Robot Building For Dummies

1. Auflage Oktober 2003
384 Seiten, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
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 more
Ready 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 discover
* The 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.
Part I: Getting Started with Robotics 7
Chapter 1: So, You Want to Build a Robot? 9
Chapter 2: Plotting a Path 15
Chapter 3: Building Your First Robot 31
Part II: Programmable Robot Prep 49
Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Robot Workshop 51
Chapter 5: The Nuts and Bolts of Robot Building 71
Chapter 6: A Programming Primer 99
Part III: Building a Programmable Robot 111
Chapter 7: Preparing to Build a Programmable Robot 113
Chapter 8: From Whiskers to Wheels 123
Chapter 9: If I Only Had a Brain 133
Chapter 10: Introducing Your Robot to Your Computer 141
Part IV: Augmenting Your Programmable Robot 155
Chapter 11: Expanding Your Robot's Universe 157
Chapter 12: Making Your Robot See the Light 185
Chapter 13: Some Like It Hot 209
Chapter 14: Halt! Who Goes There? 233
Chapter 15: Yakety-Yak: Adding Speech to Your Robot 251
Chapter 16: I See You 271
Chapter 17: Controlling Your Robot from Afar 305
Part V: The Part of Tens 327
Chapter 18: Ten Excellent Parts Suppliers 329
Chapter 19: Ten Safety Pointers 339
Index 343