Robot Builder's Bonanza, Third Edition

Gordon McComb is an avid electronics hobbyist and is the author of 50 books and over thousand magazine articles. He wrote the best-selling Robot Builder's Bonanza the most popular book on amateur robotics, as well as Robot Builder's Sourcebook, Gordon McComb's Gadgeteer's Goldmine, and Laser Cookbook. Myke Predko is an advisory engineer working on Intel server products test for Celestica in Toronto, Canada. He has worked as a test engineer, product engineer, manufacturing manager and new products introduction engineer as well as having been awarded four patents in the fields of processor design and product test. Mr. Predko is author of nine technical books including Programming and Customizing the PICmicro(R) Microcontroller, 2/e and PICmicro(R) Microcontroller Pocket Reference, two comprehensive guides to the device covered by this book along with Programming and Customizing the 8081 Microcontroller; The Handbook of Microcontrollers; PC Ph.D.; and PC Interfacing Pocket Reference. His interests include robotics and he was one of the designers for the TAB Electronics Build Your Own Robot Kit. Mr. Predko currently lives in Toronto with his wife, daughter and two Siberian huskies.

AcknowledgmentsIntroductionPart 1: Robot BasicsChapter 1: The Robot ExperimenterChapter 2: Anatomy of a Robot Chapter 3: Structural MaterialsChapter 4: Buying PartsChapter 5: Electronic ComponentsChapter 6: ToolsChapter 7: Electronic Construction TechniquesPart 2: Robot Platform ConstructionChapter 8: Plastic PlatformsChapter 9: Wooden PlatformsChapter 10: Metal PlatformsChapter 11: Hacking ToysPart 3: Computers and Electronic ControlChapter 12: An Overview of Robot "Brains"Chapter 13: Programming FundamentalsChapter 14: Computer PeripheralsChapter 15: The BASIC Stamp 2 MicrocontrollerChapter 16: Remote Control SystemsPart 4: Power, Motors, and LocomotionChapter 17: Batteries and Robot Power SuppliesChapter 18: Principles of Robot LocomotionChapter 19: Choosing the Right MotorChapter 20: Working with DC MotorsChapter 21: Working with Stepper MotorsChapter 22: Working with Servo MotorsPart 5: Practical Robotics ProjectsChapter 23: Building a RoverbotChapter 24: Building a Heavy-Duty Six-Legged Walking RobotChapter 25: Advanced Robot Locomotion SystemsChapter 26: Reaching Out with Robot ArmsChapter 27: Building a Revolute Coordinate ArmChapter 28: Experimenting with Gripper DesignsPart 6: Sensors and NavigationChapter 29: The Sense of TouchChapter 30: Object DetectionChapter 31: Sound Input and OutputChapter 32: Robot VisionChapter 33: NavigationChapter 34: Fire Detection SystemsChapter 35: Experimenting with Tilt and Gravity SensorsChapter 36: Home Robots and How Not to Chew Up Your FurniturePart 7: Putting It All TogetherChapter 37: Robot Tasks, Operations, and BehaviorsChapter 38: Integrating the BlocksChapter 39: Failure AnalysisChapter 40: Setting Up Workshops, Demonstrations, and CompetitionsAppendix A: Further ReadingAppendix B: SourcesAppendix C: Robot Information on the InternetIndex