Robot Dreams: Build Your Own R2D2

From a noted teacher and author comes the basic text for learning introductory electronics. After a detailed discussion of the fundamentals (direct current, alternating current, electronics, and components) that is understandable to readers with a junior high-level of math and science education, Gibilisco then ties in real-world examples to discuss the more advanced concepts. With section quizzes and answers, the book can be used either as part of a course or for self-study. In this edition, the section on advanced electronics has been revised to include audio and high-fidelity as well as robotics and artificial intelligence.

This update of the 1998 edition explains the practical side of electronics--troubleshooting problems, testing, repair, and servicing. Although the reader may not learn all the basics of electronics here, there is certainly a lot to be learned about resolving typical problems with common household items.

If Gibilisco's title (above) is the 'meat and potatoes' of electronics books, then this would be the fruits and vegetables. Offbeat and fun--the author even includes a recipe for seafood gumbo--the guide is filled with electronics trivia, anecdotes, and humor. While not as detailed and thorough as Gibilisco's, it succeeds at taking a subject that is dry for some and making it entertaining. This new edition includes a CD-ROM with a fully searchable electronic text version.

Drawn from the Times's weekly 'Circuits' section on personal technology, articles on 92 different modern electronic devices--from musical greeting cards to robotic pets and night-vision goggles--explain how they work. A good introductory overview.

Using the PICmicror family of microchips as examples, electronics writer Predko explains microcontrollers, programming languages, and programming. The author does assume his readers have some prior education or experience, and his technical text may require some additional reading. The CD-ROM includes source code, two sample operating systems, and HTML interfaces.

With over 200 color photographs and illustrations, this is an accessible overview of the current state of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) research. Aylett (intelligent virtual environments, Univ. of Salford, UK) distinguishes between what is purely science fiction, what is currently possible, and what may be possible in the future.

Inspired by the robots of sf, Breazeal (media arts and science, MIT Media Lab) set out to design a socially intelligent robot. Her creation, Kismet, can carry on a conversation with people, can read a person's mood, and use facial expressions to convey its own emotions. Breazeal describes how aspects of human and animal psychology were applied in the design of Kismet's behavior patterns and gives her own visions for social robots of the future. The CD-ROM features video clips showing what Kismet can do.

Brooks, director of MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab., details his and his colleagues' research on robotics and AI at MIT and also presents his thoughts, philosophies, and predictions about how the role of robots will fit in society in the future. An entertaining read for general audiences, but those with more expertise may want more technical information.

This title profiles over 100 robots (combat robats, space park robots, robots that mimic animals, industrial robots, and more) and their inventors. For each robot, photographs and specifications are given, as well as an interview with the robot's creator. (LJ 9/15/00)

Addressing all aspects of robot locomotion including wheel selection, motors, power transmission, braking, and control systems, detailed sections of this title cover both theoretical and practical elements. A good source for general-purpose robotics designing, the text outlines the advantages and disadvantages of various options. It is also one of the few resources that discuss the problem of designing a robot for outdoor environments and different terrains.

Writing for true beginners--those with no formal engineering training and little knowledge of electronic components--Cook, an engineering section manager at Motorola, addresses the 'hands-on' aspects of robot building, such as soldering, in great detail. His humorous and reassuring style will guide novices through the steps necessary to construct any device, from a combat robot to a completely autonomous (i.e., non-remote controlled) robot. A terrific introduction to the hobby of robot building.

Wheeled robots, walking robots, autonomous robots--this manual is all about robot motion. Although not a step-by-step guide, it instructs readers in the basic skills and then encourages them to plan, design, and build their own machine. The project outlined here is certainly not for novices, but the authors use it as an example for teaching the various components of robot construction and design. Smaller, more specific projects for beginners are also given.

Despite the title's implication, this is not a DIY guide for beginners. This compilation of 55 of the author's articles written in the 1990s for Nuts and Volts magazine delves right away into technical subjects, but it does cover specific topics such as microprocessors and robot software in more detail than other books. There are some construction projects as well.

The author of The Robot Builder's Sourcebook (below) offers a series of easy-to-do projects ranging from adapting common toys to walking robots to giving your robot sound capabilities. He includes new information on LEGOr MindstormsT, microcontrollers, robotics programming, and other technological developments. For learning the various components of putting together a robot, this is a great guide, and of course, as one would expect from the author, there are many useful resources listed.

Often overlooked at the initial design stage is how the robot will be controlled. Predko addresses everything the enthusiast needs to fill in the gaps. However, some prior programming and electronic knowledge is assumed. The CD-ROM includes HTML links and source code for sample applications.

Advanced hobbyists can turn here for a discussion of the more technical aspects of robot construction, along with plenty of formulas and circuit diagrams. Especially unique are the tips on determining when one should buy something prebuilt rather than construct it from scratch. There is no specific design project, but a CD-ROM provides programs and code for use in building your own robot.

Although mostly a guide to the Comedy Central show, this is a good starting point for those intending to get their combat robot involved in competition. Along with a description of the rules of competition, there are great profiles, photos, statistics, specifications, and even some blueprints for previous Battlebotr designs. (LJ 9/1/02)

For beginners with little prior technical knowledge, Hannold, a veteran participant and promoter of combat robot competitions, explains the steps required for building a fighting robot and discusses issues common to other types of robots. The CD features videos of combat robots in action, useful web links, and several shareware, freeware, and trial versions of useful software

The basics of designing and building the components of a combat robot are explained in language easily understandable to beginners. This manual doesn't follow a step-by-step plan, but that's the whole idea--the authors don't want you to build a robot identical to everyone else's. Design ideas are suggested, but the reader is left to come up with his or her own plan. The particular strength of this guide is in the many helpful tips and lessons learned from experienced combat robot designers--where to invest the most time and money. There is also a very useful listing of sources for parts.

Along with the rules and robot specifications for the competition, the author offers useful design and construction tips, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of different design features. He also lists sources for finding parts. What makes his book stand out are the instructions on how to set up your own practice ring--very few other manuals discuss the testing aspect of construction in as much detail.

The Ferraris have been called the 'Da Vincis of LEGOr' and have won awards for their creations. From the most basic concepts such as the geometry of LEGOr blocks to the advanced concepts of control and navigation, their guide covers it all. A discussion of robot construction, demonstrated with LEGOr examples, are followed by step-by-step projects for robots that walk, roll, ski, play drums or pianos, water your plants, move chess pieces, and much more. There are even designs to create models of popular film robots: R2D2 from Star Wars and Number Five from Short Circuit.

For the enthusiast with some familiarity with LEGOr MindstormsT, digital artist Nagata outlines ten projects--three beginner level, three intermediate, and four advanced. For each, a bit of theory is presented and a required parts list given, followed by guidelines, along with illustrations, for assembling and programming a complete robot. Nagata also presents alternate design approaches, encouraging the reader to experiment.

LEGOr MindstormsT Interfacing is the next step for the enthusiast interested in learning more about the computer-control aspects of robot construction. Written by an electronics systems engineer and hands-on enthusiast, this manual includes 12 projects covering different aspects of interfacing, including wireless technology and controls. The CD-ROM includes ready-made programs and circuit simulation models.

Stiquitor, a six-legged robot resembling a stick insect, offers a simple and inexpensive project for the high school- or college-level beginner. The focus here is on education--teaching skills through examples. A robot kit is included, but libraries may want to keep the kit on reserve.

Addressing 'BEAM technology' (biology, electronics, aesthetics, and mechanics--four important concepts in robot design), the authors present a very simple approach to building robots: don't do anything more complicated than necessary. Fun and informal, this is a good start for younger enthusiasts to get their robots up and running without having to learn too many difficult concepts.

This title is unique in its coverage of a wide variety of robot types: walker robots, solar-ball robots, aerobots, underwater bots, and robotic hands. No prior technical skills are required. Following an introduction to robotics and AI, the text discusses the various components of robot construction: power systems, drive systems, sensors, intelligence, speed controllers, and even neural networks. The project examples tie it all together, and finally tips show readers how to create bots of their own design.

Like Junkbots, Bugbots & Bots on Wheels (above), this manual is aimed at younger hobbyists; however, there is more of an emphasis here on teaching the basic concepts. Johnson, the author of 20 technology books, explains the different types of robots, how modern robots are being used today, and how and why different robots are designed with different features. Then, he lays out seven easy-to-build projects that will enable beginners to transform ordinary toys and household objects into robots; some use kits such as LEGOr MindstormsT.

First published in 1987 under the title How To Build a Robot for Less Than $300, this edition retains the original premise: building a robot on the cheap. The project outlined here by an experienced teacher is a whimsical remote-controlled robot butler named Questor, which readers can build with little prior knowledge of electronics.

A comprehensive listing (with address, phone numbers, web sites) of over 2500 suppliers and manufacturers of robot components, materials, tools, and much more. There are even sources for tracking down older and hard-to-find parts. Also listed are books, journals, magazines, professional societies, and Internet resources, including education sites, competition information, and web sites where hobbyists can find examples of program code. Dozens of sidebars and articles on various robotics topics break up the directory feel. The author also indicates recommended sources based on his own experiences and identifies 'premium' sources that are dedicated to robot hobbyists.

Advanced hobbyists will find here solutions for those programming controllers. Also great source for locating suppliers.

One of the most popular periodicals for the electronics do-it-yourselfer and robot enthusiast. The August 2002 issue featured a supplement on amateur robotics; the web site includes an online encyclopedia of over 20,000 computer terms.

Created as a merger of Popular Electronics and Electronics, this journal aims to bring the latest technological developments to the home electronics enthusiast.

The official site, complete with combat rules, profiles of the robots, and tips from the experts. An online store sells BattleBots magazine, starter kits, and other products.

The site of the BattleBotsr 'Team Coolrobots' includes a step-by-step guide for building your own BattleBotr.

The official site offers online support, tutorials, user forums, and even a Hall of Fame for robot builders. And of course, MindstormT products can be purchased here.

A great source for the latest news and information about robots, robotic technology, smart machines, and AI as well as links to related sites.

A great resource for finding the latest books on robotics, as well as robot kits, toys, parts, magazines, movies, and other robotics-related items. There are links to Amazon.com and other purchasing sites.

An excellent directory to over 600 related robotic sites, along with an online bookstore, discussion groups, and an e-mail newsletter.

Managed by the Battlebotsr 'Team Nightmare,' this site is one of the better robot-building team sites--particularly useful are the tips and FAQs.

Robot enthusiasts can post links and information about robot competitions, robotics news, and new products on this very simple site.