I was amazed at how well the book was written (it's genuinely funny in spots), and how much attention to detail was evident in clear photos and well-done illustrations. This is a model for how such a book should be done.

There are seven projects in the book, from a simple solar-powered top to a rather sophisticated four-legged insect-like walker. Set-by-step instructions are given for each project, along with process photos and circuit diagrams.

One of the coolest things about BEAMbots is that they're often built from analog electronics scavenged from techno-junk (old solar calculators, Walkman, pagers, modems, etc.). Dave provides info on how to round up this junk and where to go for the parts you can't scrounge.

I think that making some of these little autonomous robo-critters and letting them scuttle and flail around in your office (seeking light, avoiding light, dodging obstacles) would be a great way of flexing your superior geek muscles. Make some of these babies and you'll be the envy of propellerheads everywhere!


Keeper   November 17, 2002
Morris E. Rosenthal (Springfield, MA United States)
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

Great book for beginners in robotics OR electronics. This book focuses on the minimalist BEAM approach to robotics, as opposed to the full blown combat robots you see on TV. Starts with the real basics, everything from reading resistor color bands (BBROYGBVGW - Bad Boys etc...) to proper soldering techniques. Then it moves on to a series of step-by-step micro-bot builds, generously illustrated with photos and diagrams. If you can't find the parts around the house to build your bots, you can always take the author's dumpster diving tips to heart. I'd recommend this book for anybody who's not afraid of soldering and glue fumes.


Beautiful & Simple   March 2, 2004
Dave Oppenheimer (Minneapolis, MN)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

As a graphic designer by trade, I dabble in building robots. The BEAM philosophy for building robots is really quite amazing because the focus is on reuse of discarded electronics while striving to make your robots look as asthetically pleasing as possible. The strength of this work is that now everybody may build a robot easily and quickly.


High BEAM's   March 15, 2006
D. Bamford (New York)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I am just investigating BEAM for some physical computing course work and was pleased by the straighforward nature of the examples and explanations of what it takes to make your own "bugbots".
Tilden is the father of this movement and Dave Hrynkiw injects a friendly warm tone to the writing that makes this easy to peruse.
I built the first bot yesterday and had a really great time with the process. I agree with previous posters that some of this is on the internet, but this book is moderately priced and worth having around.


the best book i never saw   October 24, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

i say this is the beginners guide for the robotics world and is very easy to understand i study hi def electronics and the schematics is very easy to understand and no need to understand the schematics because the author take pictures of all of the proses step by step and that make this book great in my opinion i give mi highest recommendation of the world electronics and robotics and in no time if you read this book i said in a week you can make any robot without any electronic knowledge JunkBots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels: Building Simple Robots With BEAM Technology