Insectronics: Build Your Own Walking Robot

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.

Contents       

   A 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