Roger Arrick & Nancy Stevenson 
Robot Building For Dummies 

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.

Table of Content

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.

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.