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Review of Combat Robots Complete |
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Articles -
Reviews
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Written by Zac Soden
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Monday, 30 May 2005 |
 UNLESS
you have pay TV, there is not much coverage of robotic combat here in
Australia. Of course there is the occasional airing of Robot Wars, but
other than that we don't get much exposure to this quite fast growing
sport. This lack of exposure also means that there isn't much in the
way of Aussie combat robot builders. But even if you don't plan on
building a 'bot to enter into the BattleBots competition, Combat Robots
Complete is still worth getting, mainly because of the large amount of
information it provides on robust robot construction.
Combat Robots Complete
Author: Chris Hannold
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Rating: 3.5/5
Notes: Excellent detail on building mechanics for any robot project
One of the most prominent technical aspects that combat robots are
producing is a much better understanding and utulisation of robust
robot chassis and mechanics designs. Think about it - a robot that is
going into combat will have to be built much stronger than ine designed
for, say, vacuuming the house but I believe that we can all learn from
the combat robot for any of our domestic and non-combat robot designs.
It never hurts to have a better constructed chassis, more suited motors
and drivetrains and greater stability in a robot and Combat Robots
Complete goes into a good degree of detail about such issues. Whilst
the techniques described are on a fairly larger scale, they can all be
suitably down-sized to be used in the design of hobby robotic
mechanisms.
And for those who do wish to get started in robot combat, Combat Robots
Complete really is for you. It goes into detail about all aspects of
the combat robot and the sport, addressing issues such as mechanics,
power, control, fabrication and weapons. I found it quite intersting
reading the tools section, which gives summaries of basically all of
the tools that one would encounter building a combat robot. Each
chapter addresses topics in a very well laid-out manner and are
appropriatly sequenced to make for a very smooth read.
Included in the latter parts of Combat Robots complete are the plans
for three complete combat robot projects. Whilst the plans do not go
into meticulous detail, I believe that the information provided would
be enough for the average handyperson to construct the robots. Alas, to
the true roboticist's dismay, combat robots do not have much in the way
of control electronics - mainly a bunch of commercial R/C and motor
contoller units wired together but the author also goes into adequate
detail on the use of these modules and their limitations.
Despite all of the previously mentioned highlights, I believe that the
best part of Combat Robots Complete is the excellent appendices
provided on all sorts of information, including conversion factors,
information tables (which contain every hint of mechanical technical
information imaginable - things such as drill sizes, current
capacities, milling speeds, etc.), frequently asked questions and a
glossary. I really can't state how useful and relevant the information
presented here is for all types of robotics. Even better is the fact
that much of this information is duplicated on the included CD-ROM and
can be printed out for placing on the walls or wherever in the robot
builder's workshop.
A good deal of information is presented on motor selection, with issues
such as torque and gearing discussed in detail. The presentation of
torque measurement and calculation methods is simply excellent. That
said, I did find that some topics presented were also a little lacking
- some technical aspects were mentioned but no further discussion
found. I was also shocked to find a robotics construction book that did
not have a "how to solder section - it doesn't bother me but for those
without electronic experience...
Despite a couple of small nitpicks, Combat Robots Complete turned out
to be quite an informative book. The design and construction processes
discussed are very interesting and when scaled down can be quite
relevant to all types of robot design and construction.
I give it 5 stars out of 5.
Buy it here!
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