Build Your Own Combat Robot

Umm, sorry. We're OK now. We just got a little overamped reading Build Your Own Combat Robot. No, this is not your father's Sony Aibo here. The robots you learn to build here will not bring you slippers. They will not be satisfied with avoiding the legs of your living room sofa. They are bent on mayhem, straight out of BattleBots, Robot Wars, Robotica, and BotBash.

Building serious combat robots is brainwork and handwork. Using tons of photos and diagrams, Pete Miles and Tom Carroll cover all of it, from axles and bearings to computer processors, weapons systems to strategy. They get you up to speed with the jargon, culture, evolution, and fun of combat robotics, then teach you about the materials, techniques, and ideas that have made combat robotics the glorious sport it is today.

For example, how are you going to make your robot move? Legs? Treads? Wheels? Whatever you choose, remember that the field of combat "is not exactly like Grandma's living room floor." Chances are, your event's sponsors have kindly provided metal-cutting blades, spikes, hammers, and other torture devices -- and we haven't even mentioned your adversaries yet.

You'll find thorough coverage of electric motors and power; and both remote control systems and autonomous robots that work entirely on their own (hopefully with Asimov's First Law of Robotics carefully burned into firmware). With all that stray RF buzzing around, you'll also learn how to minimize radio interference so your bot won't get distracted.

Combat robotics must be moving into the mainstream: you're no longer allowed to use flamethrowers or stun guns. But this book covers a NATO-size collection of weapons options, including rammers, wedge weapons, lifters, launchers, clamps, vertical spinners, drums, hammers, and the always-fun Thwack Bot, which spins rapidly in place, whipping its weapon on a long tail.

Well, maybe it'll take awhile before your stuff can compete with the big guys -- you know, Vlad the Impaler, Blendo, Sir Killalot. Maybe you want to start with a simpler Sumo robot (as presented in detail in Chapter 13). But if you're determined enough, one day, every robot on Earth may look up to yours with awe and terror. (Bill Camarda)

Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer with nearly 20 years' experience in helping technology companies deploy and market advanced software, computing, and networking products and services. He served for nearly ten years as vice president of a New Jersey–based marketing company, where he supervised a wide range of graphics and web design projects. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.