Customer Reviews
The perfect gift (for yourself!)
I've been a LEGO hobbyist for years, and I'm very excited that my teenage son is now more into it than even I am. I bought this book for him as a Christmas gift, but I had to give it to him early after I saw the incredibly cool robots on the front. We've now both read the book cover to cover (not a small task considering the book is almost 600 pages) and the ideas and information we got from the book could keep us busy for years. The great thing about this book is that it does not just give you step by step instructions on how to build a handful of robots, it teaches you how to build ANY robot that YOU can dream up. A big thanks to the authors for such a great gift!
Excellent Resource
I am not ashamed to admit that I am 28-going-on-29 and I absolutely love this book. It is very well written and highly detailed. As a Mehanical Engineer with 6+ years work experience I was certain that this book wouldn't live up to the expectations that the first few pages that I read in the book store led me to develop. Was I wrong!! This book's simplified expanation of engineering concepts is unmatched. From Lego block geometry to gearing setup and programming. This book has it all if you'd like to go beyond the few missions that the mindstorm kit comes with. Don't be mistaken this book has no step-by-step instructions for building robots. It only introduces "snippet" to get your creative "juices" flowing. My understanding of Legos and their use has been greatly enhanced. To make things even better, the authors includes useful information on other Lego parts that are not included with mindstorm that are very important, i.e. light sensors, hydraulics, etc. If you are looking for a reference book to help you build better Lego creations, this book is it!!
Building Robots with Lego MindStorms
This book strikes me as an ideal text for an advanced course in robotics Lego style. I am impressed with the depth the authors explored each segment of the MindStorms experience. The reader will find a variety of explanations for each segment ranging from simple to rather complex. This allows the reader to choose the level of complexity that is most comfortable.
The early chapters deal with several rudimentary characteristics of the MindStorms system. Many of these are part of the joy of discovery that plays a huge roll in the experience of this set. I believe that this book should be used after one has experienced all that the Constructopedia has to offer. The thrill of learning through experience is too great to give in to reading the solutions beforehand.
I have always envied the individual who is about to open their first MindStorms Robot Invention System. They are about to experience a trip into the future. This trip will last as long as imagination will allow. The efforts of Mario and Giulio Ferrari will continue to ignite curiosity and inspire the reader to venture further armed with the ideas and information contained in the chapters of this book.
I am pleased to have this fact filled book at my side to continue to learn more about this system. Mario and Giulio have done an outstanding job assembling 575 pages packed with new ideas to build, program and enjoy your MindStorms creations.
Bob Fay
