12/11/2009

Michael

This is a great book for somebody looking to get started in the sport of combat robotics or just wanting to learn more about how they work. Grant (the author and from Mythbusters fame) has first hand knowledge of these machines. He walks you through the tools that you're going to need, and gives a good description of the materials for armor, drivetrain, weapon, etc. He has plans available that you can use as you design and build your first bot.

Probably my only real complaint is that at this point in time the book is getting a little dated. Several of the (robot specific) resources that he lists are no longer available, and unfortunately these are the ones you will be in the most need of if you are getting started. I'm not aware of any newer book that would give a better introduction.