Robot Building for Beginners

by David Cook

"I wrote this book because I love building robots. I want you to love building robots, too. It took me a while to learn about many of the tools and parts in amateur robotics. Perhaps by writing about my experiences, I can give you a head start." --David Cook

Robot Building for Beginners, Second Edition is an update of David Cook's best-selling Robot Building for Beginners. This book continues its aim at teenagers and adults who have an avid interest in science and dream of building household explorers. No formal engineering education is assumed.

The robot described and built in this book is battery powered and about the size of a lunchbox. It is autonomous. That is, it isn't remote controlled.

You'll begin with some tools of the trade, and then work your way through prototyping, robot bodybuilding, and eventually soldering your own circuit boards. By the book's end, you will have a solid amateur base of understanding so that you can begin creating your own robots to vacuum your house or maybe even rule the world!

Genres: Nonfiction, Research, Technology, Science

488 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

David [9^] Cook

David Cook is an engineering manager at Motorola. He has 20 years of experience as a software developer, creating everything from award-winning computer games to mobile background-check applications for police. Self-taught in electronics and basic mechanics, David explains his years of robot experiences to the average backyard scientist in a comfortable and helpful manner, without scholarly intimidation. David hosts the popular robot site RobotRoom.com.

Reviews

[Douglas Zaznaow]

I read the second (not pictured) edition of this book by David Cook. I refer to this one, not the pictured first edition in this review.

I found this book a very comprehensive guide to building basic robots- although only one robot (David Cook named it Sandwich after the sandwich container it uses as a body) is included in this book, the parts and techniques explained could certainly help you make many more. Sandwich is a line-following robot and although I am sure it is simple by robotics standards, it is still an ambitious project for someone with little or no experience in robotics, such as me. If you plan to read this book and make Sandwich, I suggest

[Smellsofbikes]

he's not joking when he says "for beginners" -- this is robot building for someone who has never done anything mechanical or electrical, and it's comprehensive and excellent, covering electronics, how to use multimeters and do soldering, math needed for figuring out what discrete components are required, and what sort of designs work well.

[Dr.genius]

introduction to robot

[Hammad]

B

[Anders]

This book gave a very good introduction into robot building and getting hardware for projects. Such an joy to read and easy to understand. It did not just get me interested in electronics it also got me interested in control theory a subject which im currently studying. This book is highly recommended as a first introduction to electronics and also robot building.

[Andrew]

An absolutely amazing book! I just swallowed it over 2 long nights and definitely will buy a paper copy to keep on my table for a first month or two of doing electronics. While not being a perfect book on robot building, it serves an excellent practical and simple introduction to electronics yet with advices full of wisdom of a seasoned professional.

[Mark Yoshida]

Seemingly good intro to robot building. ("Seemingly" only bc I didn't do any of the actual robot-building yet.) Easy to read and understand. Besides covering practical electronics such as components and tools, it offers advice and thoughts on robotics, parts, etc.

[Tom O]

yeah if by "beginners" you mean 6 year olds

[Cloay]

- available in SG NLB 629.892 (Serangoon)

[Vidya Sagar Vobbilisetti]

this is for absolute beginners and best to understand about all components required

[Mark Moran]

Fun book and a fast read, especially as a precursor to reading David's excellent book, Intermediate Robot Building.