BusinessWeek called the Lego Mindstorms NXT kit, which debuted July 31, "probably the smartest, coolest toy of the year . . . a great way to learn the basics of mechanics, physics and computer programming, or just goof off." The kit includes an ultrasonic sensor that measures distance within an inch; a microphone that measures sound to within the decibel; a touch sensor; and a light sensor that shines a beam to determine the reflectivity of an object or measure room brightness. www.sensorsmag.com/0906/SClego