For readers of Robot Building for Beginner (Apress, 2002 and 2009),
welcome to the next level. Intermediate Robot Building, Second Edition
offers you the kind of real-world knowledge that only renowned author
David Cook can offer.
In this book, you'll learn the value of a robot heartbeat and the
purpose of the wavy lines in photocells. You'll find out what electronic
part you should sand. You'll discover how a well-placed switch can help
a robot avoid obstacles better than a pair of feelers. And you'll avoid
mistakes that can cause a capacitor to explode.
Want a robot that can explore rooms, follow lines, or battle opponents
in mini-sumo? This book presents step-by-step instructions and circuit
and part descriptions so that you can build the robot featured in the
book or apply the modules to your own robot designs.
Finally, you'll find the complete schematics for Roundabout, a room
explorer that requires no programming and uses only off-the-shelf
electronics. With Roundabout, you'll use many of the same techniques
used by professional robotics engineers, and you'll experience many of
the same challenges and joys they feel when a robot "comes to life."