"Robot Building for Beginners" provides basic, practical knowledge on getting started in amateur robotics. Short chapters are perfectly suited for bedtime reading. It contains step-by-step instructions and small, hands-on experiments, including a line-following robot that the reader builds out of a sandwich container. By the end, the reader will make a palm-size solar robot and is also introduced to contests and potential project plans. Learning robotics by yourself isn't easy. It helps when the encouragement comes from someone who's been there. Not only does "Robot Building for Beginners" assist the reader in understanding a particular piece, but prepares them with techniques to learn new parts on their own. Author David Cook begins with the anatomy of a homemade robot and advice on how to proceed successfully. General sources for tools and parts are provided in a consolidated listing and with specific part references throughout each chapter. Basic safety and numbering systems are also covered. An in-depth analysis of digital multimeters gives readers all the information they need to select and obtain this valuable tool for themselves. Other tools and parts include: wire strippers, snips, hack saws, needle nose pliers, tap and die, none-volt batteries, wire, alligator clips, LEDs, capacitors, resistors, solderless breadboards, solderiong irons, solder, flux, heat-shrink tubing, photosensors, transistors, chips, motors, gears, wheels, screwdrivers, wrenches, nutdrivers, screws, bolts, hot glue, and solar panels.

This instructional book provides basic, practical knowledge on getting started in amateur robotics. Short chapters contain step-by-step instructions and hands-on experiments.

Loads of pictures and very frank discussion make this book a pleasure to read, and a real learning tool. — Craig Maloney, Slashdot Contributor

The author gives lots of practical advice, some of which would be useful even to experienced tinkerers. It is very thorough. — Edward Chin, The Canadian Linux Users' Exchange

Learning robotics by yourself isnt easy, but it helps when the encouragement comes from an expert whos spent years in the field. Not only does Author David Cook assist you in understanding the component parts of robot development, but he also presents valuable techniques that prepare you to achieve new discoveries on your own.

Cook begins with the anatomy of a homemade robot and gives you the best advice on how to proceed successfully. General sources for tools and parts are provided in a consolidated list, and specific parts are recommended throughout the book. Also, basic safety precautions and essential measuring and numbering systems are promoted throughout.

Specific tools and parts covered include digital multimeters, motors, wheels, resistors, LEDs, photoresistors, transistors, chips, gears, nut drivers, batteries, and more. Robot Building for Beginners is an inspiring book that provides an essential base of practical knowledge for anyone getting started in amateur robotics.