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Security Tank – Object-Tracking Robot

It is time to tackle our first project! In this chapter, we will build and program a small EV3 tank that uses infrared sensors to track and target a beacon. You can think of it as a miniature model tank that you can use to keep your room safe from intruders!

The tank demonstrates how smart robots in the real world use infrared technology. We briefly mentioned this technology in the first chapter. Infrared refers to a wavelength of light that is invisible to the human eye. However, robots can incorporate sensors that can detect infrared light. This makes infrared a convenient way to invisibly send messages to a robot or allow a robot to see something that a human cannot see.

The EV3 remote control can serve as a beacon that continuously emits an infrared signal. The tank we will be building in this chapter is equipped with two EV3 infrared...

Key benefits

•Efficiently build smart robots with the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3

•Discover building techniques and programming concepts that are used by engineers to prototype robots in the real world

•This project-based guide will teach you how to build exciting projects such as the objecta-tracking tank, ultimate all-terrain vehicle, remote control race car, or even a GPS-navigating autonomous vehicle

Description

Smart robots are an ever-increasing part of our daily lives. With LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, you can now prototype your very own small-scale smart robot that uses specialized programming and hardware to complete a mission. EV3 is a robotics platform for enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels that makes prototyping robots accessible to all. This book will walk you through six different projects that range from intermediate to advanced level. The projects will show you building and programming techniques that are used by engineers in the real world, which will help you build your own smart robot. You'll see how to make the most of the EV3 robotics platform and build some awesome smart robots. The book starts by introducing some real-world examples of smart robots. Then, we'll walk you through six different projects and explain the features that allow these robots to make intelligent decisions. The book will guide you as you build your own object-tracking tank, a box-climbing robot, an interactive robotic shark, a quirky bipedal robot, a speedy remote control race car, and a GPS-navigating robot. By the end of this book, you'll have the skills necessary to build and program your own smart robots with EV3.

Who is this book for?

This book is for hobbyists, robotic engineers, and programmers who understand the basics of the EV3 programming language and are familiar with building with LEGO Technic and want to try some advanced projects. If you want to learn some new engineering techniques and take your experience with the EV3 to the next level, then this book is for you.

What you will learn

• Understand the characteristics that make a robot smart

• Grasp proportional beacon following and use proximity sensors to track an object

• Discover how mechanisms such as rack-and-pinion and the worm gear work

• Program a custom GUI to make a robot more user friendly

• Make a fun and quirky interactive robot that has its own personality

• Get to know the principles of remote control and programming car-style steering

• Understand some of the mechanisms that enable a car to drive

• Navigate to a destination with a GPS receiver

What do you get with eBook?

Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase

Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats

Access this title in our online reader with advanced features

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David G. Luders May 21, 2018

I read this book cover-to-cover over several weekends. The six EV3 models are innovative – do a search for “Building Smart LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robots” on YouTube to see videos of them in action!The book’s educational content is impressive. The author’s clear writing style explains his six Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot designs in great detail. “Each chapter builds on the knowledge learned in the previous chapter.” There are strong explanations of the step-by-step EV3 programming code used to automate the robots. Instead of just presenting finished programs (which are available for download), the author also presents the LOGIC behind the programs.Each chapter introduces the concepts to be learned. The EV3 programming blocks are explained as the program is “built” step-by-step, and the final Summary paragraphs provide a recap about what was learned. The reader is confident when progressing to the next chapter. Knowledge gained can easily be applied to new designs imagined by the reader.“Each of these EV3 robots is a small-scale smart machine that demonstrates concepts that areapplicable to a real-world smart robot.” There is discussion about Gear Ratios (mechanical advantage), linear actuators, clutch gears, sensors, drivetrain design, custom Graphical User Interface (GUI), etc. This book is more than a how-to instruction; it provides UNDERSTANDING of robotics engineering.The author advises that “Readers should be familiar with the basics of using EV3 and its graphical programming and have experience with the LEGO Technic building system.” It is also helpful to be familiar with Lego Digital Designer (LDD), since the Building Instructions for each model is only presented in that format via downloadable files. Nevertheless, these are not big prerequisites – the author thoroughly guides the reader through the concepts so one does not get confused.I highly recommend this book – the models have a certain “cool” factor and one has fun learning about them!

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Alejandro S. Nov 10, 2018

Amazing book!

Miguel Castillo Rojas Jul 03, 2018

Good book..

David Wardle Sep 02, 2018

I have read several books on how to program the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 programming. What sets this book apart from the rest is Kyle Markland's easy-to-read writing style. He explains the engineering concepts and EV3 programming with ease. I have built all six robots that are described in the book. Apart from the Timmyton Interactive Robotic Shark, which can be assembled from one 31313 EV3 set, it will be necessary to obtain some additional LEGO Technic parts and EV3 sensors and motors to complete the other five robots. It the case of the GPS Autonomous Car a third party GPS and Compass sensor is required. I was in touch with Kyle when his book was first released to the public. I found assembling the robots using the LEGO Digital Designer files very difficult. To his credit, Kyle updated the instruction files as this was the only weakness in what is otherwise an impressive book. The Security Tank Object-Tracking Robot (pictured) is my favourite robot and includes a file so you can custom print the 3D spiky roller (there is a LEGO alternative to the roller if you don't have access to a 3D printer). This tank will sense and follow the IR remote around. When the robot's turret is lined up, it fires off a barrage of red balls at you. I liked the challenge of programming EV3 robots that were more diverse than simple line follower and maze solver robots. This book will appeal to anyone who would like challenging EV3 robots to build and who would like to learn more about medium to advanced EV3 programming skills.

Christopher Baker May 17, 2018

A great book for anyone who wants to make the leap into making great Lego EV3 robots. If you have EV3 programming and Lego Technic building experience, and want to take your builds to the next level, this is definitely the book for you. The author lays out a great track for improving every aspect of your build process with clear directions. So get building!!!!

Building Smart LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robots: Leverage the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 platform to build and program intelligent robots

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Building Smart LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robots: Leverage the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 platform to build and program intelligent robots

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