Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot [Paperback]

Brad Graham (Author), Kathy McGowan (Author), Brad Graham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2004 | ISBN-10: 007143741X | ISBN-13: 978-0071437417 | Edition: 1

Remotely operated robots are becoming increasingly popular because they allow the operators to explore areas that may not normally be easily accessible. The use of video-controlled technology has sparked a growing public interest not just in hobbyists, but also in the areas of research, space, archeology, deep-sea exploration, and even the military. Significant changes in the technology marketplace have made the creation of an all-terrain, video controlled robot accessible to even the amateur robotic hobbyist. There are many robotics project books currently on the market, but most are targeted to hobbyists, and are strictly for indoor use. This book has the ideal mix of “brains and brawn,” making it appealing to hobbyists and interested professionals alike.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

CREATE A ROBOT THAT GOES WHERE NO ROBOT HAS GONE BEFORE

Imagine it -- a tough robot that travels where you can't (even in total darkness), sees what lies hidden from your eyes, reports back instantaneously with live color video and audio, and can even converse with the carbon-based life forms it encounters -- all for less than $200!

It's no dream. Once again, it's Brad Graham and Kathy McGowan to the rescue! The imaginative creators of the most original bike-builder's guide in the universe now bring their beginner-friendly, budget-savvy, heavily illustrated, and creativity-packed methods to the exciting world of robotics.

Inside Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot, Brad and Kathy help even total newcomers to robots and home workshops to construct a rugged, video-controlled, talking, seeing, interacting explorer 'bot with a range of over a mile for under $200!

This book may be the easy way into the world of video-controlled robotics, but it delivers exciting results! It gives you all the help you need to:

* Follow easy plans, illustrations, and instructions to build a talented, versatile, and rugged off-road robot
* Make your robot your alter-ego -- see what it sees, hear what it hears, and speak with anyone it meets
* Control you robot from a block away using a video link
* Customize the chassis to suit your own needs -- several design ideas are presented with a variety of options
* Develop an explorer robot with serious scientific capabilities
* Teach your robot to think for itself with free software
* And much, much more!

BUILD "EARTH EXPLORER"!
Whether you have serious scientific objectives or just want to surprise your pals, you don't have to dream of owning a video-controlled robot anymore. You can build a sophisticated 'bot for less than you ever imagined!

About the Author

Brad Graham is an inventor, robotics hobbyist, and founder and host of the atomiczombie.com Web site, which receives approximately 2500 hits a week. He is also the co-author of Atomic Zombie's Bicycle Builder's Bonanza, perhaps the most creative bicycle-building guide ever written. A computer and network professional with Freedom 2000 Complete Technical Services, which he co-founded with partner Kathy McGowan in 2000, Mr. Graham specializes in computer network setup and maintenance, custom programming, data storage and recovery, and security services.

Kathy McGowan provides logistical and marketing support for many robotics, bicycle, computer, and publishing projects through Freedom 2000 and atomiczombie.com. She also manages the daily administrative operations of both companies and provides personal computer training, sales, and technical services. Additionally, Ms. McGowan is co-author of Atomic Zombie's Bicycle Builder's Bonanza.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics; 1 edition (April 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007143741X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071437417
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #467,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heavy Duty!!, May 31, 2004

By 

Nathan Martin (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot (Paperback)

Roboteers...

This book is like a cross between robot wars and Nasa's mars rovers - very heavy duty machines with great info on building your own. The wheelchair motor and square tube frame system is just perfect for any robot that needs to explore the outside world or compete in battle bots.

If you want to build an indestructable bot, read this!

My robot NAT-5 will be ready soon and will have enough power to pull my lawn-mower around the yard - all controlled via video link.

Nat

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for backyard robot builders, May 18, 2004

By 

Gary Kaminski (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot (Paperback)

What to do with your old combat robot? Tired of demolishing your investment? Want a robot that you won't have to worry about stepping on under foot? Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot, gives you some pointers on a totally different approach towards robotic building and use. Most books on robot construction cover the topic in two areas, either small servo driven semi autonomous robots, or remote controlled combat robots designed for battle ready competition. How about taking a robot that can role out your door onto the lawn and across the street while you're able to control every action and see what it sees from the comfort of sitting in front of your computer. Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot explains in detail how to go about doing just that.

Most of us at one time in our lives have seen a remotely controlled entertainment robot. This book explains how to do the man behind the curtain trick with simple electronics, motors, and scrap metal parts. Nothing is really beyond the reach of the average builder in cost or ability. A number of design ideas are spelled out without getting heavily involved in the minutia of building that tends to slow the understanding and pace of most other books on the subject. In addition some needed attention has been paid to giving your robot character.

Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot makes a great book for the inexperienced builder as well as those designers who have only imagined their creations living within the confines of four walls.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool robots, cool book, May 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot (Paperback)

I'm amazed with the number of pics and easy-to-follow instructions. I'm no expert, but anyone can build these kinds of 'bots, even me! It's fun watching people interact with my robot and the kids love it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's interested in building their first 'bot or starting a new hobby. The best thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money but you can build a very cool 'bot that will explore and entertain for many hours! Great for the kids to get involved in something fun, affordable and an excellent learning experience.