IAR Systems announces free IAR Embedded Workbench develop...

IAR Systems announces free IAR Embedded Workbench development environment for LEGO® MINDSTORMS®

IAR Systems® has introduced a free version of IAR Embedded Workbench® compiler and debugger for programming the NXT Intelligent Brick in the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robotic building system. It is a completely integrated C/C++ development environment that includes a project manager, editor, build tools and IAR C-SPY® debugger for use with the Atmel AT91 used in the Intelligent Brick. This special 128k version of IAR Embedded Workbench also includes ready-made project files and examples for LEGO MINDSTORMS, enabling users to get their projects up and running in the shortest possible time. The tool kit is aimed primarily at university students.

IAR C/C++ Compiler generates compact, efficient codes through a combination of generic, global optimization and low-level, chip-specific optimization. It is available for many 8-, 16-, and 32-bit processors from various microcontroller manufacturers. A complementary evaluation edition of IAR visualSTATE® can be also be downloaded free-of-charge from the IAR Systems website. IAR visualSTATE is a set of graphics-based tools for designing, testing and implementing embedded applications using state machines and automatic code generation.

The first generation of LEGO MINDSTORMS products was launched in 1998. The second generation, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT was launched in 2006. LEGO MINDSTORMS combines programmable Bricks with motors and sensors to build computer-controlled electromechanical systems, including robots. Commenting on the partnership with the LEGO Group, Fredrik Medin, marketing manager from IAR Systems said, “This free version of IAR Embedded Workbench will enable students to have access to leading-edge, professional development tools with which they can have a lot of fun while they’re learning”.

Steven Canvin, marketing manager of the LEGO Group added, “It’s amazing the level the of sophistication that we’re now finding in LEGO MINDSTORMS applications. Having the world’s leading independent vendor of programming tools support our products in this way is another innovation with which we’re delighted to be associated”.

IAR Embedded Workbench for LEGO MINDSTORMS can be downloaded at www.iar.com/mindstorms