Last week, test, measurement and control company National Instruments (NI) presented how its LabView system design software powers its consumer robotics platform Lego Mindstorms EV3 at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

LabView was designed to provide engineers and scientist with the tools needed to speed up productivity, innovation and discovery. Most recently, the software has been used by industry professionals to power Lego Mindstorms for STEM education.  Lego Mindstorms gives STEM students a custom programming experience with robotics technology.

Engineers and scientists prefer LabView software because of its intuitive graphical nature, according to NI. The software has contributed to scientific breakthroughs and engineering advancements that include space exploration, the discovery of the Higgs boson, research into 5G wireless technology and highway-capable electric vehicle test.

What tools are your child using to prepare them for careers in STEM?

Sarah Cechowski is the associate digital editor for Control Design and Industrial Networking. Email her at scechowski@putman.net or check out her Google+ profile.