Back Cover
BUILD THE BADDEST BUG IN TOWN!
IT WALKS ON SIX LEGS, POSSESSES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, UTILIZES STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AND IS INCREDIBLY INEXPENSIVE TO BUILD!
This complete project book delivers all the step-by-step plans you need to construct your own six-legged insect-like robot that walks and actually responds to its environment. Using inexpensive off-the-shelf parts hobbyists can 'build a better bug' and at the same time have loads of fun honing their knowledge of mechanical construction, programming, microcontroller use, and artificial intelligence.
Written by an award-winning robotics expert, Insectronics:
* Fully explains PIC programming, use of sensors, and robot intelligence
* Details tools and materials
* Covers obstacle avoidance, sonar room mapping, finding the best route, and maze solving
* Features an informative chapter on software that covers coordinating the servo motors for walking, monitoring infrared and sonar sensors, and controlling the output of sound and light emitting diodes
* Includes a comprehensive chapter on robotic grippers
* Explains how to implement radio remote control to operate the robot up to 1 mile away
* Shows you how to give your robot unique personalized features
* Tells you how to get it all done on a shoestring budget
If you want to the follow the lead of robotics experts who are looking to insects for structural inspiration - and have hours of amusement - Insectronics belongs in your home workshop.
Brief History of Walking Machines
Walking Gaits
Tools, Test Equipment, and Materials
Stages of Robotic Evolution
Chassis, Legs, and Servo Motors
The Main Controller Board
The Infrared Sensor Board
Final Assembly
PIC Programming
Experiments
Ultrasonic Range Finding
Radio Remote Control
Adding a Robotic Gripper
Taking it Further
Author Biography
Karl Williams is currently employed by Mitra Imaging, a leading medical imaging software company recently acquired by AGFA. In 1985 Mr. Williams was the recipient of an IBM computer technology award for building a computer-controlled robotic arm. A resident of Ontario, Canada, he hosts a robotics and electronics web site.
