Reviewed By: Missy Grote
Date: July 4, 2004
Section: Book Reviews
Publisher: Que
Author: Gareth Branwyn
Pages: 384
Retail Price: $18.95
Dot Journal Price: $13.27

Robots 101…. That is basically what you’ll find here in the new book, Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Building Robots, by Gareth Branwyn. The book actually reminds me of a High School class where before you get your feet wet, you first need to learn all the definitions. The book promises from the front cover that “no prior robot building experience is necessary.” That is exactly right! To emphasize this point, Branwyn will assume you know nothing about robots and will bring you up to speed with some robotic terminology. No small feat as a third of the book is focused on educating the reader about robots to increase their own comfort level on the often misunderstood subject matter. You’ll learn all about the history of robots and what we can expect in the future. Did any of you know that there is already robot “Olympics?”

If you’re serious about building robots as a new hobby I recommend not skipping over chapter four. Here is where you’ll learn everything about the anatomy of a robot and all the parts that comprise a robot including circuit boards, batteries, sensors, controllers and more.

The next section of the book is dedicated to the building of three hobby robots. You learn about the tools needed and how to set up your robot workshop. For each robot you will have a supply list comprised of fairly common household items. Branwyn then breaks it down step by step with great illustrations on how to build your robot. The pictures make the book. It sounds silly, but there is something oddly god-like about seeing something come alive.

The final section contains a plethora of resources to make your robot-building hobby even easier! You will find an assortment of places to buy supplies for your new hobby as well as where to buy kits that you can put together. Most stores have a web address as well as an 800 toll free number. Other resources include recommended books, magazines, websites, and clubs for the up-and-coming robot enthusiast. Hopefully this book will inspire you as realize how simple building robots can be!

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