Ultimate Robot

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, if flawed, compilation of popular robots
Review: .
I am trying to determine which audience this title is intended for. It seems too esoteric for someone with merely a casual interest in robots, yet far too superficial for the serious robot enthusiast. I cannot imagine there being very many people in the intermediary group, so I suppose the book will have a fairly limited audience.
Yet DK must be given credit for publishing it in the first place. It is not often one sees books delving into this particular subject matter.

How well does it do it, then?

The book is divided into a number of chapters dealing with a variety of robot types - toys, artistic representations, movie/TV robots, robot pets, robot kits, etc. The category boundaries, as well as the selection in each, seem at times somewhat haphazard.
In each category is represented a number of "main" entries, giving a fairly comprehensive amount of information on each entry, and "gallery" entries, merely showing what else is out there in that particular category.

Any assessment of the content must reasonably take into account two factors: First, how comprehensive and/or representative the selection of entries is, and second, how relevant and/or accurate the information given in the entries is.

For the first part, the book does cover most of the basics, although there are a number of glaring omissions. I would have to say that the selection is fairly comprehensive, but fails on the representativeness criterion.

As for the second part, I must say I am fairly disappointed. Most entries have some minor factual error, and some have grave, major errors. As for the relevance of the technical information presented, it is for the most part too limited to be truly useful.

In the end, the book still gets four stars from me, partly because of the beautiful, picture-laden physical presentation, and partly because it represents a stellar starting effort. Whereas the information contained within the binders has serious gaps, omissions, misrepresentations, and outright errors, it is still a handy - as well as beautiful - compilation of robots in popular culture. But that is where I see its main value: as a compilation for those who already know enough of the subject not to depend on the information given for its veracity. As a source of information, it is seriously flawed.

If Robert Malone gets around to writing a second, revised edition ... the work might live up to its potential.

Rating:
Summary: The Mystery of Artificial Intelligence
Review: Whether you are interested in Androids or robot pets, this book celebrates robots in all their forms. This book includes surveys of the most famous robot toys, influential robots that have become popular in our culture and a discussion about why we are so intrigued with robots. This book also takes a look at the future. What's Next?

Robert Malone is an expert in the fields of robotics and automation. He contributes to many magazines, including Omni, Industrial Design, Industrial Equipment News, Inbound Logistics, and Dot Zero. He also lectures, designs and makes appearances on television to bring awareness to advances in robotic science.

This visual guide to robots is divided into four main sections:

Robot Toy and Collectibles
Robot Construction Kits
Robots in Art & Entertainment
Robots: The New Generation

Transformers, GoBots, MicroPets, Humanoid Toys and AIBO Dogs are all featured in full-color pictures with detailed explanations. Star Wars Droids, The Terminator and Data all make their appearance. There are also sections for Children's Favorites on TV and Computer Games.

Unique Sections:

Robot Artists
Robot Sculptors
Soccer Robots
Surgical Robots
BattleBots
Music Robots
Computer-Controlled Fish

Each page is filled with full-color pictures and specification charts (manufacture date, country of origin, manufacturer, height, power source, intelligence, capabilities).

I definitely need one of those Electrolux Trilobite vacuum cleaners or the Roomba with intelligent navigation. DK has definitely created a definitive guide to the world of robots and whether you collect robots or enjoyed watching Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation, there is a wealth of information that is sure to impress.

~TheRebeccaReview.com