Building Robots with LEGO Mindstorms FROM OUR EDITORS
LEGO Mindstorms are a great way to get into robotics. This book gives all the basic information you need to begin learning about LEGO Mindstorms and the principles you need to understand to create your own robots. A color insert of robot photos will inspire you in making your own designs.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Building Robots with Lego Mindstorms explains how to build robots using Lego bricks and components. Part One describes the lure of the hobby, and why Lego is an ideal system for beginners. Part Two moves into the practical aspects of robot building, discussing the basics of mechanics, motors, sensors, pneumatics, and navigation, and offering a variety of tips and tricks. Part Three surveys a wide range of possible ideas for building, with the idea of inspiring the creative impulses of the reader rather than offering models for simple replication.
About the Author
Mario Ferrari received his first Lego box around 1964, when he was 4. Lego
was his favorite toy for many years, until he thought he was too old to play
with it. In 1998, the Lego Mindstorms RIS set gave him reason to again have
Lego become his main addiction. Mario believes Lego is the closest thing to
the perfect toy. He is Managing Director at EDIS, a leader in finishing and
packaging solutions and promotional packaging. The advent of the MINDSTORMS
product line represented for him the perfect opportunity to combine his
interest in IT and robotics with his passion for LEGO bricks, which started
during his early childhood. Mario has been a very active member of the
online MINDSTORMS community from the beginning and has pushed LEGO robotics
to its limits. Mario holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration
from the University of Turin and has always nourished a strong interest for
physics, mathematics, and computer science. He is fluent in many programming
languages and his background includes positions as an IT manager and as a
project supervisor. Mario estimates he owns over 60,000 Lego pieces. Mario
works in Modena, Italy, where he lives with his wife Anna and his children
Sebastiano and Camilla.
Giulio Ferrari is a student in Economics at the University of Modena and
Reggio Emilia, where he also studied Engineering. He is fond of computers
and has developed utilities, entertainment software, and Web applications
for several companies. Giulio discovered robotics in 1998, with the arrival
of MINDSTORMS, and held an important place in the creation of the Italian
LEGO community. He shares a love for LEGO bricks with his oldest brother
Mario, and a strong curiosity for the physical and mathematical sciences.
Giulio also has a collection of 1200 dice, including odd-faced dice and game
dice. He studies, works, and lives in Modena, Italy.
Technical Editor
Ralph Hempel (BASc.EE, P.Eng) is an Independent Embedded Systems Consultant.
He provides systems design services, training, and programming to clients
across North America. His specialty is in deeply embedded microcontroller
applications, which include alarm systems, automotive controls, and the LEGO
RCX system. Ralph provides training and mentoring for software development
teams that are new to embedded systems and need an in-depth review of the
unique requirements of this type of programming. Ralph holds a degree in
Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a member of
the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. He lives in Owen Sound,
Ontario with his family, Christine, Owen, Eric, and Graham.
SYNOPSIS
Provides a fundamental understanding of the geometry, electronics, engineering, and programming required to build Mindstorm robots and gives detailed explanations of how to intergrate Lego Mindstorms kits with other Lego programmable bricks, such as Scout and Cybermaster, as well as non-robotic Lego Technic models.
AUTHOR DESCRIPTION
Mario and Giulio Ferrari are considered legends in the Lego community.
Mario Ferrari is known as the "DaVinci" of the Lego World. Mario was the
creator of emulegOS, which was the first third-party operating environment
created for programming the RCX brick, which is the heart and soul of Lego
Mindstorms. Currently, he works for EDIS SpA, (www.edis.spa) a production
company specialized in the field of collectible stickers and trading cards
(producing for Topps group, Upperdeck, and many other stickers/cards
publishers worldwide).
Giulio Ferrari is a computer programmer, who along with his brother Mario,
maintains the most frequently visited Lego Robotics site on the Web. Giulio
and Mario's tic-tac-toe playing robot received the highest award at MITﾽs
recent MindFest event, which is an annual gathering of world-renowned Lego
enthusiasts.
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