The solenoid valves used in past years require 12 VDC to operate. The EDU can only run at 7.2VDC. This means that you will NOT be able to connect the solenoids used in the past to the EDU robot controller.
This does suggest that perhaps the new solenoids for the "big 'bot" might work on 7.2 VDC, but I think it most likely that we will have an "EDU pneumatics addition kit" available in the future that will work with the EDU controller.
For those interested in playing with small pneumatics systems, you might try
www.gearseds.com - they make a robot kit similar to the EDU which includes pneumatics (12 VDC).
-Mr. Van
Coach, 599