Product Description

Create larger and more useful mobile robots! Ideal for serious hobbyists, Applied Robotics II begins by discussing PMDC motor operation and criteria for selecting drive, arm, hand and neck motors. Subsequent chapters delve into complex topics, from rolling platform design considerations to neural networks and more. Detailed instructions for building specific systems plus in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence (AI), vision and other advanced concepts are included. Instructive illustrations, schematics, part numbers and sources are also provided, making this book a ômustö for advanced builders with a keen interest in moving from simple reflexes to autonomous, AI-based robots.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #976938 in Books
• Published on: 2002-12-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 360 pages

About the Author
Edwin Wise develops CAD/CAM software during the day, and explores the edges of Mad Science at night. He has written game software for Broderbund and Dynamix and manufacturing software for Point Control and Building Blocks, but always returns to his interest in robots and simulated intelligence after-hours. He is currently building a giant pneumatic robot named Boris, and looks forward to many more years of mad projects.

Customer Reviews

Long-anticipated follow-up to Applied Robotics
This book contains tons of useful, practical information on robot controllers, platforms, drive systems, programming , and even includes some step-by-step instructions for building a robotic arm. Edwin is the creator of FUZBOL, a programming language specifically designed for robotics controllers.

I own the original, and this book appears to be 99% new content, not a re-hash of the original. Well worth the price.

A must-have for any serious robotics enthusiast!

A book at odds with itself.
The first part of the book involves building a robot and a robot arm. Unlike most robotics books, there are many exact dimensions which would be nice if I had an automated metal cutter. I don't, so I won't be building that anytime soon. I think it would have been nice if the author was to offer a kit of parts for the arm.

One interesting thing is that the author chooses both new components and repurposed components (screwdriver motors) for his projects. I like it because sometimes spending the money for new stuff is money well spent, and sometimes searching for inexpensive substitutes is worth it.

However, when the author talks about robotic vision he stops being practical and goes all theoretical. Now, don't get me wrong: his explanation of certain types of neural networks is one of the most clear I've seen, but there is no code. I expected to see at least enough code to manuever a robot around a room. On the other hand, there are *many* good ideas.

All in all, the book was worth both paying for and reading.

Response from the Author
I hope responding to a review isn't in poor taste, but heck, here's my comment. I put the same "star" count as the comment I am commenting on.

Mr. Newman is correct, the arm project is difficult, I can't deny it. It could *probably* be done with a hacksaw, a file, and a drillpress, but I would hate to try that. I made this arm using a $500 manual mill from Grizzley.

As for code for AI, yes, that would have been great in this book! Alas, time and space impose practical limitations. Keep your eyes peeled for a book that makes up for this deficiency next year.