Synopses & Reviews
Discover what robots can do and how they work
Find out how to build your own robot and program it to perform tasks
Ready to enter the robot world? This book is your passport! It 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, even making it talk. Along the way, youll gather some tidbits about robot history, enthusiasts groups, and more.
The Dummies Way
- Explanations in plain English
- "Get in, get out" information
- Icons and other navigational aids
- Tear-out cheat sheet
- Top ten lists
- A dash of humor and fun
Synopsis
A robot is a programmable automatic device designed to perform functions normally ascribed to humans. There are two main types of robots: industrial and personal. Industrial robots are made for use in factory settings. The focus of this book will be personal robots.
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
Discover what robots can do and how they work
Find out how to build your own robot and program it to perform tasks
Ready to enter the robot world? This book is your passport! It 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, even making it talk. Along the way, you'll gather some tidbits about robot history, enthusiasts' groups, and more.
The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun
About the Author
Roger Arrick is president and founder of Arrick Robotics, a maker of PC-based motion control systems for a variety of scientific applications. Robot building is his hobby and his passion.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Part I: Getting Started with Robotics.
Chapter 1: So, You Want to Build a Robot?
Chapter 2: Plotting a Path.
Chapter 3: Building Your First Robot.
Part II: Programmable Robot Prep.
Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Robot Workshop.
Chapter 5: The Nuts and Bolts of Robot Building.
Chapter 6: A Programming Primer.
Part III: Building a Programmable Robot.
Chapter 7: Preparing to Build a Programmable Robot.
Chapter 8: From Whiskers to Wheels.
Chapter 9: If I Only Had a Brain.
Chapter 10: Introducing Your Robot to Your Computer.
Part IV: Augmenting Your Programmable Robot.
Chapter 11: Expanding Your Robot’s Universe.
Chapter 12: Making Your Robot See the Light.
Chapter 13: Some Like It Hot.
Chapter 14: Halt! Who Goes There?
Chapter 15: Yakety-Yak: Adding Speech to Your Robot.
Chapter 16: I See You.
Chapter 17: Controlling Your Robot from Afar.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 18: Ten Excellent Parts Suppliers.
Chapter 19: Ten Safety Pointers.
Index.