Product Description
A complete overview of the fundamentals of robotics. Case study examples of educational, industrial and generic robots are discussed. Class demonstration software is provided with the laboratory manual. (vs. Craig, Fu, and Asada). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent for robotics
this is an excellent books for serious researchers on robot dynamics and control. has a serious treatment of all robot terminology, with an emphasis on vector representation of the robotic system. ... Read more

Product Description
The FIRST robotics competition, started by genius inventor Dean Kamen in hopes of jump-starting American innovation and creating the next generation's version of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, has become a worldwide phenomenon—and regularly spurs students and teachers to accomplishments they never dreamed possible. In The New Cool, acclaimed author Neal Bascomb follows one ragtag team of high school competitors who are led by a charismatic physics teacher named Amir Abo-Shaeer (Abo-Shaeer is the first high school teacher to win the MacArthur “Genius” Award).  In a marathon effort of sixteen-hour days and mind-bending engineering hurdles, the team struggles to build their robot and fight their way toward the national championship.  As the season progresses, these ordinary students—thanks in large part to one extraordinary teacher—discover untapped reserves of resourcefulness and strength.
 
The New Cool is not just the story of the FIRST program and what it means for an America struggling to extend its heritage of entrepreneurship and innovation—it also portrays some of our nation’s brightest young people as they struggle to overcome challenges both intellectual and emotional, live out the agony and ecstasy of competition, and ultimately achieve more than they ever dreamed. ... Read more

Product Description

Probabilistic Reasoning and Decision Making in Sensory-Motor Systems by Pierre Bessiere, Christian Laugier and Roland Siegwart provides a unique collection of a sizable segment of the cognitive systems research community in Europe. It reports on contributions from leading academic institutions brought together within the European projects Bayesian Inspired Brain and Artifact (BIBA) and Bayesian Approach to Cognitive Systems (BACS). This fourteen-chapter volume covers important research along two main lines: new probabilistic models and algorithms for perception and action, new probabilistic methodology and techniques for artefact conception and development. The work addresses key issues concerned with Bayesian programming, navigation, filtering, modelling and mapping, with applications in a number of different contexts.

Product Description
Electronic business, commonly referred to as "eBusiness" or "e-business", may be defined as the utilization of information and communication technologies in support of all the activities of business. Commerce constitutes the exchange of products and services between businesses, groups and individuals and can be seen as one of the essential activities of any business. Electronic commerce focuses on the use of ICT to enable the external activities and relationships of the business with individuals, groups and other businesses. Louis Gerstner, the former CEO of IBM, in his book, Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? attributes the term "e-Business" to IBM's marketing and Internet teams in 1996. Electronic business methods enable companies to link their internal and external data processing systems more efficiently and flexibly, to work more closely with suppliers and partners, and to better satisfy the needs and expectations of their customers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Price vs. Originality
I tried making my points in a discussion but they went unnoticed:

1. The description on Amazon is incorrect, it seems to be referring to an E-Commerce book.

2. I wish I could see the ToC for this book - it is a mere 100 pages long and looks (from the statement on the cover and the fact that there are no authors, only editors) like it is merely edited Wikipedia articles. The book is small, so it's not like 100 pages is a lot, and there does not seem to be a large volume of content ($0.42 per page). My question is - why do I need this for my research when there are far better volumes avaiable, not only by price but by content volume:
1. Professional MRDS by Khyle Johns and Trever Taylor - 826 pages for $31.49 ($0.04 per page)
2. Programming MRDS by Sara Morgan - 324 pages for $23.09 ($0.07 per page)

I understand the volume is newer, but not much has actually changed in MRDS recently and the editors do not appear to be generating new content either.

I'll wait for this one rather:
"Robot Development Using Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio" 432 pages for $53.96 ($0.12 per page) ... Read more

Product Description

The development of the Internet and World Wide Web technology has motivated the introduction of new ways for distance learning and education. This book provides a timely and cohesive set of contributions that present methodologies, technologies and practical tools for teaching control and robotic systems analysis and design over the Web. It is the first book of its kind in control and robotics education.

The emphasis is placed on the two major means for web-based control and robotics education, viz. virtual labs and telelabs. In a virtual lab the remote student can use a simulation/animation of the system under control for the experiments, whereas in a telelab the student can remotely conduct real physical experiments via the Web.

The book includes sufficient background and review material and investigates valuable new tools and best practices validated by several case-studies in many academic environments under a variety of educational conditions and requirements.

The book aims to enhance technological and educational skills with the ultimate goal to encourage web-based control and robotics learning.

Product Description
In this practical reference, popular author Lewin Edwards shows how to develop robust, dependable real-time systems for robotics and other control applications, using open-source tools. It demonstrates efficient and low-cost embedded hardware and software design techniques, based on Linux as the development platform and operating system and the Atmel AVR as the primary microcontroller. The book provides comprehensive examples of sensor, actuator and control applications and circuits, along with source code for a number of projects. It walks the reader through the process of setting up the Linux-based controller, from creating a custom kernel to customizing the BIOS, to implementing graphical control interfaces.

Including detailed design information on:
· ESBUS PC-host interface
· Host-module communications protocol
· A speed-controlled DC motor with tach feedback and thermal cut-off
· A stepper motor controller
· A two-axis attitude sensor using a MEMS accelerometer
· Infrared remote control in Linux using LIRC
· Machine vision using Video4Linux

The Accompanying CD-ROM contains a wealth of design materials, including:
· Full schematics and source code for the projects described
· Ready-made disk images for the miniature Linux distribution uses as the basis for the PC-side software
· Distribution archives of source code for all GNU software used, along with application-specific patches where appropriate
· A free version of the schematic capture and PCB CAD software used
· Atmel AVR Studio

* The first-ever book on using open source technology for robotics design!

* Immensely valuable source code and design tools provided on the CD-ROM

* Covers hot topics such as GPS navigation, 3-D sensing, and machine vision, all using a Linux platform! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Interesting concepts
Edwards does the reader a great service by going into why decisions are made. For example, Edwards leads you through the choice of which PC motherboard he was going to use for the project. His decisions and considerations were very insightful to me. Although the board(s) selected are now out of date according to the manufacturers, using his process will enable you to find motherboards to be able to handle the tasks in the book. Next, Edwards leads you through setting up Linux using BusyBox and how to divide the system up using a compact harddrive and a CompactFlash. All in all, while I consider myself an expert linux user, I found his coverage of material very interesting. Another keeper for my robotics bookshelf.

for an experienced readership
Edwards claims that his book is the first on using open source software to build robotic systems. The aim is to reduce the cost, as compared with using a commercial real time operating system. Hitherto, the latter has been the choice of many robotics designs.

He puts a lot of detail into the text, of how to use linux as the embedded operating system in the robot. To address the issue of whether linux is up to the demands of real time running. The ideal reader should be proficient both in linux device drivers and in constructing robots. The text is probably not ideal for someone new to either field.

To motivate the reader, Edwards provides several examples of functionalities to be built into the robots. Like being able to use GPS, which sounds quite neat. ... Read more

Product Description
Many companies are now offering robots that are geared to the casual electronics hobbyist, both in kit form and as fully assembled models. This book gives an overview of available robot products, ranging from the simple to the complex. Interested readers will be able to find the robot kit that matches their skill level and pocketbook. Beginners may want to try a robot that is already fully assembled, or a kit with pre-assembled electronics. Other readers may opt for kits that require soldering and electronic experience. Other criteria a reader will be able to review include motion systems (robots that roll on wheels, or walk on legs, or robot arms), available sensors (from none to a wide range), and programming complexity (how the robot is programmed). If its not really a robot, its not in this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A basic overview of inexpensive robot packages
This book runs the gamut of basic robots that are available. I read it when I was in the process of developing a proposal for a special topics course in robotics. With a need to have some hands-on activities in the course, I was looking for some inexpensive equipment that could be programmed. I found several possibilities as well as some excellent choices for Christmas gifts for my children.
The book is not about the theory of robotics, but about several robot packages that are available for purchase. Each package is briefly described, with photos, the capabilities of the robot and some sample code if applicable. The author disregards all items that are robots only in the advertising brochures, considering only machines that are programmable in some form. His second criteria for inclusion is the price, he covers only those robots that are under $3000. The description of each robot ends with the links to the manufacturer, which was very helpful to my shopping. Most of the manufacturers describe their robots in detail on their site and also have additional robotics equipment for sale.
For the first time in my life as a parent, I have some of the Christmas shopping done for my children before Thanksgiving. I also have completed the proposal for the hands-on robotics class and it appears that the department will approve it. This book helped me accomplish both, it is an excellent resource for the investigation of what low-cost robotics kits are available.

A Broad Overview of Inexpensive Robotics Products
Personal Robotics is comprised primarily of reviews of a few dozen robot kits and fully-assembled robots available to educational institutions and individual hobbyists.In the initial section, the author addresses the qualities which he feels distinguish small, inexpensive robots from common toys.He next discusses the development of the concept of the robot, beginning with 17th- and 18th-century automata, and moving on to such influences as Shelley's Frankenstein and 20th.-century science fiction.He compares the popular conception of the robot with today's reality of industrial robots used in manufacturing processes. The remainder of the book is a series of product reviews.The first set of products reviewed are experimenter and educational-style kits priced at $50 - $300, from Learning Curve, Robotix, Capsela, LEGO, and TurboZ.The second set describes generally more complex robots aimed at hobbyists, priced at $50 - $700, including OWI robots, the RugWarrior Pro, BEAM robots, and the Johuco Phoenix.The final section introduces the Pioneer series, an entry-level robot line from an industrial robot manufacturer priced at under $3,000, and aimed at public schools.As this book was published in 1999, the AIBO, the P3, and other robotic systems which have received attention in the press lately are notably absent.Nonetheless, hobby roboticists interested in product overviews, those interested in becoming familiar with many of the industry's active manufacturers, and those shopping for inexpensive, ready-made mobile robots will benefit from reading this book.

Cool book
This book is very interesting and will help you with building robots of all kinds.This book is filled with interesting information ... Read more

Product Description
The Robotics and Automation Handbook addresses the major aspects of designing, fabricating, and enabling robotics systems and their various applications. The chapters cover the development and implementation of specifications for a robotic system and the issues related to the forces and torques generated on a robotic system. The author presents kinetic and dynamic analyses to demonstrate how a robotic system is analyzed. The book includes coverage of a variety of controls approaches including classical, multivariable and optimal. Also covered are the specific difficulties of particular applications and how these are addressed in the development of the robot. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good and informative book for robotics engineers and students
I am studying robotics. I find this book very useful.

Chapter 6: "Kane's Method in Robotics" introduces KANE method to drive dynamics equations for robotics in detail with example.

Other chapters are well written with C source code. I have not tested these code carefully.

Highly recommend for grad students those have read "Introduction to Robotics" of John Craig, "Dynamics: Theory and Applications" of Thomas R. Kane and David. A Levison. ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents the results of an assessment of the state of robotics in Japan, South Korea, Western Europe and Australia and a comparison of robotics R&D programs in these countries with those in the United States. The comparisons include areas like robotic vehicles, space robotics, service robots, humanoid robots, networked robots, and robots for biological and medical applications, and based on criteria such as quality, scope, funding and commercialization. This important study identifies a number of areas where the traditional lead of the United States is being overtaken by developments in other countries.

Contents: Robotic Vehicles; Space Robotics; Humanoids; Industrial, Personal, and Service Robots; Robotics for Biological and Medical Applications; Networked Robots. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of tested and proven projects that can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of highly intelligent and workable robot creatures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

This Book Kicks Robo
This great book goes deep into the art of mechanics and electronics. Robot Builder's Bonanza thoroughly and simply explains the materals, process, and trouble shooting of robotics.
This book explained many new things in ways I could understand. This book is a great introduction into robotics and electronics. It has many projects which I am working on some of. Robot Builder's Bonanza explains how to make anything from sensors to drive systems and tells you good sorces for the materials. This book is a wonderful reference guide for all sorts of things. So I urge you to buy this fantastic book!...

This Book Kicks ...
This great book goes deep into the art of mechanics and electronics. Robot Builder's Bonanza thoroughly and simply explains the materals, process, and trouble shooting of robotics.
This book explained many new things in ways I could understand. This book is a great introduction into robotics and electronics. It has many projects which I am working on some of. Robot Builder's Bonanza explains how to make anything from sensors to drive systems and tells you good sorces for the materials. This book is a wonderful reference guide for all sorts of things. So I urge you to buy this fantastic book!!

This Book Kicks Robo-[butt]
This great book goes deep into the art of mechanics and electronics. Robot Builder's Bonanza thoroughly and simply explains the materals, process, and trouble shooting of robotics.
This book explained many new things in ways I could understand. This book is a great introduction into robotics and electronics. It has many projects which I am working on some of. Robot Builder's Bonanza explains how to make anything from sensors to drive systems and tells you good sorces for the materials. This book is a wonderful reference guide for all sorts of things. So I urge you to buy this fantastic book!!!

this is the book !
I have about 10 robotics books, yet this one is my favorite. This one has complete parts lists for making cool sensors such as a 40 KhZ ultrasonic ranging system, arms and grippers, sound detection etc. Clean diagrams + complete parts lists. This book is very inspiring and will kick the robotics door wide open. Word! Well worth the list price of 18.95

Excellent Resource but notice the publish date
As other reviews have commented, this book has a wealth of information on robotic systems and explained in a way that makes it very available to a beginner but with enough detail for the expert.

However, note that the book was published in 1987.There were not any microcontrollers for the hobbiest at the time (the computers quoted in the book are Apple IIe and IBM-PC clones).

If you want a good description of sensors and output systems, then this book is excellent, if you want information about programable brains of robots, this book will not satisfy you. ... Read more

Product Description
Competing for a $30 million prize, a team is developing an unmanned lunar rover that performs well, perhaps even a bit too well. Aerospace writer Midge McConnell becomes suspicious of the rover’s human-like performance. Her investigations will take her from Hollywood, to the halls of academia, through the Air Force’s Satellite Surveillance Headquarters, onto a lethally guarded Texas research site, inside an exotic lakeside Chinese Traditional Medicine Sanatorium, and to the Xichang Rocket Launch Base in Sichuan Province, China. What she discovers will put her squarely on the horns of a moral dilemma. International relations here on earth, and perhaps the survival of the human species in future space colonies will depend on her choice.

This techno thriller is based on two contradicting statements made recently: (1) English physicist Stephen Hawking proclaimed that the future survival of the human species depends on space travel to other planets, and (2), a former NASA official said that until we can engineer a tiny person, long space trips carrying human intelligence is not practical.

Could an autonomous intelligent computer bridge this gap? Would it be capable of making necessary moral decisions? The dilemma is solved by a terminally ill quadriplegic’s immoral human decision; lie about the robotic intelligence by putting himself secretly aboard and pretend to be a computer, a COMPUTER BRAIN.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

We have Mobile Phones. Why not a Mobile Brain?
In COMPUTER BRAIN, Dr. Dusenbury continues Michael Crichton's tradition of weaving the threads of real facts into the fabric of a disturbingly plausible scientific fiction. The story launches from the real fact of the $30 million Lunar X-Prize for the first private venture robotics team to reach the moon. It is not much of a reach of imagination that a competitive team's ambitionmight tempt it to take steps to shorten the development time while choosing to shorten a life.
It would also not be a stretch of the imagination that the author himself wrote this review to encourage others to read the book and contribute a thoughtful and hopefully a 5 starreview.
Download a free sample on I-Phone or Kindle Reader.
... Read more

Product Description
The purpose of this book is to reach out to teachers, parents, coaches, and studentswho may be hoping to, or just investigating the possibility of, how to getstarted with robotics. At the same time, we hope to leverage the efforts of thosewho have been hard at work and "play" in this massive movement for manyyears, applaud their efforts, and provide them with documentation, support, andadditional resources to reach further into the possibilities they can help create forall of us in bringing the power and potential of learning through robotics to morestudents, to the classroom and beyond. Not only does this book provide resourcesand firsthand insight into this exciting field, but it also provides one-of-a-kindperspectives of curricular applications of robotics for student learning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Robotics
For anyone involved with or interested in robotics education, this is a must read.Excellent explanation of not only the innumerable connections to ed theory, but to the very practical experience of learning that all robotics students will enjoy... ... Read more

Product Description
About the Handbook of Industrial Robotics, Second Edition:

"Once again, the Handbook of Industrial Robotics, in its Second Edition, explains the good ideas and knowledge that are needed for solutions." -Christopher B. Galvin, Chief Executive Officer, Motorola, Inc.

"The material covered in this Handbook reflects the new generation of robotics developments. It is a powerful educational resource for students, engineers, and managers, written by a leading team of robotics experts." - Yukio Hasegawa, Professor Emeritus, Waseda University, Japan.

"The Second Edition of the Handbook of Industrial Robotics organizes and systematizes the current expertise of industrial robotics and its forthcoming capabilities. These efforts are critical to solve the underlying problems of industry. This continuation is a source of power. I believe this Handbook will stimulate those who are concerned with industrial robots, and motivate them to be great contributors to the progress of industrial robotics." -Hiroshi Okuda, President, Toyota Motor Corporation.

"This Handbook describes very well the available and emerging robotics capabilities. It is a most comprehensive guide, including valuable information for both the providers and consumers of creative robotics applications." -Donald A. Vincent, Executive Vice President, Robotic Industries Association

120 leading experts from twelve countries have participated in creating this Second Edition of the Handbook of Industrial Robotics. Of its 66 chapters, 33 are new, covering important new topics in the theory, design, control, and applications of robotics. Other key features include a larger glossary of robotics terminology with over 800 terms and a CD-ROM that vividly conveys the colorful motions and intelligence of robotics. With contributions from the most prominent names in robotics worldwide, the Handbook remains the essential resource on all aspects of this complex subject. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great resource for those active in robotics
This book is an excellent addition to the scientific literature. It includes an extensive discussion of scholarly and practical robotic topics ranging from kinematics and programming to practical application areas andeconomic concerns. The editor has complied 66 chapters of information from120 contributors. As one who has edited books and journals, I canappreciate the task in getting over 100 contributors to commit to thisundertaking.The handbook is over 1300 pages long and includes a CD whichallows one to see many of the operations described in the printed matter ina very visual fashion. The book is divided into 12 parts with the sectionon terminology containing over 800 terms. I personally was delighted to seechapters included on micro and nanorobotics reflecting the developments andinterest in miniaturization. This book is highly recommened.

robotics
Iwould like to informations fore robotics,thank you

Comprehensive Anticipatory Design Science
This book is simply great.I believe this book will hold its own and stand against the test of time for several decades.The information provided is simply one of the most comprehensive, all inclusive works in the field of industrial robotics.It covers a thorough history of robotics, and a detailed analysis of all the quirks and surprises discovered when working on such complex pieces of machinery.There are those who would say, in the light of relelntless progress, that this book is outdated.While I do not believe them, if they are right in this respect, this book still has so much to offer.The tales of human ingenuity may well prove to be more valuable than the technical information.Buy this book now, before they stop publishing it! ... Read more

Product Description
"Manipulation" refers to a variety of physical changes made to the world around us. Mechanics of Robotic Manipulation addresses one form of robotic manipulation, moving objects, and the various processes involved--grasping, carrying, pushing, dropping, throwing, and so on. Unlike most books on the subject, it focuses on manipulation rather than manipulators. This attention to processes rather than devices allows a more fundamental approach, leading to results that apply to a broad range of devices, not just robotic arms.The book draws both on classical mechanics and on classical planning, which introduces the element of imperfect information. The book does not propose a specific solution to the problem of manipulation, but rather outlines a path of inquiry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fundamentals of the study of robotic manipulation

This is a beautiful introduction to the field of robotic manipulation, and should be required reading for all graduate students in robotics.Each topic is treated carefully and rigorously.It is only fair to admit that the author was my Ph.D. advisor.

There is a strong emphasis on providing a mental toolkit for reasoning about physical systems.A particular highlight is the selection of graphical methods for thinking about rigid body systems with friction and contact.The careful reader, after working through this book, will be able to reason about mechanical systems with pencil and paper, rather than blind implementations of computer simulations.

The book is dense and requires significant work from the reader.Though there are no prerequisites for the book other than basic calculus, many of the proofs and techniques require some mathematical sophistication and a strong attention to detail to follow.

The book is also specialized, and does not attempt to cover all the details of manipulator design, modeling, or control -- instead, the focus is on the motion of the system being manipulated, which might be much more interesting than the manipulator itself.

For the above reasons, this book is not for everyone, but as a robotics researcher, I have come back to this book over and over again while reviewing papers or thinking about how to quickly model and understand a new system.

Nice for overview, bad for understanding
Mason covers quite a collection of techniques in his book; so as an partial overview of work done on techniques addressing problems of mechanical nature in robotics, this book is reasonable. One can use it as a starting point to find more information on these topics.

However, in my opinion the book is not suitable to gain an understanding of the subject. Mason tries to cover many methods but often fails to clearly describe the essence of techniques. I often find myself reading the same section a number of times to piece together the essence of how a technique works. ... Read more

Product Description
Create larger and more useful mobile robots! Ideal for serious hobbyists, Applied Robotics II begins by discussing PMDC motor operation and criteria for selecting drive, arm, hand and neck motors. Subsequent chapters delve into complex topics, from rolling platform design considerations to neural networks and more. Detailed instructions for building specific systems plus in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence (AI), vision and other advanced concepts are included. Instructive illustrations, schematics, part numbers and sources are also provided, making this book a ômustö for advanced builders with a keen interest in moving from simple reflexes to autonomous, AI-based robots. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Response from the Author
I hope responding to a review isn't in poor taste, but heck, here's my comment.I put the same "star" count as the comment I am commenting on.

Mr. Newman is correct, the arm project is difficult, I can't deny it.It could *probably* be done with a hacksaw, a file, and a drillpress, but I would hate to try that.I made this arm using a $500 manual mill from Grizzley.

As for code for AI, yes, that would have been great in this book!Alas, time and space impose practical limitations.Keep your eyes peeled for a book that makes up for this deficiency next year.

A book at odds with itself.
The first part of the book involves building a robot and a robot arm. Unlike most robotics books, there are many exact dimensions which would be nice if I had an automated metal cutter. I don't, so I won't be building that anytime soon. I think it would have been nice if the author was to offer a kit of parts for the arm.

One interesting thing is that the author chooses both new components and repurposed components (screwdriver motors) for his projects. I like it because sometimes spending the money for new stuff is money well spent, and sometimes searching for inexpensive substitutes is worth it.

However, when the author talks about robotic vision he stops being practical and goes all theoretical. Now, don't get me wrong: his explanation of certain types of neural networks is one of the most clear I've seen, but there is no code. I expected to see at least enough code to manuever a robot around a room. On the other hand, there are *many* good ideas.

All in all, the book was worth both paying for and reading.

Long-anticipated follow-up to Applied Robotics
This book contains tons of useful, practical information on robot controllers, platforms, drive systems, programming , and even includes some step-by-step instructions for building a robotic arm. Edwin is the creator of FUZBOL, a programming language specifically designed for robotics controllers.

I own the original, and this book appears to be 99% new content, not a re-hash of the original. Well worth the price.

A must-have for any serious robotics enthusiast! ... Read more

Product Description
Industrial Robotics encompasses the entire spectrum of the state of the art. It provides a unique, interdisciplinary treatment of robotics-showing the contributions of the various fields of mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering, and computer science, to robotics. The authors bring it all together from design to use. And there is no shirking from peripheral activities such as CAD-CAM and artificial intelligence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Industrial Robotics Users Guide [1986]
This is a core-text of industrial engineering undergraduate studies- a well referenced, attractively presented, comprehensive users guide [pre-1990] to robotics for industrial applications. Beyond that, is thedemonstration of the engineering approach to systems development in complexenvironments (e.g. business) that has a far wider application.

Topicsaddressed include: the fundamentals, robot technology (control systems andcomponents, robot motion analysis and control, robot end-effectors, sensorsin robotics, and machine vision), robot programming and languages(including an introduction to AI), applications engineering formanufacturing (robot cell design and control, and economic analysis forrobotics), robot applications in manufacturing (material transfer andmachine loading/unloading, processing operations, assembly and inspection),implementation principles and issues (including safety, training,maintenance and quality), and social issues and the future of robotics.

Isuspect that a more recent revised version (if available), would be asimilarly useful treatment of the subject. ... Read more

Product Description

The monograph written by Ron Alterovitz and Ken Goldberg combines ideas from robotics, physically-based modeling, and operations research to develop new motion planning and optimization algorithms for image-guided medical procedures. A challenge clinicians commonly face is compensating for errors caused by soft tissue deformations that occur when imaging devices or surgical tools physically contact soft tissue. A number of methods are presented which can be applied to a variety of medical procedures, from biopsies to anaesthesia injections to radiation cancer treatment. They can also be extended to address problems outside the context of medical robotics, including nonholonomic motion planning for mobile robots in field or manufacturing environments.

Product Description
Taking a completely hands-on approach, using cheap and easily available robotics kits, Practical and Experimental Robotics provides a detailed exploration of the construction, theory, and experiments for different types of robots. With topics ranging from basic stamp microcontrollers to biped and propeller based robots, the text contains laboratory experiments, examples with solutions, and case studies.

The authors begin with a review of the essential elements of electronics and mechanics. They describe the basic mechanical construction and electrical control of the robot, then give at least one example of how to operate the robot using microcontrollers or software. The book includes a reference chapter on Basic Stamp Microcontollers with example code pieces and a chapter completely devoted to PC interfacing. Each chapter begins with the fundamentals, then moves on to advanced topics, thus building a foundation for learning from the ground up.

Building a bridge between technicians who have hands-on experience and engineers with a deeper insight into the workings, the book covers a range of machines, from arm, wheel, and leg robots to flying robots and robotic submarines and boats. Unlike most books in this field, this one offers a complete set of topics from electronics, mechanics, and computer interface and programming, making it an independent source for knowledge and understanding of robotics. ... Read more

Product Description

The problem of robotic and virtual interaction with physical objects has been the subject of research for many years in both the robotic manipulation and haptics communities. Both communities have focused much attention on human touch-based perception and manipulation, modelling contact between real or virtual hands and objects, or mechanism design. However, as a whole, these problems have not yet been addressed from a unified perspective. This edited book is the outcome of a well-attended workshop which brought together leading scholars from various branches of the robotics, virtual-reality, and human studies communities during the 2004 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation. It covers some of the most challenging problems on the forefront of today’s research on physical interaction with real and virtual objects, with special emphasis on modelling contacts between objects, grasp planning algorithms, haptic perception, and advanced design of hands, devices and interfaces.