How to Build a Robot

Clear explanations and illustrations of robotics technology, together with a lively history of robots, tempt young readers to build their own robot

Grade 3-6 Not truly a "how-to" in that it is concerned only with the decisions to be made in planning a hypothetical robot rather than with the plans for actually building one. Although the only building here is an exercise in imagination, the author describes building a robot in terms of planning a robot arm, using the arm as a microcosm of the entire robot, since it involves most of the same functions and presents most of the same problems on a reduced scale. In a readable and clear style, Lindblom distinguishes among robots, computers and automatons; describes the materials and systems that could be used in this project; discusses the pros and cons of tricky decisions; and suggests solutions to additional problems encountered when planning more than just one arm. Excellent sections define robots and robot-like machines, briefly describe robots in their historical perspective as well as robots in entertainment and industry and as toys or "pets." In spite of a title that some may find misleading, How to Build a Robot is an enjoyable rudimentary introduction to the topic. Jeffrey A. French, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.