Toymaker attempts to make kids familiar with open source

Lego has announced plans to release the source code of its forthcoming Mindstorms NXT toys.

Mindstorms NXT is a set of robotics tools including sensors and a central computer unit that allows Lego builders to create structures that sort items based on their colour or that can move around obstacles.

The toy maker will also publish developer kits that allow individuals to create their own software and hardware that work with the set.

Lego will release specifications that allow children to use a Bluetooth mobile phone or other device to control or communicate with their creations. The robotics tools are slated for availability in August for $249.99.

Releasing the source code will make children more familiar with the open source phenomenon, according to Raven Zachary, a senior analyst at The 451 Group.

"I suspect that the outcome will be a vibrant community of developers, possibly including my own kids," he wrote on a company blog.

"While this may have no direct impact on the enterprise software space, it is a sign of the pervasive nature of companies releasing code to the open source community, whether for improved development opportunities or simply marketing hype."