build a remote controlled robot

In the preface David says: "My interest in robots leaned more toward the popular concept of robots as humanlike friends and servants. I did not have the technical skill or funds to build a computer-controlled robot, so I decided to develop a robot that would fit the popular image of robots and not be too difficult to complete or expensive to build. The result was Questor..." Please read on... Learn all about how to Build A Remote Controlled Robot...

BUILD A REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT

ABOUT "BUILD A REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT"

My review copy of "Build A Remote Controlled Robot", [Complete Plans, Step-by-Step Illustrated Details],© 2002, was previously published back in 1986 as "Build A Remote Controlled Robot for under $300" - TAB Books. It is now published by Mc Graw-Hill who kindly provided me with this review copy.

I was more than somewhat fascinated upon my initial perusal of the book to find it is literally, Complete Plans, Step-by-Step Illustrated Details. Very little electronics involved as such, next to no soldering.

For a robotics enthusiast here's a complete set of plans to create something your friends will envy. Your own butler named "Questor" by the author, David R. Shircliff..

If you want to build a robot, don't want to become involved in heavy electronics, are adept at basic mechanical construction then I recommend you definitely consider buying a copy of "Build A Remote Controlled Robot". Buy it now!

CHAPTERS COVERED IN "BUILD A REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT"

David Shircliff covers these topics in adequate detail (with numerous illustrations and plans) in "Build A Remote Controlled Robot".

INTRODUCTION TO BUILD A REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT

In the introduction David tells us and, I didn't know this: "The word robot comes from the Czech word Robota, which means obligatory work or servitude. The word robot was first used in a Czech play called R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) by Karl Capek. Written in 1921, the play depicts a race of humanoid robots that turn on their masters and destroy them, a theme that seems always to be associated with robots..."

David later goes on to say: "Questor was designed to look like and function like a butler. There is a drink dispenser built into his arm and a vacuum port in his mobile platform. I felt these two functions are what most people expect a robot servant to do. The arms, which help promote Questor's humanoid shape, are nonfunctional; they serve only to hold the serving tray... the head is a lamp, and there are two headlights on the front of the mobile platform..."

THE MOTORIZED PLATFORM

Here we find detailed plans and illustrations for the construction of the basis of Questor the Remote Controlled Robot.

"The motorized platform is a most important part of Questor's construction. It not only supplies the robot with mobility, but contributes to its personality and appeal... capable of carrying 50 lbs (22 Kg) of robot....

There is considerable discussion and again, plans and illustrations relating to the motorized wheels. I didn't know there was such a thing as motorized wheels which ran off 12 volts. A source for buying the motorized wheels is included at the end.

BODY FRAMEWORK

Again, comprehensive plans and photographs - in fact a total of 31 in this chapter alone. Quite a lot of tips including how to cut and assemble the aluminium angle.

POWER SUPPLY AND TEMPORARY CONTROL BOX

This is as simple as it gets. Mostly you just need a screw driver and a suggested 'crimp tool'. The potentiometers need to be soldered though and if this is not your strong point or if you don't have the equipment then hopefully you can enlist the aid of a friend.

The temporary control box is needed so your robot can be tested to move in a straight line and not veer left or right, smart idea.

REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM

Again nothing challenging technically. The remote control system for your Remote Controlled Robot is simply a 2 to 3 channel remote control system you purchase for the project plus a number of other items in the parts list. You could possibly salvage something from a discarded toy! Just needs a little ingenuity to get your remote control system going.

ARMS AND SUBSYSTEMS

The arms, drink dispenser are quite original ideas I think. I just love "Questor's" illuminated head, it looks the part and obviously David is very creative.

RECOMMENDED SOURCES

HERBACH & RADEMAN, Inc.
353 Crider Avenue
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone: (856) 802-0422
Fax: (856) 802-0465
http://www.herbach.com/

DAVID's RECOMMENDED READING

Other popular robotic books from McGraw-Hill -

This handy collection of straightforward, to-the-point definitions is exactly what robotics and artificial intelligence hobbyists need to get and stay up to speed with all new terms that have recently emerged in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Written by an award-winning electronics author, the Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics delivers 400 up-to-date, easy-to-read definitions that make even complex concepts understandable. Over 150 illustrations make the information accessible at a glance and extensive cross-referencing and a comprehensive bibliography facilitate further research.

Covering the very latest trends and developments and written with an eye toward future applications, this compact, no-fluff reference belongs on the desktop of every robotics, artificial intelligence, and electronics hobbyist.

Create your own powerful battling robot from start to finish using this easy-to-follow manual. Robotics experts Pete Miles and Tom Carroll explain the science and technology behind robots, and show you what materials you need to build and program a robot for home, school, and competition.

DO YOU NEED TO BUY "BUILD A REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT"?

If you're into building a remote controlled robot and plan to spend significant money then this book is a small modest investment, if only to get further ideas from "build a remote controlled robot" - [my opinion]. Buy it now!

I can only tell you what I think of this book in a hopefully unbiased fashion. To buy or not to buy is of course your personal decision.

In the book stores look for Build a Remote Controlled Robot by David R. Shircliff. ISBN 0070580839

YOU CAN PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF BUILD A REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT *NOW* THROUGH MY AFFILIATE PROGRAMMES.
Names you can trust!.

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