Snake Robots is a novel treatment of theoretical and practical topics related to snake robots: robotic mechanisms designed to move like biological snakes and able to operate in challenging environments in which human presence is either undesirable or impossible. Future applications of such robots include search and rescue, inspection and...

This book presents a unique combination of mobile robots and embedded systems, from introductory to intermediate level. It is structured in three parts, dealing with embedded systems (hardware and software design, actuators, sensors, PID control, multitasking), mobile robot design (driving, balancing, walking, and flying robots), and mobile...

Neural Networks, Second Edition provides a complete introduction to neural networks. It describes what they are, what they can do, and how they do it. While some scientific background is assumed, the reader is not expected to have any prior knowledge of neural networks. These networks are explained and discussed by means of examples, so that...

The hard disk drive (HDD) is an excellent example of the practical application of precision mechatronics. Hard Disk Drive: Mechatronics and Control describes the control aspects of an HDD, explains difficulties faced by designers, provides solutions, and highlights challenges of future-generation drives. Combining academic interests with...

Intelligent technical systems, which combine mechanical, electrical and software engineering with methods from control engineering and advanced mathematics, go far beyond the state of the art in mechatronics and open up fascinating perspectives. Among these systems are so-called self-optimizing systems, which are able to adapt their behavior...

This wickedly inventive guide shows you how to conceptualize, build, and program 34 tinyAVR microcontroller devices that you can use for either entertainment or practical purposes. After covering the development process, tools, and power supply sources, tinyAVR...