Book Image

Building Smart LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robots

By : Kyle Markland
Book Image

Building Smart LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robots

By: Kyle Markland

Overview of this book

Smart robots are an ever-increasing part of our daily lives. With LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3, you can now prototype your very own small-scale smart robot that uses specialized programming and hardware to complete a mission. EV3 is a robotics platform for enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels that makes prototyping robots accessible to all. This book will walk you through six different projects that range from intermediate to advanced level. The projects will show you building and programming techniques that are used by engineers in the real world, which will help you build your own smart robot. You'll see how to make the most of the EV3 robotics platform and build some awesome smart robots. The book starts by introducing some real-world examples of smart robots. Then, we'll walk you through six different projects and explain the features that allow these robots to make intelligent decisions. The book will guide you as you build your own object-tracking tank, a box-climbing robot, an interactive robotic shark, a quirky bipedal robot, a speedy remote control race car, and a GPS-navigating robot. By the end of this book, you'll have the skills necessary to build and program your own smart robots with EV3.
Table of Contents (9 chapters)

Mechanical design

First, we will be taking a look at each of the mechanisms that allow the Security Tank to do its job.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is the mechanical system that allows a robot to move. The drivetrain on the Security Tank is actually quite simple. It uses caterpillar tracks, also known as tank treads.

Tank treads consist of a belt or a chain that runs across at least two wheels or pulleys. They work in pairs, with one on each side of the vehicle. The treads essentially make two large, continuous surfaces that the robot drives on. This provides a large contact area with the ground and allows a tank to have maximum traction over all surfaces. Changing the power split between the left and right tracks allows the...