The Robotics Primer (Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Agents series)
"As with electronics and then computers, the world is about to be transformed yet again by the age of robotics. Every age needs its technology to be adopted by smart kids and dedicated hobbyists to provide the tide of people who will carry out the transformation. The Robotics Primer is a bridge between academia and everyperson, and its readers will become the crucibles of the new age."Rodney Brooks, Director, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab"Dr. Mataric has made a complex subject accessible to students of all ages. Students can learn in conjunction with hands-on experience using the robot workbook available online. This primer and workbook will give the student a first glimpse at the incredible possibilities of robotics."Helen Greiner, Chairman and Co-founder of iRobot"The Robotics Primeris a rare combinationlively and enthusiastic as well as authoritative, written by one of the leaders of the field. If this doesn"t excite a new generation of roboticists, I"m not sure what will! A remarkable contribution: a fun, straightforward, and gentle introduction to robotics, that is accessible to virtually anyone interested in gaining such knowledge. I know of no better text to bootstrap aspiring roboticists into the language, knowledge, and culture of the field."Ronald C. Arkin, Regents" Professor & Director of the Mobile Robot Laboratory, Georgia Institute of Technology"This book is a very enthusiastic introduction to robotics. It is an excellent textbook for anyone designing or taking an undergraduate introductory course, and great reading for those interested in learning about robots."Daniela Rus, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, MIT