1st Edition

Personal Robotics Real Robots to Construct, Program, and Explore the World

By Richard Raucci Copyright 1999
    204 Pages
    by A K Peters/CRC Press

    Many companies are now offering robots that are geared to the casual electronics hobbyist, both in kit form and as fully assembled models. This book gives an overview of available robot products, ranging from the simple to the complex. Interested readers will be able to find the robot kit that matches their skill level and pocketbook. Beginners may want to try a robot that is already fully assembled, or a kit with pre-assembled electronics. Other readers may opt for kits that require soldering and electronic experience. Other criteria a reader will be able to review include motion systems (robots that roll on wheels, or walk on legs, or robot arms), available sensors (from none to a wide range), and programming complexity (how the robot is programmed). If its not really a robot, its not in this book.

    Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- What Is a Robot, and What Isn’t -- Robot Characteristics -- What Can a Real Robot Do? -- Robot Controls -- Programming Methods -- Audience -- Book Layout -- Chapter I. Robots and Society: Perception vs. Reality -- Robot History -- The Robot and the Media -- Real Robots -- Section I. Educational Robotic Building Kits -- Chapter 2. Capsela -- Capsela 575 Programmable Command Center -- Capsela 575 Programming Modes -- Capsela Voice Command (VC 3000) and Voice Command 6000 -- Final Thoughts -- Chapter 3. LEGO Robotics Kits -- The RCX Programmable Microcontroller -- LEGO Dacta RoboLab -- Further Ideas -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- LEGO Barcode Multiset (Code Pilot) -- Further Ideas -- Contact Information -- Chapter 4. Learning Curve — Robotix Robot Kits -- Features of the Robotix Computer -- Using the Computer -- Projects -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Chapter 5. Turbo Z 32.8 SL Programmable Robot Model Car -- Features -- Programming -- Further Ideas -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Section 2. Intermediate Robot Kits -- Chapter 6. Johuco Phoenix -- Features -- Programming -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Chapter 7. Stamp Bug II -- Programming -- Further Ideas -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Chapter 8. BEAM Robotics -- The Photo Popper -- Contact Information -- CYBUG -- Contact Information -- Final Thoughts -- Chapter 9. OWI Elekits -- Navius -- Final Thoughts -- WAOD -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Chapter 10. Robix -- Features -- Program Mode -- Teach Mode -- Example Models -- Further Suggestions -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Chapter 11. Fischer Technik Mobile Robots Kit - # 30400 -- Models You Can Build -- Programming -- Further Ideas -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Chapter 12. Rug Warrior Pro™ -- Programming Essentials -- Sample Programs -- Special Projects -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Section 3. Advanced Robot Platforms -- Chapter 13. Pioneer Robots -- Features -- Options -- Programming the Pioneer -- Further Ideas -- Final Thoughts -- Contact Information -- Index.

    Biography

    Richard Raucci