Building Bots

Description

This is the definitive guide to designing and building warrior robots like those seen on BattleBots, Robotica, and Robot Wars. It walks robot enthusiasts of all ages step-by-step through the design and building process, enabling them to create any number of customized warrior robots. With a strong emphasis on safety, chapters include designing a robot, choosing materials, radio control systems, electric motors, robot batteries, motor speed controllers, gasoline engines, and drive trains. Clear instructions are accompanied by photos, line drawings, and detailed diagrams throughout. A color section showcases a variety of glorious fighting machines. For beginners, there is machine shop 101 and robot physics, and, of course, chapters on weaponry that include spinner robots, thwackbots, cutting blade robots, lifters, and chameleon robots. When the bot of their dreams is built, suggestions on where to compete and game-day strategies and tactics help readers take the next step. An extensive resource section lists parts suppliers, pertinent Web sites, a radio frequency chart, and a glossary.

CONTENTS:

Safety
How to Design a Robot
The Parts of a Fighting Robot
Radio Control Systems
Electric Motors
How to Choose a Fighting Robot Battery
Motor Speed Controllers
Gasoline Engines
Drivetrains
Material Properties
Building Materials
Robot Physics
Rotating Kinetic Energy Weapons
More Robot Weaponary
Fluid-Powered Weaponry: Flippers, Grippers, and Clamps
Game Day Strategy and Tactics
The Entrepreneur's Guide to Battling Bots
Getting Additional Information and Help
Parts Suppliers
Radio Frequency Chart
Rules for a typical Robot tournament