LEGO Technic Robotics

LEGO Technic Robotics

Released March 2013
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781430249801

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Book description

Building robots is a snap with LEGO Technic Robotics! This book shows you how to use LEGO bricks and Power Functions components such as motors and remote controls to create all kinds of robots. Best of all, you don't have to learn any programming. You just need your imagination and the expert building principles that you'll find inside LEGO Technic Robotics.

Author Mark Rollins teaches you the hows and whys of Technic project design. You're not just snapping pieces here and there; with LEGO Technic Robotics you're actively learning the fundamentals of good design so you can go on to create truly spectacular LEGO robot creations.

From robots that run on wheels, walk on two or four legs, or move and function in ways that only you can dream up, this book will help you create your own robot army. Turn to LEGO Technic Robotics and build with real power!

After you've mastered the techniques in this book, if you're looking to build more creations, check out Practical LEGO Technics, also written by Mark Rollins, and discover how to build vehicles that can roll, run, and more.

Please note: the print version of this title is black & white; the eBook is full color. You can download the color diagrams in the book from http://www.apress.com/9781430249801

What you'll learn

  • Create a wheeled base for a LEGO Technic robot

  • Construct a walking LEGO Technic robot

  • Control the hands and arms on your robot

  • Attach motors and a remote control your robot

    • Who this book is for

    LEGO or robotics enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to make fun robots with LEGO Technic.

    Table of contents

    1. Title Page
    2. Dedication
    3. Contents at a Glance
    4. Contents
    5. About the Author
    6. About the Technical Reviewer
    7. Acknowledgments
    8. Introduction
    9. CHAPTER 1: Where to Begin with Your LEGO Technic Robot Kit
      1. LEGO Pick a Brick
      2. BrickLink
      3. Web Sites for LEGO Instructions
      4. A Basic Introduction to LEGO Technic Pieces
      5. Designing Digitally with LEGO Software
      6. Summary
    10. CHAPTER 2: Creating a Robot Body
      1. The Three Laws of LEGO Technic Robotics
      2. Project 2-1: Creating a LEGO Base
      3. Project 2-2: A Solid Framework
      4. Project 2-3: Triangle and Trapezoids
      5. Summary
    11. CHAPTER 3: Bring Your LEGO Technic Robots to Life with Power Functions
      1. LEGO Power Functions
      2. A Robot Base with Wheels
      3. Project 3-1: Creating a Four-Wheel Drive Engine Wheel Base
      4. Project 3-2: Creating a Four-Wheel Steering System
      5. Project 3-3: Securing the Robot Base to the Wheeled Base
      6. Powering the Robot Base
      7. Summary
    12. CHAPTER 4: Designing a Robot Arm
      1. Project 4-1: The Hand
      2. Project 4-2: The Wrist
      3. Project 4-3: The Elbow
      4. Project 4-4: The Shoulder
      5. Project 4-5: Joining the Shoulder with the Body
      6. Take Control with the Mega-Remote
      7. Summary
    13. CHAPTER 5: Creating Robots with Extensions
      1. Project 5-1: Rack-and-Pinion Extension
      2. Project 5-2: The Scissorlift Mechanism
      3. Summary
    14. CHAPTER 6: The Robot Head
      1. Circles, Curves, and Other Round Shapes
      2. Project 6-1: Building the Top of the Head with Eyebrows
      3. Project 6-2: Adding Eyes and Nose
      4. Project 6-3: Creating the Mouth
      5. Bringing the Robot Head to Life
      6. Summary
    15. CHAPTER 7: Enabling a LEGO Technic Robot to Walk
      1. Project 7-1: A Two-Legged Walker Motor
      2. Project 7-2: The Legs of the Two-Legged Robot Walker
      3. Creating a Walker with More Than Two Legs
      4. Final Words About Building Robots
      5. Summary
    16. APPENDIX A: Parts List
    17. Index

    Product information

    • Title: LEGO Technic Robotics
    • Author(s):
    • Release date: March 2013
    • Publisher(s): Apress
    • ISBN: 9781430249801