Preface
Robotics is an emerging field with applications in every walk of life. Robotics, and the associated technology, appear to be confined to the well-equipped laboratories of universities and high-tech companies. However, many of the aspects of robotics – building them and programming them – can be learned and practiced in your own home.
The main areas of robotics are as follows:
- Structure – the design and building of a mechanical platform
- Electronics – sensors, motors, and control circuits
- Software – the code for libraries, sensor interactions, and behaviors
This book aims to cover a little of each area, looking at basic CAD design, part fabrication, and assembly of hardware. It introduces some starting digital electronics, such as connections and data buses. It aims to dig a little deeper into the sensors and the code needed to make interesting behaviors using them.
There are robotics books that offer a theoretical robotics introduction; however, the aim of this book is to take you on a journey of practice, fun, and experimentation. This book provides step-by-step applied explanations and images to aid understanding.
Building your own robots in your home is a great way to learn technology skills. This is an experience of technology that replaces impenetrable magic with real-world experience and confidence to build more – anyone with practice can become a robotics wizard too.
