National Instruments has announced a new version of its intuitive drag-and-drop software that powers the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 robotics kits for retail and education.

This system enables children -- as young as 9 years old -- to design their own robots using new features such as color recognition, Bluetooth support and additional robot models.

The software is based on NI LabVIEW graphical programming software that provides children easy-to-use, drag-and-drop functionality to program their robotic creations, according to company officials. The new version of the drag-and-drop software will be included with all LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 kits.

With this software, students simply have to drag and drop icons that are representative of the various tasks they want their robots to perform. Company officials said this is similar to how professional engineers and scientists control today's latest robotics with LabVIEW.

In a release, Lars Nyengaard, director of innovation and robotics at LEGO Group, said that the company has built the MINDSTORMS software around LabVIEW technology, which uses picture-based interaction that facilitates a fun and creative design experience for children.

“This new generation of MINDSTORMS delivers new features to help our young customers increase their interest and knowledge in robotics,” he said.

LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT has been used by children around the world both at home and in the classroom. Company officials said the hands-on system engages student curiosity and helps teach problem-solving and analytical skills.

“We believe that LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT, powered by LabVIEW graphical programming, helps children explore technology and provides an important hands-on learning platform that develops creativity and ingenuity in today's students,” said Ray Almgren, vice president of academic relations at National Instruments (News - Alert).

NXT 2.0 software creates the possibility for new types of robotic customization to ensure that no two robots are alike. In addition to programmatic Bluetooth support, the software features include support for a new color recognition sensor, which helps robots perform color-matching tasks and sense light levels.

Additionally, new sound and image editors can load images and sounds into the robot’s memory for display on the LCD screen or to play back the sound of choice.

Company officials said children also can share project files with friends using the new Pack-N-Go project packager.