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I built my first robot at age 7. It was made out of parts from an Erector set and stood about three feet tall. It had arms and legs and wheels under its feet. A (very weak) motor was supposed to make it roll forward, but there wasn’t enough tension on the rubber-band pulley that would have transferred the motor’s spinning to the wheels. Still, I was quite proud of its red and steel-colored parts. A year later, Star Wars would provide me with even further motivation to owning my own robot when I watched R2-D2 accepting Princess Leia’s mission to find Ben Kenobi. Throughout my young life, an interest in robots always existed — at times the interest would fade as I discovered other interests, but it always came back.
It would be a decade after graduating from college (with some basic background in electronics and robotics thanks to an engineering degree) before I was invited to join a LEGO beta team for the Mindstorms NXT kit. Here was a reasonably priced robotics kit that actually delivered on its promise — building autonomous robots. (I’m a purist — if you use a remote control to steer or control your device, it’s not a robot. Sorry, SyFy — Robot Combat League needs to be renamed unless you can figure a way to have the robots duke it out all on their own. Two contestants driving the action does not constitute robot combat.)
I enjoyed the NXT robotics kit, and I wrote a number of books on the subject. The NXT (and its predecessor, the Lego RCX) have opened doors for kids around the world to explore robotics, and I’m certain the upcoming Mindstorms version, EV3, will offer even more opportunities for kids (and adults) to build, program, and learn when it is released. I’ve been invited to speak to teachers and kids in and around the Atlanta area about Mindstorms robotics, and it never gets old seeing the kids’ faces when they go hands-on… I imagine the look on their faces probably matches the one on my face so many years ago. They ask some great questions, pose some interesting technical problems, and almost always want to show off their latest robot design. And when the smoke clears (literally, one time!), there’s one question, asked by kids, teachers, and parents, that always pops up:
Where do I (we) go from here?
Thirty years ago, I don’t know if a good answer would have existed. But today? A list of options could run for pages. Normally when I visit schools, I haul along a box of books that I allows adults and kids to look over — these run from general books on robotics to very specific topics. And honestly, the pile of books has gotten so large that I can’t take them all anymore… I’ve had to be much more picky. Kids love to know how things work, and one of the most important recommendations I make to kids (and their parents and teachers) is to start looking under the hood. Lego robotics is a great start, but the plastic housing keeps a lot of the magic hidden. This is probably a good thing, though — pull apart a Lego ultrasonic sensor or light sensor and a kid risks damaging the component so its useless to anyone else needing to use it. The same goes for the Lego programming — the drag-and-drop blocks make understanding the basics of robotic programming so much easier, but kids are limited to only a handful of changes that can be made with each block — change the speed of the motor, for example, or the spin direction. Other blocks satisfy the black box style of programming — enter a number or check a box and something just works. There’s no real grasp of what’s going on underneath.
I mention these items not as complaints, but as simple limitations that push a percentage of kids to dig deeper. And once they dig deeper, there really is no going back. Moving out of the world of Lego robotics involves a change in one or more areas of expertise. Kids will need to start developing a deeper understanding of electronics. Programming knowledge will need to move from simple drag-and-drop blocks to actual text-based coding in many instances (further requiring a more logical understanding of programming concepts and theory). Assembling a robot may no longer be as easy as clicking two pieces of plastic together. But you know what? Kids eat it up. Whenever I speak to a group of 20 or more kids, inevitably there are 5 or 6 that follow me out the door to my car, asking questions, taking notes, writing down website URLs and book titles. I love it. There desire to learn more is contagious, and it always sparks another wave of my own investigations.
What sparked this post was a simple discussion I had a few weeks back with a mother of a very curious ten year old. Ian loves robots, and his school does offer up a robot club where he’s been able to play with Lego robots. But Ian’s got some serious hacker chops. He’s wanting more than the Lego robotics kits can offer, and his mom was looking for some help. We talked for some time about some other robotics kits on the market (VEX, for example), but this was one smart lady — she didn’t want to spend money on pre-packaged kits. She wants Ian to build his own robots. Ask a hundred educators what they would do here, and you’ll get a hundred different suggestions. I’m not a professional teacher, so all I could offer her was my own experiences and explain the pros and cons of various books, websites, and kits that I’ve explored. This conversation moved to email and dozens of back-and-forth discussions that (I’m not kidding here) she printed out and put into a binder that is quite thick with her own research, book reviews from other sources, and pricing of kits and such from sites such as SparkFun and AdaFruit. All this research done for her ten year old boy who she says finishes up every project she puts in front of him. (I’m going to have to keep an eye on Ian’s future… might be buying stock in any company he ends up working for!)
Below are some of the books that I recommended to Ian’s mom, but this list doesn’t cover a number of books that offer up individual chapters or appendices that stand alone as great references. (Those reviewed here on GeekDad are indicated by an *.)
* Make Electronics by Charles Platt (review here)
* Robot Builder’s Bonanza by Gordon McComb (review here)
Making Things Move by Dustyn Roberts
* Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred by David Erik Nelson (review here)
* Make: Lego and Arduino Projects by John Baichtal, Matthew Beckler and Adam Wolf (review here)
Beginning Arduino by Michael McRoberts
Junkbots, Bugbots & Bots On Wheels by David Hrynkiw and Mark W. Tilden
* Robotics: Discover The Science And Technology Of The Future by Kathy Ceceri (review here)As I said, there are many more, but these are the books I consistently reach for when trying to answer questions from parents and teachers. I try to encourage teachers and parents to point kids to books and projects that will give them hands-on projects that are more basic… closer to the actual electronics. Given that most of these kids want to continue to build robots, I tell them that advanced robots will require more advanced skills; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a kid shy away from that kind of challenge. Some kids focus on the electronics, and some focus on the programming. Either way, they win! If an interest in robotics spurs kids to dive deeper into more specific topics, I don’t think that can ever be a bad thing. I’ve run back into some kids (now three or four years older than when I first met them) who blew me away with a robot or special school project that they wanted to share with me, and when I’ve been lucky enough to chat with the teacher or parent, I often get the full story of various improvements — grades, study habits, behavior, and much more.
Before I wrap up this post, I want to share with you two new books that I will be adding to the above recommended list.
Arduino Robot Bonanza by Gordon McComb
Yep, the same guy who wrote the amazing Robot Builder’s Bonanza (now in its 4th edition) that should be required reading for any budding robot builder. Well, McGraw-Hill has had this book listed as upcoming for some time now, and I’ve been very anxious to get a look. I’m happy to report that McComb hasn’t missed a beat. It’s an absolute winner, with discussions starting out assuming no real experience with either an Arduino or electronics. McCombs make it a point early in the book to explain that very few tools will be needed and no welding or metal cutting required… all the example robots that the reader will build will be relatively cheap (in terms of component pricing) and easy to assemble. Now, the programming aspect is definitely not covered in as much detail as some young readers may like, but since the code is available as a download, kids (and adults) can skip over that part of the process if desired and simply upload the files to the Arduino for the respective robots. (If you’ve got someone wanting to get REALLY good with Arduino programming, grab the Beginning Arduino book mentioned in the above list — it’s outstanding in its explanations.)
Robots that are covered include TeachBot, TuneBot, and TeleBot, and complete wiring instructions are provided (both as a schematic and what appears to be Fritzing diagrams) — there is excellent explanations for how to read a schematic and then wire it up, but once again… the simple photograph of the breadboard and all the wiring should suffice for readers needing more assistance. Sensors are covered (light following robots, for example) and lots of suggestions for variations and modifications will make certain that young robot builders have plenty of future projects to keep them busy.
As for building the robot bodies, an entire section is devoted to fasteners, materials (PVC, aluminum, and many more), and construction tools needed (most no more advanced than a simple handsaw). Each robot provides detailed building plans (with measurements) although there are options for buying pre-cut/pre-drilled body parts.
Throughout the entire book, the focus stays on the Arduino, too. There are always side discussions and dedicated chapters on shields, add-ons (such as the XBee that allow wireless communication to and from your robots), and sensors… lots of sensors. While a young reader isn’t going to get a super-detailed knowledge of electronics, there is enough here to light a fire and encourage further study.
All in all, Arduino Robot Bonanza is a superb companion to Robot Builder’s Bonanza. If you’ve got a young robot builder under your roof, either or both of these books will be extremely useful.
Hacking Electronics by Simon Monk
Although not focused on robots, this full-color book is impressive in how it tackles hacking electronics if you’ve not got a solid understanding of circuitry and electronics components to begin with. The author jumps into the subject by offering up early coverage of the basic tools (soldering iron, breadboard) and provides a short and fast tutorial on electronics theory (voltage, resistance, current, power) that’s just enough to get you moving. I tried to put myself into the shoes of someone starting from scratch, and yes… this book removes much of the fear of “doing damage.”
The projects in the book are cut-and-dry — you’re given a very specific list of components and a detailed walkthrough of what to do with it all. This is good and bad — good in the sense that you’re less likely to mess anything up, but bad in the sense that if you’re looking for suggestions on modifying and tinkering with an item, you’ll have to break out on your own. The programming code, for example, is provided but you’re not going to get a deep explanation for how and why the program works (or how it works).
Most of the chapters are broken into sections related to a single components — Chapter 6 covers the basics of the Arduino, for example, and Chapter 8 discusses hacking electronic sensors. If you’re looking for a simple robot project, you’ll find that in Chapter 7 that covers hacking with modules. What the chapter lacks in deep explanations it makes up for with full-color wiring assemblies of the robot along with the program broken into little pieces that are briefly explained.
One of the chapters that I am most impressed with is Chapter 8, Hacking with Sensors. The author provides simple snippets of code for a variety of sensors — temperature, gas detection, color, vibration, accelerometer, and magnetic. With the code, you get a quick explanation of how to make it work; tweaking the proper code settings and the wiring involved to get it on the breadboard. I often find that’s all I want… just give me the fast explanation for how to integrate something into my robot, and that’s what you get here.
If I could change one thing about the book, it might be to move Chapter 10 forward in the book — this one covers taking things apart and not breaking them as well as scavenging components and doing small repairs on broken connections. And for all the projects in the book, the author provides an outstanding appendix that lists every part with its part# and (more often than not) a short list of vendors who can provide each components (and their unique part# when necessary).
There are some really fun projects in this book — hacking a slot car racer, for example. And the discussions on integrating an Arduino into an electronic toy are well done — there’s even a tutorial for controlling the toy (via the Internet) using a shield. Fun stuff.
Read more here.
A few months ago I had a blast playing with Simon Monk’s 30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius, and noticed that his 15 Dangerously Mad Projects included a coil gun. I’ve always wanted to make a coil gun!
Since the coil is wrapped around the tube from a plastic pen, and the iron projectile is inside the tube, it will fly along towards the coil. As all the energy from the capacitors will be spent in a matter of milliseconds, the coil should ideally be turned off by the time the projectile passes its center and exits out the other side of the tube.Simon’s plans and walk-through are wonderful. I learned a lot reading the detailed but easy to understand instructions. He also selects parts and components that I am sure I can source locally and I love that he improvised brackets from a plastic drinking bottle.
I also learned that I will not be making a coil gun. That curiosity is now satisfied!
Simon Monk’s 15 Dangerously Mad Projects for the Evil Genius
Click here to check out more great engineering resources from McGraw-Hill.
Are you interested in getting into electronics as a hobby but feel intimidated by the tools and terminology? Do you have some experience with basic electronics but haven’t made the leap to programming the Arduino or building projects with sensors and modules? You’re in luck!
TAB Books has just published Hacking Electronics: An Illustrated DIY Guide for Makers and Hobbyists by Simon Monk.
This beautiful, full-color book contains everything you need to know to get started with your own electronics projects. Inside, you’ll find descriptions of the basic tools you’ll need, as well as explanations of how to solder and how to read a multimeter. You’ll also learn a little electrical theory so you understand why things work.
But mostly you’ll get hands-on practical descriptions and examples. And best of all, you’ll learn how to make things — whether you’re building the from scratch, assembling modules, or hacking components from old devices into new uses.
This book packs so much into its nearly 300 pages, that even seasoned experimenters will find plenty of new ideas and valuable reference material. It’s the next best thing to having a seasoned mentor standing at your side!
Another cool new book from McGraw-Hill’s TAB imprint!
Stage two of the TAB robot invasion has arrived!
Gordon McComb is the famed author of Robot Builder’s Bonanza, now in its fourth edition. He’s been writing about robots since the 1970s and has been called the “father of hobby robotics.”
His new book is fresh off the presses…
It’s called Arduino Robot Bonanza. That’s right, a robot bonanza just for Arduino!
Why do we call it a “bonanza?”
Inside, you’ll find nearly 400 pages of high-quality information on everything you need to know, from constructing the chassis to programming the Arduino. It’s an all-in-one resource that serves as a hands-on tutorial for novices and a valuable reference for experienced hobbyists.
Anyone with average construction skills and access to ordinary shop tools can build the projects in Arduino Robot Bonanza. No heavy cutting or welding tools are needed, and every effort is made to keep material costs down. All electronics needed are easily obtainable from common sources.
While developing your Arduino skills, you’ll learn to build the basic Teachbot, a music-playing Tunebot, a video-broadcasting Telebot, a slithering Snakebot, and more.
The book is an incredible value at just US $30, and it comes with additional online resources direct from the author. You owe it to yourself to check it out!
Check out this new book from McGraw-Hill’s TAB Books. The robot invasion is here!
New from McGraw-Hill…
A practical guide to next-generation wireless terrestrial optical communication through the atmospheric channel.
Terrestrial Wireless Optical Communication by Devi Chadha provides in-depth details on Free Space Optics (FSO), from basic concepts to design implementation. The book explains channel characteristics in the near-IR and IR range of the spectrum, atmospheric channel models, modulation and detection techniques, optimal performance, capacity enhancement methods, and forward-error coding schemes. Link and system design issues, reliability, and safety standards are also discussed. The information in this essential guide enables you to deliver cost-effective and transparent wireless network interoperability and expandability.
Devi Chadha is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. She’s been teaching and doing research in the area of optical communication for the last 20 years. She is Senior Member of the IEEE and a Fellow of The Institution of Engineers (India).
BY BRIAN HEATER
“Well, that’s gonna be a short conversation,” says John Linnell of They Might Be Giants laughs, when I kick off my conference call by asking about his band’s science background. “It’s been great talking to you,” jokes his bandmate John Flansburgh.
While I’m surely not the first to discover that the musical duo have no formal training in science and engineering, the impending release of Nanobots, the Brooklyn band’s 16th record, certainly brings up old questions about where precisely the duo gets off singing about those fields of study so frequently. Flansburgh manages to frame the issue in most succinct — and characteristically arcane – manner: “If scientifically minded people are looking for the clearest example of the Peter Principle in the 21st century, it is They Might be Giants being allowed to make an album about science.”
Soft Bots Jump With the Boom
Engineers looking to make soft, rubbery droids that could be useful in future search-and-rescue operations more mobile are researching tiny explosions to propel them as much as a foot in the air.
If successful, future soft bots may contain internal combustion engines to drive them on missions, such as squirming through rubble to find trapped disaster victims.
“You’re going to look like you have magic powers compared to everyone else.” — Gabe Newell, Valve
Check out this terrific video about the value of learning to code!
nybg:
As if bumblebees weren’t already cool enough, this just in: they’re using electric fields to judge whether or not a flower has already been plundered of its pollen by another pollinator. This article from Scientific American says that the bees “build up a positive electrical charge as they rapidly flap their wings.” This is useful to the bees and the flowers as it helps the pollen more tightly cling to the bees. But it also turns out that it minutely changes the electrical field of flowers which have already been visited by another bee, and the bees can see this. As I have said so many times before, and will probably say a thousand times again, nature is so totally cool! ~AR
(via Bumblebees Sense Electric Fields in Flowers: Scientific American)
The CircuitLab Blog
“Practical Electronics for Inventors” Features CircuitLabThe new third edition of “Practical Electronics for Inventors”, by Paul Scherz and Simon Monk, was just published last month. Our team was pleasantly surprised to discover that the book features CircuitLab as recommended electronics software, and even includes a brief walkthrough with screenshots!
We just received our copy, and it’s an impressive 1000+ page volume, starting from basic theory and flowing into hands-on practical circuit design. It covers everything from basic transistor circuits to op-amps, digital logic, motor control, component selection, and how-to prototyping tips. The book would be a great fit for a hands-on electronics course at the undergraduate or high school level, or for hobbyists looking for a comprehensive getting started guide and lab reference. (And, of course, CircuitLab would be a great tool for exploring many of the concepts in the book!) For a more in-depth book review, also see Wired’s “Geekdad” blog.
Electrical Engineering books from McGraw-Hill » click here.
In the 1950s, a small team of engineers set to work on a secret program called Project 1794—a supersonic craft designed to shoot down Soviet bombers. Now a trove of declassified documents reveals the audacious mission to build a flying saucer.
(via engineeringisawesome)
