DISCUSS/NEWS: Set 8293

I found this picture in LEGO.com's cache:

And this one from Brickshelf:

I'm wondering what the white gear is. Is it new, or have I just never seen it?

Also, I'm wondering exactly what the switch piece is for since there's one on the battery box.

The white gear is simply one you haven't seen before. It's been around for a few years. The gear is comprised of two parts with moderate friction between the two; if the power provided to the axle increases too much while the gear remains fixed, the two segments will begin to slip (or vice versa). It's used primarily as a safety mechanism, but I think I've heard of other uses... It's probably a good piece to include with the high-torque motors.

As for the switch, my guess is that it can be stuck into a circuit so that the machine itself can flip it. Say, a claw that switches from opening to closing when either extremity is reached (I know there are much better examples, but you get the idea).

Anyway, I'm much more exited about these!

<3

It looks cool - It might get more builders adding mobility to their creations. I've been thinking about the posibilities of a motor in my LEGO creations...

Do you guys know if this is for the NXT or the RCX robot?

Neither. The Power Functions line is LEGO's new standard line of motors for Technic and Creator models.

Awsome!