Visualizing your next robot
When we started this book, in Chapter 2, Exploring Robot Building Blocks – Code and Electronics, we first learned how to look at robots as a sketch. I suggested that you make quick drawings, and not worry if they are rough and sketchy—this is perfect at an early planning stage. Use a pencil or pen, and then move on to the more formal block and layout diagrams later.
Every robot starts with a bit of inspiration. Perhaps there is a competition you want to try; maybe you've seen something such as another robot or an animal you want to mimic (crabs are fascinating!). Other inspirations may come from seeing a unique new part or wanting to learn/play with a new skill. You may even have made a list of amazing robots you want to try to build.
Before building a robot, make a short bullet-point list of what it will do, which sensors/outputs it will have, and what it might have to deal with. This list lets you focus your efforts. Here is an...
