Building Robots.- Robot Programming.- Driving Algorithms.- Lidar Sensors.- Robot Swarms.- Wall Following.- Alternative Drive Systems.- Submarines and Boats.- Mazes.- Navigation Algorithms.- Robot Vision.- Starman.- Autonomous Driving.- Automotive Robots.- Formula SAE.- Outlook.- Appendix.
Thomas Bräunl is a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences of The University of Western Australia, Perth, where he directs the Robotics & Automation Lab as well as the Renewable Energy Vehicle Project (REV). He has developed numerous robotics systems, including the EyeBot robot family and the EyeSim simulation system. On the automotive side, he has done research on electric drive and charging systems, and is developing AI solutions for autonomous driving. Professor Bräunl worked on Driver-Assistance Systems with Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart and on Electric Vehicle Charging Systems with BMW Munich and BMW Mountain View. He holds a Diploma from the University of Kaiserslautern, an M.S. degree from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. and Habilitation from the University of Stuttgart.
In this book the author stresses software as the most important topic in modern robotics. In particular the book concentrates on software for mobile robots, and the author demonstrates how inexpensive solutions can be constructed by mounting Raspberry Pi controllers and cameras onto model cars or other simple mechanical drive systems. He introduces EyeSim-VR, a freely available system that can realistically simulate driving, swimming, diving, and walking robots. The emphasis throughout is on algorithm development and all software assignments can run on real robot hardware, as well as on the simulation system presented.
The book is suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses in artificial intelligence and robotics, and also for self-study by practitioners. All software used in this book, including all example programs, can be freely downloaded online, with native applications for MacOS, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.