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Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful Illustrations
Review: I knew of the author from watching BattleBots on TV (he built Deadblow http://www.battlebots.com/battlebots_detail.asp?ID=60) so I pre-ordered this before it even came out.The thing that sets this one apart from some of the other books is the illustrations - they are absolutely beautiful, and really add to the clarity and readability of the book, although I wish they were in color. Regardless, this is a brilliant book on robotics. I imagine this is a great place to start if you are just getting into robots, and if you are like me and know some basics after building a few kits, this is a great guide to doing it all from scratch. It provides a great deal of detail, and I'll bet that even veterans are sure to pick up a few tricks here and there.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Illustrations
Review: Just getting started with robots, and this is my first book on building them. I chose this one because I eventually want to build a battlebot, although I plan to just start with a basic bot. So far this is exactly what I wanted. It is very easy to understand, the directions are clear and easy to follow, and the drawings are absolutely killer. Very well done, and highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Make a new stereotype?
Review: The field of robotics has split into two camps. One is the "serious" high end domain of industrial labs and academia. The other is that of the solo tinkerer. It is to the latter (you?) that the author dedicates this book, about the subgenre of combat robotics.
Imahara brings together the necessary knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems needed to make such a device. Mundane but important talents like cutting metal safely. And the integration and testing of a complete system. Nothing theoretical here. He writes from wide, practical experience, and appeals to a hands-on ethos in you.
Probably by far the most gripping section is where he describes the different types of combat robots. Thawker, spinner, launcher, hammer, crusher... This field has matured enough to create these now classic stereotypes. Your objective is to build one of these, or, dare you imagine it, be responsible for creating an entirely new stereotype.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding robot construction book
Review: The other reviewers have already written about how great the illustrations are in this book, about the author's ability to clearly explain some fairly difficult tasks, and about the author's Battlebots record. They're right on all counts, and this is an excellent book. The book covers every step you need, from design to materials purchasing to making armor/speed tradeoffs. Here's the table of contents from my copy of the book: Chapter 1: Getting Started.
Chapter 2: Designing the Robot.
Chapter 3: Tools of the Trade.
Chapter 4: Selecting Materials.
Chapter 5: Cutting Metal.
Chapter 6: Shaping and Finishing Metal.
Chapter 7: Drilling and Tapping Holes.
Chapter 8: Fasteners-Holding It All Together.
Chapter 9: Selecting Drive Motors.
Chapter 10: Mechanical Building Blocks.
Chapter 11:Working with Roller Chain and Sprockets.
Chapter 12: Let's Get Rolling.
Chapter 13: Choosing Your Control System.
Chapter 14: Choosing Speed Controls.
Chapter 15: Choosing Batteries.
Chapter 16:Wiring the Electrical System.
Chapter 17: The First Test Drive.
Chapter 18: Choose Your Weapon.
Chapter 19: Troubleshooting.
Chapter 20: Going to a Competition.
Appendix A: Advanced R/C Programming.
Appendix B: IFI System Programming and Troubleshooting.
Appendix C: Pneumatics.
Appendix D: Online Resources.
Appendix E: Catalogs.
Appendix F: Tables and Charts.
Rating:
Summary: Best book on building robots
Review: This book is one of the best I have bought so far. Those of you just getting started on building robot will be especially pleased about the countless tips on the correct way to use tools and construction techniques etc. The huge number of illustrations is a welcomed bonus. The section on choosing a Remote Control is very informative. If you are hoping for sections on electronics, programming or building your own parts for the electrical/electronic components you will be very dissapointed as all the parts used are off the shelf. You might want to supplement this book with Amphibionics and Insectronics by Karl Williams which has good sections of programming and electronics. No book is perfect but if you want to build a REAL fighting robot this is the best book around and I'm saying this after having bought most of the popular ones around.
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