LEGO Mindstorms is a hardware and software system desigend for the development of programmable robots made out of TECHNIC bricks. The original LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System was born out of a collaboration between MIT and the LEGO group's eductaional division. Since the release, there have been a number of generations of the Mindstorms platform: the original Robotics Invention System, NXT, NXT 2.0, and EV3 and weth each platform release, the motor and sensor capabilities have greatly expanded. Mindstorms are also sold and used as an educational tool and called Mindstorms for schools or Mindstorms Education.
2009 LEGO Sets
In 2009, LEGO Star Wars celebrated its 10th Anniversary with the release of its 10th Anniversary sets. But even more important, LEGO celebrated its 50th anniversary of the LEGO Brick. A number of new themes were first introduced including BIONICLE Glatorian, Space Police III, Power Miners, Agents 2.0 and LEGO Pirates was re-introduced. Some themes that were retired in 2009 by LEGO included Mars Mission, the original and highly collectable Batman sets. Exo-Force and Belville where also discontinued in 2009.