Overview
Main description
Addressing all aspects of robot locomotion including wheel selection, motors, power transmission, braking, and control systems, detailed sections of this title cover both theoretical and practical elements. A good source for general-purpose robotics designing, the text outlines the advantages and disadvantages of various options. It is also one of the few resources that discuss the problem of designing a robot for outdoor environments and different terrains.
Table of contents
Chapter 1: The Basics of Robot Locomotion Chapter 2: Motor Types: An Overview Chapter 3: Using DC Motors Chapter 4: Using RC Servo Motors Chapter 5: Using Stepper Motors Chapter 6: Mounting Motors Chapter 7: Motor Control 101, The Basics Chapter 8: Motor Control 201--Closing the Loop with Feedback Chapter 9: Electronics and Microcontroller Interfacing Chapter 10: Wheels and Tank Tracks Chapter 11: Locomotion for Multipods Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: Tables, Formulae, and Constants Appendix C: Resources Index
Author comments
Dennis Clark has degrees in electrical engineering technology and computer science and is a graduate student in behavioral robotics at Colorado State University. Mr. Clark has authored a series of articles on behavioral robotics for the European hobbyist magazine Elektor.
Michael Owings is a freelance software developer. He lives and works in southern Louisiana.
Back cover copy
This essential title in McGraw-Hill’s ROBOT DNA SERIES is just what robotics hobbyists need to build an effective drive train using inexpensive, off-the-shelf parts. Leaving heavy-duty “tech speak” behind, the authors focus on the actual concepts and applications necessary to build – and understand -- these critical force-conveying systems.
If you’re hooked on amateur robotics and want a clear, straight-forward guide to the nuts-and-bolts of drive trains, this is the way to go.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BUILD YOUR OWN ROBOT DRIVE TRAIN:
* The Basics of Robot Locomotion
* Motor Types: An Overview
* Using DC Motors
* Using RC Servo Motors
* Using Stepper Motors
* Motor Mounting
* Motor Control
* Electronics Interfacing
* Wheels and Treads
* Locomotion for Multipods
* Glossary of Terms/Tables, Formulas
