Building Bots

Overview

An insider’s guide to building the most destructive bot

This is the definitive guide to designing and building warrior robots like those seen on BattleBots, Robotica, and Robot Wars. It walks robot enthusiasts of all ages step-by-step through the design and building process, enabling them to create any number of customized warrior robots. With a strong emphasis on safety, chapters include designing a robot, choosing materials, radio control systems, electric motors, robot batteries, motor speed controllers, gasoline engines, and drive trains. Clear instructions are accompanied by photos, line drawings, and detailed diagrams throughout. A color section showcases a variety of glorious fighting machines. For beginners, there is machine shop 101 and robot physics, and, of course, chapters on weaponry that include spinner robots, thwackbots, cutting blade robots, lifters, and chameleon robots. When the bot of their dreams is built, suggestions on where to compete and game-day strategies and tactics help readers take the next step. An extensive resource section lists parts suppliers, pertinent Web sites, a radio frequency chart, and a glossary.

Reviews

"Handy how-to guide for turning your garage into a robot war zone."  —The New Yorker

"For anyone who wants in on the metal mayhem."  —USA Today

"For techie teens looking to tweak their talents during winter vacation, search no further."  —Boston Herald

"In 10 years, it will be bigger than Nascar."  —David Caulkins, president, Robotics Society of America

Author Biography

William Gurstelle is the author of the bestselling Backyard Ballistics. He is also a professional engineer and a technogeek bot builder. Gurstelle and his sons build and compete in the growing number of regional competitions with their own Tosca and Weber the Grillbot. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.