorm's iOS app. But first place went to Cady Geer for her multi-purpose vehicle that combined a bus and a street sweeper. At the end of the night it turns into a shelter for those looking to get out of the elements. Her bot included all sorts of various robotic parts and an IR sensor. You can check out a gallery of all the competitors below and a video of the winners after the break.
