Customer Reviews

Robotics, Second Edition: Designing the Mechanisms for Automated Machinery

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is what real robots are all about -- machines that labor away, doing work without our help, not souped up remote control cars with saw blades and flipper arms (amusing as they might be).

You've seen them on T.V. -- giant arms that weld cars together, pistons and arms that stack and organize a bundle of newspapers, the vibrating tumbler where all the exiting parts are facing the same way, and a conveyor belt arrayed with perfect tablets (because the broken ones have been rejected out).

Learn:

...Systematic planning of robotic automation

...Different driving mechanism (motors, hydraulics, ...)

...Kinematics of machines (actuators, cams, vibrations)

...Transportation systems (conveyors, rotating table, vibration beds)

...Feeding and orientation (arrange all parts the same way, pull parts from bins and magazines, reject off-spec pieces)

...Mechanisms (automatic assembly, inspection, grippers, guides, even walking robots)

This book clearly explains the mechanics behind these robots, from general theories of operation (suitable for beginners) to the intimate formulas that optimize the mechanisms (great reference for practicing machine makers).

This is not a hobbyist "how-to" cook book, so don't expect plans or instructions on how to build such machines. To put the information to good use, you need to have good machining (metal work) skills. Still, it's a great book even if you're just curious about the topic.

Includes tons of drawings of robotics components. It contains illustrated passages about nearly every mechanical component out there. The drawings are clear and simple. Each has a well-written description. An interesting book for anyone mechanically inclined. For engineers it has tables and equations to lay out some of the mechanisms. It also It is an excellent idea jogger and a fun read if you like mechanical stuff. A great book!

This is a terrific book for the practicing engineer to use, but you'd better have your mathematics greased and ready. It is written to take one through the process of design for specific robotic functional areas. Even if you are rusty, the pattern is there to illuminate what you need to brush up on.
I only wish I had the time on the job to carry out the synthesis and analysis as laid out in this book.