Robot Builder's Bonanza, Third Edition

I read some very positive reviews for this book, and was a little disappointed.Though these is some good information in this book and several examples of robots that one could build, several key subject areas are breezed over (robot navigation for example). My biggest issue with the book however was chapter 13 'programming fundamentals' - wholly insufficient for the prospective robot builder.Admittedly, I am an engineering graduate, and perhaps this book is aimed slightly below my level of knowledge. For an absolute beginner/hobbyist, I would understand the ***** rating.

A great book for anybody interested in this area of technology. It's a book I keep returning to time after time.

Dans un anglais simple à comprendre, ce livre aborde tous les sujets de la robotique : mécanique, électronique, informatique, composants, capteurs, etc., de façon simple et efficace, avec de nombreuses illustrations et beaucoup d'informations pratiques. C'est à la fois une boîte à idées, une mine de conseils, une référence à garder à portée de main. Publié récemment, cet ouvrage utilise des techniques modernes et des composants que l'on trouve facilement en France.

I believe this is the best edition of the Robot Builders Bonanza books. It is the last edition to include the "heavy duty 6 legged walking robot" project. The 4th edition seems somehow watered down to me. In the 4th ed, you might notice that there are far more programming projects and far fewer "robot" projects. Too bad.My final advice to you is to get this edition. If you are interested in making robots you cant go wrong with this book. If you are more interested in the build process than the programming process, this is the book for you.Thanks for reading my review. :)

I'm a old guy who has recently developed an interest in Robots. I knew just enough to be dangerous! I wanted to learn all I could as quickly as I could (OK...I'm an impatient old guy) so I bought this book along with "Building Robot Drive Trains" by Dennis Clark. These two books are a wonderful pair for the Newbie robot builder!"Bonanza" covers every aspect of designing, building, and testing your robot creations. You learn about locomotion, sensors, programming, hardware, connectors, and controllers. Multi-legged and humanoid robots are covered. Servos, stepper motors, and DC motors are covered. Scavenging parts from printers, other robot toys, and yard sales is covered. A very thorough introduction for rookies!!The presentation is interesting: the author suggests that you jump around in the book by listing other chapters that are related to the chapter you just finished. However that leads to the only fault I have with this book: its organization is chaotic, to say the least. I found myself searching the Table of Contents and Index very often!On the other hand, this makes it an excellent reference after you have some robotics experience under your belt.I suggest that those interested in learning about robots buy this book, read it more than once, then join a robotics club...locally, if possible, but at least an online club.I recommend this book highly for newbies and experienced roboticists alike!