Hmm. Interesting. I've used Lego to prototype machines a number of times. They are very tough, resist chemicals, and actually stay together nicely with a few zipties.

While I've sorted pieces into bins, I don't think I've ever "cataloged" them. Sounds like a nice idea for RFID embedded Lego bricks, however :) If we get the tiny, sub-rice size, you could probably get them jammed in the holes on a lot of bricks without having to embed them into the ABS plastic.

Or, how about this... we could use a laser to burn a small barcode on each piece that includes a part number and serial number! Putting it on the underside would give them uniform placement and conceal them in finished projects.

RE: Lego hobbyist site: Peeron.com