Robot Builders Bonanza

The all-time classic robot book--fully revised and updated! Robot Builders Bonanza, Fourth Edition covers the latest trends and cutting-edge technologies in robotics. The projects have been replaced with new designs that emphasize suitability for beginners, expandability, rapid prototyping, ease of construction, and low cost. The new "RBB-BOT" core project is used as a base for demonstrating ideas throughout the book, for anyone needing a bit more guidance and source code. This richly illustrated guide offers everything you need to build amazing robots! New to the Fourth Edition: "RBB-Bot" core project that provides project consistency throughout the book All-new robot construction projects Emphasizes the new open-source microcontroller, Arduino, yet still devotes space to other popular products, such as PIC, Basic STAMP, and LEGO Mindstorms 30% more illustrations to more clearly illustrate the required steps New author blog with chapter excerpts, new projects, content updates, news, and other material Videos and Flash-based animation posted to blog and YouTube to demonstrate techniques Robot builders paradise! Exploring the world of robotics; Why build a robot; anatomy of a robot; Tools and techniques; Building tools and supplies; Setting up electronics shop; Building robots with the BASIC Stamp; Introduction to the BASIC Stamp; Building and using the BOE-Bot; BOE-Bot projects; LEGO-Based robotics; Building your first LEGO robot; Developing an RCX robot; Developing an NXT robot; Robot construction; Bodies and frames; Getting parts; Working with metal; Power and movement; Batteries; Selecting a motor; Moving your robot; DC fear motors; More about using RC motors; Control and decision making; Mechanical; Electronic circuitry; Interfacing robot electronics; Robot programming techniques; Motion control; Sensing the world; Touch and contact sensing; Distance sensing and measurement; Sensing orientation and placement; Detecting heat and light; Danger; Interacting with your robot; Lights and indicators; Sound output and input; Operating your robot via manual remote control; Advanced robotics; Build a robotic gripper; Build an articulated robot arm; Build a six-legged walking bot; Interfacing a PC to your robot; Using robotics to animate toys, costumes, and displays; Your first robot; Robot menagerie;: Collecting robots, toys, and art; Builder's clubs and competitionsPart 1--The Art and Science of Robot Building Chapter 1. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Robotics Chapter 2. Anatomy of a Robot Chapter 3. Getting Parts Part 2--Robot Construction Chapter 4. Safety First (and Always) Chapter 5. Building Robot Bodies--the Basics Chapter 6. Mechanical Construction Techniques Chapter 7. Working with Wood Chapter 8. Build a Motorized Wooden Platform Chapter 9. Working with Plastic Chapter 10. Build a Motorized Plastic Platform Chapter 11. Working with Metal Chapter 12. Build a Motorized Metal Platform Chapter 13. Assembly Techniques Chapter 14. Rapid Prototyping Methods Chapter 15. Drafting Bots with Computer-Aided Design Chapter 16. Constructing High-Tech Robots from Toys Chapter 17. Building Bots from Found Parts Part 3--Power, Motors, and Locomotion Chapter 18. All about Batteries Chapter 19. Robot Power Systems Chapter 20. Moving Your Robot Chapter 21. Choosing the Right Motor Chapter 22. Using DC Motors Chapter 23. Using Servo Motors Chapter 24. Mounting Motors and Wheels Chapter 25. Robot Movement with Shape Memory Alloy Part 4--Hands-on Robotic Projects Chapter 26. Build Robots with Wheels and Tracks Chapter 27. Build Robots with Legs Chapter 28. Experimenting with Robotic Arms Chapter 29. Experimenting with Robotic Grippers Part 5--Robot Electronics Chapter 30. Building Robot Electronics--the Basics Chapter 31. Common Electronic Components for Robotics Chapter 32. Using Solderless Breadboards Chapter 33. Making Circuit Boards Part 6--Computers and Electronic Control Chapter 34. An Overview of Robot "Brains" Chapter 35. Understanding Microcontrollers Chapter 36. Programming Concepts: The Fundamentals Part 7--Microcontroller Brains Chapter 37. Using the Arduino Chapter 38. Using the PICAXE Chapter 39. Using the BASIC Stamp Chapter 40. Interfacing Hardware with Your Microcontroller or Computer Chapter 41. Remote Control Systems Part 8--Sensors, Navigation, and Feedback Chapter 42. Adding the Sense of Touch Chapter 43. Proximity and Distance Sensing Chapter 44. Robotic Eyes Chapter 45. Navigating Your Robot Chapter 46. Making and Listening to Sound Chapter 47. Interacting with Your Creation Chapter 48. Danger, Will Robinson Appendix A--RBB Online Support Appendix B--Internet Parts Sources Appendix C--Mechanical Reference Appendix D--Electronic Reference Index