Summary

PDAs and robotics come together in this innovative resource Here is the ONLY BOOK to provide in-depth designs and concepts on how to create a robot that utilizes your PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) as the remote control--or ""brains.""

* Allows any PDA to communicate with and control the robot
* No connectors necessary--works on a wireless link between the PDA and the robot
* Requires only inexpensive, off-the-shelf components
* Modules can be easily customized for individual use
* Covers specialized software, control circuits, and interfaces ideal for creating artificial life forms

Library Journal Review

Trying to attract more teens and gadget freaks to your library? Try adding these intriguing guides to PDA robotics. Ultimate leads owners of nearly any Palm OS PDA through the process of transforming it into a functional robot, with the addition of some inexpensive parts and free software. The CD includes several of these applications and utilities; two chapters are devoted to instructions on writing additional programs. Plentiful figures and clear step-by-step instructions and suggestions make this a useful choice for all libraries. (Graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University developed the prototype for the Palm robot discussed here.) PDA Robotics covers building homemade robots that integrate either a Windows or Palm OS PDA, allowing users to control their PDA robot remotely through these devices' infrared wireless ports. Step-by-step instructions and figures make this a solid guide for electronics hobbyists who want more creative control over their robot. Much more technical than Ultimate, this is appropriate for larger libraries. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.