book

Homemade Robots

by Randy Sarafan

August 2021

Beginner

192 pages

3h 59m

English

No Starch Press

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Are Bots Alive?How Should Bots Behave?In Summary
Drills and Drill BitsFasteners and AdhesivesAlternative Materials
Batteries and ElectricityCircuitsWiresTest Leads with Alligator ClipsShort CircuitsSwitchesOther SwitchesSeries CircuitsParallel Circuits
DC MotorsH-BridgesReversing Power to the MotorAdjusting the Motor’s SpeedServo Motors
Soldering Tools and MaterialsGetting StartedSoldering WiresDesolderingModifying the Servo for Direct Drive

Wobbler OverviewConstructing Wobbler
Buffer OverviewConstructing Buffer
Daze OverviewConstructing Daze
Barreller OverviewConstructing Barreller
Lazy OverviewConstructing Lazy
Skitter OverviewConstructing Skitter
Inchworm OverviewConstructing Inchworm
Walker OverviewConstructing Walker
Sail OverviewConstructing Sail
Flip Flop OverviewConstructing Flip Flop
Alternatives to SolderingAlligator ClipsCrimp ConnectorsLevers, Springs, and ScrewsBarrel and Socket ConnectorsAlternatives to Servo MotorsRelay CircuitsDPDT Relay Circuits3PDT Relay CircuitsAdding a Power SwitchBasic Electronics Shopping ListAdditional Resources
BarrellerDazeWalker

Overview

Homemade Robots is a beginnerâ??s guide to building a wide range of mobile, autonomous bots using common household materials. Its 10 creative and easy-to-follow projects are designed to maximize fun with minimal effortâ??no electronics experience necessary!

From the teetering Wobbler to the rolling Barreller, each bot is self-driving and has a unique personality. Thereâ??s the aptly named Inchworm Bot made of aluminum rulers; Buffer, a street sweeper-like bot that polishes the floor as it walks; and Sail Bot, which changes direction based on the wind.

Randy Sarafanâ??s hacker approach to sculptural robotics will appeal to builders of all ages. Youâ??ll learn basic electronics, get comfortable with tools and mechanical systems, and gain the confidence to explore further on your own. A wide world of robots is yours to discover, and Homemade Robots is the perfect starting point.