RioBotz Combat Robot Tutorial

This book covers all the basics for combat robot building. The only real problem is that the book is quite out of date now. There have been many new developments in robot design and materials since the book first came out--the book could benefit from an updated new edition.

The author has both extensive combat robotics experience and extensive engineering knowledge. The book interleaves short sections of engineering and materials analysis (characteristics of materials, weapons systems, motors, ...) with practical examples that illustrate the principles. There are also procedural examples that you'd never expect, such as the exact steps required to characterize an unknown DC motor that you might have picked up at a junkyard or swap meet. Finally there is a history of RioBotz various designs, their characteristics, strong points, and weak points. This narrative alone is practically worth the modest price. I really just cannot say enough good things about this piece of work.

The engineering is pretty accessible, but still seems rigorous. The lessons learned in reading this book will carry to so much more than just combat robotics. This is a crash course in engineering. I'm already adding tabs to the pages for future reference, despite not having an immediate plan for a combat robot.There is a free PDF online, but i liked it enough after reading the first 80 pages online that i wanted a physical copy, and at $10, who can complain?!

I've purchased over 10 different robotics books in last 2 months, and each one has its own pros/cons, but this book includes everything. I can't find any cons.......probably why you can't find any used copies for less than $10. But after buying the book, and seeing its contents, its WORTH EVERY CENT! Well thought out, hundreds of illustrations, instructions useful, easily understood, and the graphics/pics are well taken, drawn, and informative. It takes you through each concept of building combative robots (using multiple chassis configurations), from the frame, internals, weapons, motorization, and controls. Only book you'll reference!

A great Book for a robotics fanatic. Extremely thorough. Thanks for making it available.

A great book for anyone building a robot, not just for combat robots. They author is humble and he communicates in a clear simple manner. You get the feel for the evolution of the team's thinking and the priorities in the development program. I enjoyed the book and will keep it as an essential reference for my Vex and FIRST teams.

The item was exactly as described, no problems whatsoever. Does its job. If you want to get into fighting robots, this is the book.

Incredibly detailed book on robot combat. These guys know there stuff and have packed everything regarding the subject within this book. Don't let the plain cover fool you, its a great book with a massive amount of material.

Very surprised when it came with how thick the book is and how comprehensive the information is. Absolute bargain! Great book.

Well informed, good write up. Very helpfull

If you've ever considered building a combat robot then you need this book. Expertly written by one of the best builders, perhaps the build reports need updating

Es un compendio de elementos, componentes, técnicas de construcción, técnicas de armamento y configuraciones de robots de combate más completo y exhaustivo que he leído nunca.

This is the bible to have for building robots!