Exploring LEGO Mindstorms EV3: Tools and Techniques for Building and Programming Robots - Softcover

Park, Eun Jung

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118879740 ISBN 13: 9781118879740

Publisher: Wiley, 2014

Synopsis

The essential guide to building and programming LEGO EV3 interactive robots

Exploring LEGO Mindstorms: Tools and Techniques for Building and Programming Robots is the complete guide to getting the most out of your LEGO Mindstorms EV3. Written for hobbyists, young builders, and master builders alike, the book walks you through fundamentals of robot design, construction, and programming using the Mindstorms apparatus and LEGO TECHNIC parts. Tap into your creativity with brainstorming techniques, or follow the plans and blueprints provided on the companion website to complete projects ranging from beginner to advanced.

The book begins with the basics of the software and EV3 features then lets you get to work quickly by using projects of increasing complexity to illustrate the topics at hand. Plenty of examples are provided throughout every step of the process, and the companion website features a blog where you can gain the insight and advice of other users. Exploring LEGO Mindstorms contains building and programming challenges written by a recognized authority in LEGO robotics curriculum, and is designed to teach you the fundamentals rather than have you follow a "recipe."

• Get started with robot programming with the starter vehicle, Auto-Driver
• Explore the features of the EV3 brick, a programmable brick
• Design robot's actions using Action Blocks
• Incorporate environmental sensors using Infrared, Touch, and Color sensors
• Expand the use of data in your program by using data wires with Sensor Blocks
• Process data from the sensors using Data Operations Blocks
• Using Bluetooth and WiFi with EV3
• Build unique EV3 robots that each presents different functions: the Spy Rabbit, a robot that can react to its surroundings; a Sea Turtle robot, Mr. Turto; the Big Belly Bot, a robot that eats and poops; and a Robotic Puppy Guapo
• Discover ideas and practices that will help you to develop your own method of designing and programming EV3 robots

The book also provides extensive programming guidance, from the very basics of block programming through data wiring. You'll learn robotics skills to help with your own creations, and can likely ignite a lasting passion for innovation. Exploring LEGO Mindstorms is the key to unlocking your EV3 potential.

About this title

From the Back Cover

“EJ Parks’s Exploring LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 is a comprehensive introduction to the new EV3 kit. From the starter robot vehicle to a robot that eats and poops, readers of all skill levels will find something new and exciting to activate their imaginations.”
― Dustyn Roberts, author of Making Things Move: DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists, and Artists

“If you thought computer programming wasn’t for you because it’s all about math, you’ll want to read this book. Using a casual, conversational style, EJ Park explains the principles of programming using lots of everyday situations as examples and shows you how to apply those principles to build lots of fun projects with LEGO MINDSTORMS. Park explains programming for the rest of us, showing that it’s all about describing and controlling the behavior of robots that can sense, move, and react to the physical world.”
― Tom Igoe, Associate Arts Professor, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts

“The LEGO EV3 System is a powerful and versatile platform for learning about robotics and physical computing. In Exploring LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, EJ Park gives us a practical, step-by-step guide that makes it simple to learn how to control motors, use sensors, and program robots. If you are a student, a teacher, a hobbyist, or just curious about robotics, the author and her five robot companions―the Auto Driver, Spy Rabbit, Mr. Turto, Big Belly Bot, and Guapo―will guide you on a journey from beginner to roboticist in no time.”
― Jaymes Dec, Technology Educator, The Marymount School of New York and the NYC Makery

BUILD AND PROGRAM INTERACTIVE ROBOTS WITH LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3

Exploring LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is the perfect guide for aspiring robotics aficionados and LEGO enthusiasts to harness the power of the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 building set and software. Loaded with hands-on robot building and programming challenges, the book starts with the basics before helping you learn how to use different types of LEGO TECHNIC parts and program the motors and sensors of robots using the EV3 software. This accessible resource offers a complete introduction to the most fun and engaging educational platform in robotics.

• Explore the features of the EV3 brick, a programmable brick
• Design your robot’s actions using Action blocks
• Incorporate environmental sensors using Infrared, Touch, and Color sensors
• Program with data wires and Sensor blocks
• Process data from sensors using Data Operations blocks
• Build unique EV3 robots that each have different functions: Auto-Driver, Spy Rabbit, Mr. Turto, Big Belly Bot, and Guapo the Puppy
• Discover ideas and practices that will help you to develop your own method of designing and programming EV3 robots

Find more robots and program downloads at the companion website: www.wiley.com/go/exploringlegomindstormsev3.

About the Author

Eun Jung (EJ) Park has been developing LEGO robotics curricula at RoboFun since 2010. There she designs robots that are used in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs for children and youths. She also designs and builds automatons, mechanical moving sculptures that respond to human interaction.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1118879740
• ISBN 13: 9781118879740
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 408