Chapter 1, Introduction to Smart Robots, explains what qualities a robot must have in order to be considered smart and discusses two examples of smart robots in the real world. Then, it introduces the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robotics platform and summarizes the six projects included in this book.
Chapter 2, Security Tank – Object-Tracking Robot, explains how tank-style driving works; introduces mechanisms such as gear ratios, turntables, cams, and EV3's infrared sensor; explores the advantages of using proportional logic in a smart robot, and outlines how to make a beacon following program that applies proportional logic.
Chapter 3, Omnilander – Ultimate All-Terrain Vehicle, reapplies tank tracks for a rugged off-road application; introduces advanced mechanisms such as the worm gear, rack-and-pinion gears, and clutches; describes how to make a remote control program for a tank-style robot; and explains how to use proximity sensors to make an autonomous collision avoidance program.
Chapter 4, Timmyton – Interactive Robotic Shark, covers the original one-kit-wonder's compact mechanical design, its innovative custom GUI that incorporates several programs into one, programming the color sensor, and the myriad of programming features that make this robotic shark come to life.
Chapter 5, Grunt - Quirky Bipedal Robot, demonstrates a simple walking mechanism that can be used in an EV3 project, shows how a robot's cosmetic design can develop its personality, describes how nested switches can enable a robot to make decision making, and lists the programming features that lend Grunt its rich interactive qualities.
Chapter 6, Falcon - Remote Control Race Car, explains how to build a drivetrain and steering system that are modeled after those found in a real-world car, shows how to program car-style steering that automatically returns to the center, describes how to create a remote control program for a car-style robot, and introduces the basics of MyBlocks.
Chapter 7, GPS Car - Autonomous EV3 Navigation, introduces two navigation sensors (the GPS receiver and the magnetic compass) and outlines the basic knowledge necessary for using them. Then, it describes how to modify the Falcon to incorporate these sensors and explains how to program the car to use the sensors to autonomously navigate to a pair of GPS coordinates defined by the user.
