Random Robot Roundup

Posted 30 Dec 2008 at 17:42 UTC by steve

We hear that Energid Technologies and MobileRobots Inc have partnered to produce a new mobile robot code-named "Dactyl" that combines MobileRobots' autonomous PatrolBot with Energid's Actin arm and control inferace. Meanwhile, in Japan, Fuji Heavy Industries and Sumitomo Corp have put a jointly developed autonomous cleaning robot to work in a building in Osaka City. Need to build your own robot but don't think you have all the electronic skills you need? A reader pointed out Forrest Mims' book, Getting Started in Electronics. (old timers may remember buying his Engineer's Notebook series at Radio Shack). John Palmisano of SocietyofRobots.com posted an interesting demographics break down of robot hobbyists who visit his website. Travis Deyle noticed a CMU social, snack-fetching robot called, appropriately, Snackbot. A couple of roboticists who are apparently also music fans reported that Beyoncé is now sporting a "robot" glove that makes her look like a Cyborg. The roboglove is a one of kind titanium piece created from a cast of her arm to assure a perfect fit. We're hoping she'll stop by the robots.net lab so we can take a closer look. Roland Piquepaille reports on flying, weathercasting robots. Know any other robot news, gossip, or amazing facts we should report? Send 'em our way please.

Forrest replies, posted 30 Dec 2008 at 19:24 UTC by steve » (Master)

Forrest M. Mims III writes:

Thanks for mentioning "Getting Started in Electronics." While the book is no longer sold by Radio Shack, a heavier duty version is available from Amazon or from Master Publishing at www.forrestmims.com (not my web site). Thanks and best regards,

Forrest

kudos for Forrest Mims, posted 31 Dec 2008 at 03:54 UTC by Rog-a-matic » (Master)

Mr Mims,
I learned electronics from your books many years ago. Your casual method of teaching through example circuits and short texts worked well with my learning style. I still refer to them today.
Not to embarrass, but you are a hero of sorts to me.
Roger

more kudos, posted 31 Dec 2008 at 12:37 UTC by c6jones720 » (Master)

I purchased all the mini engineers notebooks from radio shack when I was younger. They were so readable and for me took electronics from being a hobby to a professional career.
I especially liked the science projects book because it featured motor control circuits which served as great way to get started in robot electronics.