A LEGO Mindstorms NXT connects to an Arduino via I2C.
This enables all kinds of new (intelligent) sensor / actor combinations. Also - the NXT provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
A Symbian S60 Nokia E71 connected to an Arduino Mega via Bluetooth.
The E71 may also be used as a “gateway” with an uplink via WLAN or GSM - which basically make the LEDs switchable from everywhere in the world. This photo illustrates a potential usage scenario with a remote controlled vehicle.
Using the standardized Arduino boards and development environment can speed up things - while still being cost-efficient and flexible.
This is work in progress - the vehicle will soon be controlled via a Bluetooth link.
Just to give an idea.
Integration of Bluetooth and servo control code still to be finished.