Description
Book SynopsisA fun coding-free beginner's guide to basic robotics. The book's 16 simple and entertaining robots can all be built using only common materials, basic tools, and some basic electronic components. Readers will use a computer fan and a cake tin to make a nervous bot that vibrates across the floor, build a rolling barrel robot using a paint can and servo motor, and make an unpredictable rolling bot from an over-sized tennis ball and a scrubbing brush, plus plenty more.
Trade Review"If you’re looking to inspire the next robotics engineer, look no further than Homemade Robots. This book explores how to make easy to build robots, all from inexpensive electrical components and everyday household items. With clear pictures and easy to follow directions, you’ll work through progressively more technical builds, exploring new ways to make robots move like crawling, wobbling, rolling, and inch-worming all over your floor."
—Mike Warren, designer, inventor, and best-selling author of Cut in Half: The Hidden World Inside Everyday Objects
"This looks [like] a good one."
—Alun Williams, Gadget Master"It's the fastest guide I've seen to getting bots made and moving, but it also shares a love and appreciation for robots as a fun new medium for expression. Nothing is over simplified, instead the key aspects of what you need to make fun robots asap are clear, straightforward, and fun!"
—Dr. Andrew James Quitmeyer, Director of Digital Naturalism Laboratories
"I can vouch for the fun since I test built some of the robots in the book."
—Becky Stern, Digi-Key
"Homemade Robots is very thoughtfully constructed–inspiration from the robots is paired with practical learning about techniques and methods. This book could have saved me lots of time on my own journey."
—Eric J. Wilhelm, Founder, Instructables
"You will have a blast creating these wobbly and wacky robots that you set free to bump around the house. However, what you may not realize is that you've just gained the foundational skills of an electro-mechanical engineer, and the techniques taught in this book are utilized by all robots, from the clumsiest to the most sophisticated."
—Alex S, Fuzzy Wobble, Toy Maker"Most books about building robots assume that you have access to digital fabrication tools, that you have construction skills, and that you want a programmable robot.
Homemade Robots is for beginners who may not have these skills, tools, or budgets, showing the reader how to make 10 different robots with common or inexpensive items. Simple yet detailed introductions to tools, electronics, and construction techniques assure inclusion of those who have not yet learned these skills."
—Michael Shiloh, Associate Professor of Practice of Interactive Media, New York University Abu Dhabi"If you have good maker skills and an assortment of some of the more common materials, this book would be a good choice . . . All library systems should stock this book. It would make a good addition to a university library."
—Eliana, Age 12, Kids' BookBuzzTable of ContentsIntroductionChapter 1: Building Tools and Supplies
Chapter 2: Getting Started with Electronics
Chapter 3: Motors
Chapter 4: Soldering and Desoldering
Chapter 5: Wobbler
Chapter 6: Buffer
Chapter 7: Daze
Chapter 8: Barreller
Chapter 9: Lazy
Chapter 10: Skitter
Chapter 11: Inchworm
Chapter 12: Walker
Chapter 13: Sail
Chapter 14: Flip Flop
Appendix A: Reference Materials
Appendix B: Cutting and Drilling Templates
Index
