RadioShack Corporation announced the exclusive availability of eight new accessories in its Vex Robotics Design System. The new additions include: Programming Kit, Line Tracker Kit, Ultrasonic Range Finder Kit, Optical Shaft Encoder Kit, Light Sensor Kit, Omni-Directional Wheel Kit, Sprocket and Chain Kit, Tank Tread. Of course, you may want to start with the $299 Vex Robotics Starter Kit before you buy these additions. RadioShack created the Vex Robotics Design System in partnership with FIRST robotics competition. The Vex kit with these new additions, even though a little on the expensive side, should give a robot builder just about everything they need to build a fairly decent personal robot! Vex is beginning to give Lego Mindstorms some serious competition!

Here's a bigger listing of the new additions to the RadioShack Vex system:

• Programming Kit -- (MSRP $99.99) Programs the robot's behavior and utilizes all the Vex Sensor Accessories -- the key to unlocking the robot's true power.
• Line Tracker Kit -- (MSRP $39.99) Lets the inventor create an autonomous robot behavior by programming it to follow a black line over a white surface.
• Ultrasonic Range Finder Kit -- (MSRP $29.99) Emits a high-frequency sound wave that alerts the robot to obstacles in its path.
• Optical Shaft Encoder Kit -- (MSRP $19.99) Aids in the creation of autonomous behavior by enabling the robot to accurately measure distances for navigation purposes.
• Light Sensor Kit -- (MSRP $19.99) Enables the robot to react to light so that it will follow a beam of light to perform tasks. Programming kit is required.
• Omni-Directional Wheel Kit -- (MSRP $19.99) Helps robot to achieve greater mobility and overcome small obstacles in its course.
• Sprocket and Chain Kit -- (MSRP $29.99) Enables the transfer of working power to a distant point (or multiple points) on the robot.
• Tank Tread -- (MSRP $29.99) Dramatically increases design flexibility and allows robot to navigate harsh terrain and extreme inclines with ease.

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