Robot Adventures
in Python and C

Thomas Bräunl, 2020


               
Rather than the conventional view that the study of robotics is a balance between mechanics, electronics, and software, in this book the author stresses that the most important topics in robotics are software, software, and software Suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses in artificial intelligence and robotics, and also for self-study by practitioners All software in book can be freely downloaded online, with native applications for MacOS, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi
In this book the author stresses software as the most important topic in modern robotics. In particular the book concentrates on software for mobile robots, and the author demonstrates how inexpensive solutions can be constructed by mounting Raspberry Pi controllers and cameras onto model cars or other simple mechanical drive systems. He introduces EyeSim-VR, a freely available system that can realistically simulate driving, swimming, diving, and walking robots. The emphasis throughout is on algorithm development and all software assignments can run on real robot hardware, as well as on the simulation system presented. The book is suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses in artificial intelligence and robotics, and also for self-study by practitioners. All software used in this book, including all example programs, can be freely downloaded online, with native applications for MacOS, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

Contents

  1. Robot Hardware
  2. Robot Software
  3. Driving Algorithms
  4. Lidar Sensors
  5. Robot Swarms
  6. Wall Following
  7. Alternative Drives
  8. Boats and Subs
  9. Mazes
  10. Navigation
  11. Robot Vision
  12. Starman
  13. Driverless Cars
  14. Formula SAE
  15. Outlook

Additional Material