Robot Building for Dummies

by Roger Arrick, Nancy Stevenson

Always wanted to build a robot but didn't know where to start? This user-friendly guide shows what robots can do, how they work, and moreReady to enter the world of robotics? Then this book is for you! If you don't know much about electronics, high-tech tools, or computer programming, that's okay. If you can work with some basic tools (such as pliers, a screwdriver, and a cutting knife), have a computer and know your way around it, and want to make a robot, you're in the right place. Robot Building For Dummies walks you through building your very own little metal assistant from a kit, dressing it up, giving it a brain, programming it to do things, and even making it talk.In this hands-on guide that's illustrated with step-by-step instructions and written in plain English, you get an overview of robotics and the tools, technology, and skills you need to become a robot builder. You'll discoverThe various approaches to robot building, such as building from scratch or starting with a kit The mechanical parts of a robot and how they fit together The components of an efficient workspace and how to set one up Programming basics you need to enter and download commands into your robot How to add a controller, which lets you download software programs to your robot Using an editor program to connect to your robot The importance of preparing the parts of a robot kit and then assembling the chassis, wheels, and sensor whiskers The fun of making your robot functional by adding motion detection, light sensors, and more How to troubleshoot common problems and fix them to save your robot's life Along the way, you'll gather tidbits about robot history, enthusiasts' groups, a list of parts suppliers, and all-important safety tips. As an added bonus, Robot Building For Dummies comes with rebates for your robot building kit - no more waiting, grab your copy and start building your robot today.

Genres: Robots, Nonfiction, Engineering

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Kerri Beckman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful and goes through detailed explanations for those of us who aren't so tech savvy.

[David Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I read to research this post was Robot Building For Dummies by Nancy Stevenson, which is an excellent book which I bought from kindle. Just like computers have gone from being something strictly for hobbyists in the 70's to the mainstream nowadays, robots are set to do the same in the near future. At the moment robots tend to be a bit limited in what they can do, but especially for the more common serious hobby ones you often download controlling programs from the web and transfer them to the robot. Part of the A+ exam is that you have to control a simple robotic arm or similar from a computer. An important point they make is that you must read the instructions even if construction seems simple as there can easily be something important you miss out and it won't work. Often you need to things like wires and it's important the solder melts properly to make a proper connection. They look at constructing a robot called Soccer Jr. which is a basic one and one called Arobot which is a more expensive and complex one. They also look at adding things like temperature and motion sensors. A couple of good robot products website is http://robotstore.com & http://jameco.com. It's interesting to note the military are heavily into developing robot technology and drones and other robots have actively been used for surveillance in Afghanistan. Many people like to build a robot and a perspex semi circular cover on it which looks good but hinders access if it breaks down. Of course having robot wars where robots smash each other up in a duel is big business and there are even tv programmes devoted to this. I did read in another book that it will be possible to buy a computer that will be able to match the processing power of the human brain by 2030 which is very exciting and gives you an idea of what can be achieved with robots. In all probability we will have robot assistants to do things like housework by then. I did really enjoy this book and there are shopping chains like Radio Shack & Maplins that carry extensive lines of robot project parts. At least to start off with you are probably best off assembling a kit rather than designing and building one from scratch.

[Briana Schanke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informational

5th-6th grade

I am not a fan of robots, but when I read this book I found it interesting. Learning about the different parts of a robot and how many parts each robot contains is fascinating. I enjoy building things and learning how things are built, so this book would be great for those who like robots and like to build.