This is an interesting hybrid solution to the growing problem of how to protect intellectual property while supporting open source methods and projects. Interactive Week's article about the problem and various solutions is first-rate. Click here to read it. You may already know about Lego's Mindstorms . They're inexpensive kits that allow you to create surprisingly independent robots.
Kids love 'em.
It turns out that adults love 'em too. Lego found that programmers couldn't get enough of the toys. I think I just figured out what to put in my letter to Santa this year.