Where do I start to learn about robotics?

Question

Hi I joined a beginners robotics team, but I would like to learn ahead of time.Where do I start?What books can I read or use?I want a book that teaches from beginners to experts.Please Help...

Answer 1

IMHO the best place to start is a with a simple robot that is easy to use yet offers a wide range of sensors and other features. It may be a bit of shameless self promotion but try the ooBug. More information can be found at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/OOBug... . The ooBug is a little tabletop robot that comes with all of the standard robot features and then some. It has built in line following, object detection and light and dark seeking as well as a voice and sound effects generator. It is all in a 3.5 inch package and yes, there is room and ports to expand. Programs in VB, C or JAVA syntax with the easy to use BioLab compiler (free).

If you are stuck on books read anything by Gordon McComb for lots of good practical information. Some is getting a little dated but not much.

In addition get your hands on practical electronics for inventors. It is an OK book with tons of useful information but not very well written.