This book is like a cross between robot wars and Nasa's mars rovers - very heavy duty machines with great info on building your own. The wheelchair motor and square tube frame system is just perfect for any robot that needs to explore the outside world or compete in battle bots.

If you want to build an indestructable bot, read this!

My robot NAT-5 will be ready soon and will have enough power to pull my lawn-mower around the yard - all controlled via video link.

Nat


A book for backyard robot builders   May 18, 2004
Gary Kaminski (Charlotte, NC USA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

What to do with your old combat robot? Tired of demolishing your investment? Want a robot that you won't have to worry about stepping on under foot? Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot, gives you some pointers on a totally different approach towards robotic building and use. Most books on robot construction cover the topic in two areas, either small servo driven semi autonomous robots, or remote controlled combat robots designed for battle ready competition. How about taking a robot that can role out your door onto the lawn and across the street while you're able to control every action and see what it sees from the comfort of sitting in front of your computer. Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot explains in detail how to go about doing just that.

Most of us at one time in our lives have seen a remotely controlled entertainment robot. This book explains how to do the man behind the curtain trick with simple electronics, motors, and scrap metal parts. Nothing is really beyond the reach of the average builder in cost or ability. A number of design ideas are spelled out without getting heavily involved in the minutia of building that tends to slow the understanding and pace of most other books on the subject. In addition some needed attention has been paid to giving your robot character.

Build Your Own All-Terrain Robot makes a great book for the inexperienced builder as well as those designers who have only imagined their creations living within the confines of four walls.


Cool robots, cool book   May 26, 2004
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I'm amazed with the number of pics and easy-to-follow instructions. I'm no expert, but anyone can build these kinds of 'bots, even me! It's fun watching people interact with my robot and the kids love it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's interested in building their first 'bot or starting a new hobby. The best thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money but you can build a very cool 'bot that will explore and entertain for many hours! Great for the kids to get involved in something fun, affordable and an excellent learning experience.


Great Book!   June 10, 2004
Ron Amos (Canada)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

This book fills a gap often missing from robotics books and plans, especially for those interested in robotics that go beyond the desk top rover. The mechanical info is very good and covers just about every topic that you will need in order to build a larger more rugged robot chassis.

The info on long range remote control and video transmission is also very informative and full of new ideas.

Check it out!

Ron - creator of "Backyard Borg"


Great robotics for the outdoor builder!   May 13, 2004
Roger Sams (USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

There is a lot of great info in this book for those who want to bring their "bots" out of the living room and into the outdoor world. This book shows you how to make a robot frame that could probably survive a landmine! I think this book would also be great for those who are interested in robot wars.

Thanks,
Roger