The first hands-on programming guide for today's robot hobbyist
Get ready to reach into your programming toolbox and control a robot like never before! Robot Programmer's Bonanza is the one-stop guide for everyone from robot novices to advanced hobbyists who are ready to go beyond just building robots and start programming them to perform useful tasks.
Using the versatile RobotBASIC programming language, you'll discover how to prototype your creative ideas using the integrated mobile robot simulator and then port your finished programs to nearly any hardware/software configuration. You can even use the built-in wireless protocol to directly control real-world robots that can be built from readily available sensors and actuators. Start small by making your robot follow a line, hug a wall, and avoid drop-offs or restricted areas. Then, enable your robot to perform more sophisticated actions, such as locating a goal, sweeping the floor, or navigating a home or office. Packed with illustrations and plenty of inspiration, the unique Robot Programmer's Bonanza even helps you “teach” your robot to become intelligent and adapt to its behavior!
Everything you need to program and control a robot!
- In-depth coverage of the RobotBASIC simulator as well as how it can be used to control real-world robots either directly or through the integrated wireless protocol
- A companion website with a FREE download of the full version of the RobotBASIC robotic simulator and control language
- Remote control algorithms as well as autonomous behaviors
- Integrated debugger facilitates program development
- Appendices that detail RobotBASIC's extensive commands and functions as well as the integrated programming environment
- Adaptable and customizable programs that solve realistic problems-use simulations to prototype robots that can mow a yard, deliver mail, or recharge a battery, then port your algorithms to real-world robots
- Chapters devoted to creating contests with RobotBASIC and utilizing RobotBASIC in the classroom to teach programming
Table of contents
Part I: Building Blocks
Ch 1: Why Simulations?
Ch 2: Intro To RobotBASIC
Ch 3: RobotBASIC Sensors
Ch 4: Remote Control Algorithms
Ch 5: Random Roaming
Ch 6: Debugging
Part II: Developing a Toolbox Of Behaviors
Ch 7: Following A Line
Ch 8: Following A Wall
Ch 9: Avoiding Drop-Offs and Restricted Areas
Ch 10: Vector Graphics Robot
Part III: Complex Compound Behaviors
Ch 11: Mowing and Sweeping Robot
Ch 12: Locating a Goal
Ch 13: Charging the Battery
Ch 14: Negotiating a Maze
Ch 15: Negotiating a Home or Office
Part IV: Going Further
Ch 16: True Intelligence: Adaptive Behavior
Ch 17: Relating Simulations to the Real World
Ch 18: Contests With RobotBASIC
Ch 19: RobotBASIC in the Classroom
Part 5: Appendices
Appendix A: The RobotBASIC IDE
Appendix B: The RobotBASIC Language
Appendix C: Commands, Functions and Other Details
Appendix D: Parts and Serial Input/Output
Index
