The Robotics Primer

by Maja J. Mataric

The Robotics Primer offers a broadly accessible introduction to robotics for students at pre-university and university levels, robot hobbyists, and anyone interested in this burgeoning field. The text takes the reader from the most basic concepts (including perception and movement) to the most novel and sophisticated applications and topics (humanoids, shape-shifting robots, space robotics), with an emphasis on what it takes to create autonomous intelligent robot behavior. The core concepts of robotics are carried through from fundamental definitions to more complex explanations, all presented in an engaging, conversational style that will appeal to readers of different backgrounds. The Robotics Primer covers such topics as the definition of robotics, the history of robotics ("Where do Robots Come From?"), robot components, locomotion, manipulation, sensors, control, control architectures, representation, behavior ("Making Your Robot Behave"), navigation, group robotics, learning, and the future of robotics (and its ethical implications). To encourage further engagement, experimentation, and course and lesson design, The Robotics Primer is accompanied by a free robot programming exercise workbook that implements many of the ideas on the book on iRobot platforms. The Robotics Primer is unique as a principled, pedagogical treatment of the topic that is accessible to a broad audience; the only prerequisites are curiosity and attention. It can be used effectively in an educational setting or more informally for self-instruction. The Robotics Primer is a springboard for readers of all backgrounds--including students taking robotics as an elective outside the major, graduate students preparing to specialize in robotics, and K-12 teachers who bring robotics into their classrooms.Maja J Mataric [acute accent over c] is Professor of Computer Science and Neuroscience and Director of the Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems at the University of Southern California, where she is also Codirector of the Robotics Research Lab and Senior Associate Dean for research in the Viterbi School of Engineering.

306 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2007

Reviews

[Syed Nouman Hasany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohkay, so it is a fairly easy read, but at times I found it difficult to return back to the book. This was mainly due to two reasons: firstly, because the book contains practically zero technical information, and secondly, the book simply became too frustrating for me at times (this can actually be considered a consequence of the first reason). However, that said, I do want to make it clear that it is actually a very well written book serving the purpose it was intended to serve. If you are just entering into robotics, I would recommend this book as your very first read, since it would actually give you an incredibly broad idea of what this field is (and what it is not). Also, the resource list mentioned at the end of each chapter can easily serve as the go-to resources once you are done with Robotics Primer. In short: if you have the time, read it - you might end up enjoying it.

[Askorbinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent entry-level book about robotics. The systematic approach combined with the easy-to-understand explanations of core concepts.

[Vesela Trajkoska · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best introductory academic book I’ve come across in my education so far. The writer’s style is very concise and aligned with the reader’s level of knowledge. Each term is shortly explained using simple language and commonly understandable metaphors. Overall an excellent choice for any ‘Introduction to Robotics’ course or generally anyone who wants to learn the fundementals of robotics.

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative and easy to read book. It explores the rapidly advancing world or robotics, explaining what makes a robot 'tick' and how exactly it works.

A great introduction to a big chapter of modern technology.

[Niken · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really wonderful book. You can learn and understand robotics easily from it.

[Jackson Ozello · Rating 2 out of 5]

While reading this book, I was taking a class at Northwestern. Through this book, I learned how to program and design robots. However, it was boring.