Robots, Androids and Animatrons
Robots, Androids and Animatrons
Dateline: 11/03/98
For the most of us, Artificial Intelligence is very interesting field of study. One of the most enjoyable AI technologies is probably robotics:
you can play with electronic circuits and systems, while learning about power supply systems, motors and gears, sensors,
control and navigation techniques, machine learning, etc. Each of these fields has numerous books dedicated to its study. This week
I'll introduce a new book for robot builders, called "Robots, Androids, and Animatrons" (12 Incredible Projects You Can Build) by John
Iovine, author of several popular titles that explore the frontiers of scientific research, from home-made holograms to the Virtual Reality.
As the author says, it isn't possible to take a comprehensive look at each AI technology involved in creating a fully functional robot,
but the reader can gain hands-on knowledge and a springboard for future experimentation. The target audience is clearly defined:
hobby robot builders in a search for new ideas or projects, easy to use and implement.
The book starts with the history of AI and robotics research, giving the overview of the most popular types of robot in use (maintenance,
fire fighting robots, medical robots, nanotechnology, military). Basic concepts are briefly mentioned here, including neural networks,
artificial life and Brooks' subsumption architecture. Power sources are also described, including primary and secondary batteries,
NiCd chargers and solar-powered chargers. Next chapter features movement and drive systems, including stepper motors, servo and DC motors, and
more "exotic" systems like air muscles and nitinol wire. It is followed by a detailed description of sensors and their interfacing,
from light and infrared sensors to the heat, pressure, smell, humidity and ultrasound sensors.
Neural networks and expert system are commonly used to "package" some form of intelligent behavior in a robot.
Sixth chapter focuses on rule-based programs (expert systems) and microcontrollers. BASIC Stamp single-board computer is described
here, along with the very simple fuzzy logic controller for a photoresistive light-tracking system, which locks onto a light source and tracks it
(this type of robot is known as a photovore, or "light eater"). Enclosed schematics and source code are easy to understand
even to the beginner in this field, so there should be no problems in the implementation phase for this (and other) projects.
One of the most interesting projects is building a speech-controlled mobile robot. It is using the HM2007 speech-recognition chip, enabling
your robot to recognize 40 independent .96-second words in a complete speaker-dependant system.
Next chapter describes dual op-amp neural comparator circuits, where each op-amp is acting like a simple electronic neuron in
a "hardware" neural network. You can now add several behaviours to your robot, including light seeking (or light avoidance),
feeding, resting and you'll get three-layer stimulus response photovore robot that illustrates how complex behavior patterns
can be generated using this approach. BEAM robotics and Mark Tilden are also mentioned here; however, I was hoping for a more detailed
description of his patented nervous net system. The solar engine is used in the next several smaller projects.
Telepresence robot (T-bot) framework is next: it is implemented using a radio-controlled model car, using a miniature video camera
and video transmitter, giving you the video range of 300-2000 feet. Several platforms for mobile robots, including Lego, Meccano Erector, Capsela,
etc. are also briefly covered in a subsequent chapters. And there's more: walker robots (two-servo drive) controlled by a BASIC Stamp,
and even the solar-ball robot, the transparent sphere that moves toward the direction of light.
The most exotic projects are left for the last four chapters. These are underwater bots, aerobots (building the lighter-than-air robot -blimp- is
described in detail), and robotic arms, including the most spectacular of them all: humanlike android hand actuated by pneumatic air muscles.
Considering building your first robot, or just want to learn more about this field? This is a right book for you - it is written in a clear and
non-obscure language, so you'll enjoy reading it, has low price and wide span of topics. If you are more experienced robot builder, there's not much you can learn here,
but it can be a good source of new ideas.
Similar site(s) of interest:
- TAB Electronics
Leading publisher of high quality books aimed at the electronics and computer professional and enthusiast.
- The Cog Shop
Building, maintaining, and experimenting with Cog, a humanoid robot.