[Robotgroup] Book recommendations

[john at cozmicfunk.com]

Are there any books that cover the physical design, the mechanical 
architecture or structural engineering of Film prop bots?

Since I am visual designer, I rely of the visual function of the Prop 
and am always looking for ways to create movement within the design. I 
have an idea for a large scale robot prop that would have to be a 
graphite or metal frame to manage the weight of the motors etc. I know 
most of the below suggestions are more for computer control design and 
such, I am looking for something that covers more like FX props or 
unusual "Artsy" designs...

The closest thing I have found was that Stan Winston book at Half Price 
last year and it shows some pictures but doesn't go into detail about 
their design methods. I am looking for the guide on the designs of the 
armatures for creative organic movement that could also be used for 
making life like Alien or creature animatronics, this kind of seems like 
the direction I am more interested in: think of the pilot from that show 
Farscape meets a T2 Arachnotech: http://www.cozmicfunk.com/arac_info.html
 (picture in link is one of my hand made miniature model kits and i have 
always wanted to incorporate this design into a large scale creature, 
but not like the Strship Troopers Arachnid which is similar)

Just interested if there are other Robot designers like me (Eric L?) out 
there that are more into the prop side of it and Original designs? I 
know plenty of resources to make R2's and what not. Thanks for any input :)

JPF
Paul Atkinson wrote:
> Mike,
>
> I like the Junkbots book as a good starting point. Fairly simple circuits
> and decent behavior:
>
> http://www.solarbotics.com/products/jbb/
>
> Junkbots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels
>
> Paul
>
> On Fri, May 9, 2008 at 2:17 PM, Andre Lamothe <ceo at nurve.net> wrote:
>
>   
>> Well, I think that a general knowledge in embedded systems is important for
>> everyone. Also, you need a really good bible of electronics. Two I
>> recommend
>> in those areas are:
>>
>> 1. Designing Embedded Hardware (nice begineer book) - O'Reilly
>> 2. The Art of Electronics (non-calc based, a classic)
>>
>> In robotics, I suggest:
>>
>> 1. Physical computing , thomson press, by O'sullivan and Igoe
>> 2. Mechatronics sourcebook, thomson press, by braga
>>
>> Make sure if you do get any, to get the LATEST editions.
>>
>> Andre'
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Def Egge" <robodigest at innervate.com>
>> To: "The Robot Group" <robotgroup at puremagic.com>
>> Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 1:01 PM
>> Subject: [Robotgroup] Book recommendations
>>
>>
>>
>> It seems that it might be a good idea, every now and then, to inquire
>> of the membership about 'must-have' books for the hobby roboticist.
>>
>> Remember that not all of the members hold degrees in EE, nor are we
>> all ace programmers.
>>
>> So, my friends, what do you recommend?  Why?
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> All the best....
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Robotgroup mailing list
>> Robotgroup at puremagic.com
>> http://lists.puremagic.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/robotgroup
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Robotgroup mailing list
>> Robotgroup at puremagic.com
>> http://lists.puremagic.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/robotgroup
>>
>>     
> _______________________________________________
> Robotgroup mailing list
> Robotgroup at puremagic.com
> http://lists.puremagic.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/robotgroup
>
>
>