The 10 Best Robotics Books

Robotics is an exciting and rapidly advancing field of technology that has implications for all aspects of our lives. With the advances in artificial intelligence, robots are becoming smarter than ever before and can be used to help us build a better future. This article covers the 10 best robotics books available today, offering insight into this amazing technology. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your knowledge, these titles will provide invaluable guidance on the subject matter.

1. Robotics, Vision and Control: Fundamental Algorithms In MATLAB, Second Edition
   
   Peter Corke
   Published in 2017
   
   

   Robotics, Vision and Control: Fundamental Algorithms In MATLAB, Second Edition by Peter Corke is a comprehensive volume that offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection between robotics and computer vision. The author provides readers with two open-source MATLAB Toolboxes to work on real problems rather than simple examples. With over 1000 MATLAB and Simulink examples as well as over 400 figures, this book weaves together theory and algorithms with practical applications for both robotics and computer vision separately or combined. It covers topics such as mobile robots, arm robots, camera models, image processing, feature extraction multi-view geometry along with visual servo systems based on Lie groups matrix exponentials twists; inertial navigation differential drive robots lattice planners pose graph SLAM map making series elastic actuators operational space control Lab color spaces light field cameras structured light bundle adjustment visual odometry photometric visual servoing among others. This accessible yet informative text will be invaluable to those seeking insight into these complex disciplines.

2. Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots
   
   Roland Siegwart, Illah Reza Nourbakhsh, Davide Scaramuzza
   Published in 2011
   
   

   Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots is a comprehensive and detailed guide for those interested in robotics. Written by experts in the field, this book covers all aspects of mobile robotics from algorithms to mechanisms, allowing readers an insight into how robots move around their environment and perform specific tasks. With 130 pages of new material on locomotion, perception, localisation and planning & navigation included since its first edition publication, it provides up-to-date knowledge as well as problem sets at the end of each chapter. This text synthesises content from kinematics to artificial intelligence making it suitable for graduate courses or working professionals alike; ideal for any reader looking for an introduction into mobile robotics.

3. Probabilistic Robotics
   
   Sebastian Thrun, Wolfram Burgard, Dieter Fox
   Published in 2005
   
   

   Probabilistic Robotics is an essential read for anyone involved in the field of robotics, providing a comprehensive introduction to techniques and algorithms. The book delves into mathematical statistics and endows robots with the robustness needed to tackle real-world situations. It features example implementations in pseudo code alongside detailed derivations, discussions from a practitioner’s perspective, exercises and class projects. Probabilistic Robotics is perfect for robotic software developers, applied statisticians or engineers dealing with sensor data. It also makes use of a Web site that offers additional material for readers. Furthermore, this text includes clear explanations on Bayes filtering, Kalman Filters (including EKFs and UKFs), robot dynamics & SLAM; all presented logically and without skipping steps along the way! All in all an excellent resource – it will be incredibly valuable when used as either study material or reference book by those interested in probabilistic methods within AI/robotics research fields.

4. Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids
   
   Bob Katovich
   Published in 2019
   
   

   This book is a fantastic way to get kids into robotics! Written with clear instructions and step-by-step photos, ‘Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids’ introduces young robot builders to the world of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). With nearly two dozen different designs ranging from simple scribblebots to advanced two-legged walkers, this book provides an empowering introduction to robots. It has something for everyone; from projects that glow or draw all the way up to ones that can even climb walls! The materials used are easy to find around the house and won’t break your budget either. This is one incredible guide which will have you feeling like a science wizard in no time at all – perfect for children aged 5–10 years old.

5. Robotics: Modelling, Planning and Control
   
   Bruno Siciliano, Lorenzo Sciavicco, Luigi Villani, Giuseppe Oriolo
   Published in 2008
   
   

   Robotics: Modelling, Planning and Control is an essential text for those interested in the fundamentals of robotics. Written by experts in the field, it provides comprehensive coverage of robot manipulators, mobile robots and visual control. The book offers a rigorous formalism that is seamlessly blended with technological aspects such as actuators, sensors and trajectory planning examples to give readers practical skills. End-of-chapter exercises are proposed alongside an electronic solutions manual containing MATLAB® code which can be accessed free of charge if used as a course textbook. This volume stands out from others owing to its detailed treatment on kinematics, dynamics and motion control while providing insight into interaction with environment through perception force & vision sensors. A great addition to graduate education or industrial practice – Robotics: Modelling, Planning and Control will surely prove invaluable!

6. Principles of Robot Motion: Theory, Algorithms, and Implementations
   
   Howie Choset, Kevin M. Lynch, Seth Hutchinson, George A. Kantor, Wolfram Burgard
   Published in 2005
   
   

   This book, Principles of Robot Motion: Theory, Algorithms, and Implementations by Howie Choset et al., is an invaluable resource for understanding the complex mathematics behind robot motion. It provides comprehensive coverage on sensor-based planning, probabilistic planning, localization and mapping as well as motion planning for dynamic systems. The authors have presented the content in a way that makes it accessible to those with experience levels ranging from novice students to experts in robotics engineering. With its clear explanations of underlying principles and accurate algorithms/methods which can be applied directly to robots control this text is ideal for use in courses or research projects related to mobile robotics. Its up-to-date knowledge about modern robotic systems make it a must read for anyone interested in advancing their knowledge of robot motions configuration space. This book has proved itself time after time as an indispensable guidebook through its detailed analysis yet easy comprehensibility making it perfect material for both educational purposes and practical applications alike.

7. Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
   
   Kevin M. Lynch, Frank C. Park
   Published in 2017
   
   

   Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control is an excellent introduction to robotics for those wanting to learn about this fascinating subject. Assuming only freshman-level physics, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra and a little bit of computing background, it provides a distinct and unified perspective of the mechanics, planning and control of robots in an intuitive geometrical way; with numerous exercises at the end of each chapter. This book presents state-of-the-art screw-theoretic techniques capturing most salient physical features that are necessary for grasping robot motion control. It also offers accompanying software as well as video lectures aimed at improving classroom experience making this one go-to textbook for anyone looking into learning about robotics.

8. Basic Robotics
   
   Keith Dinwiddie
   Published in 2015
   
   

   Basic Robotics, written by Keith E. Dinwiddie, is an informative and well-crafted book offering a comprehensive exploration of the world of industrial robots from their history to what they might become in future. It covers topics such as safety, parts of the robot, tooling and power transmission systems with clear explanation for readers without prior experience in this field. Photos illustrate various robotic systems and their components while stories about real events provide further insight into key concepts discussed throughout the text. This first edition incorporates many initiatives from STEM making it ideal for those wishing to learn more about robotics – whether that’s on a traditional classroom or on an industrial production floor setting. With its engaging content and easy-to-follow instructions Basic Robotics provides all you need know to get started with robotics today!

9. The LEGO BOOST Activity Book
   
   Daniele Benedettelli
   Published in 2018
   
   

   The LEGO BOOST Activity Book is a comprehensive guide to the world of robot building with the popular LEGO BOOST set. Written by Daniele Benedettelli, an expert in robotics and LEGO MINDORMS who has collaborated for nearly a decade with The LEGO Group, this full-color manual includes everything you need to know about how to assemble and program your very own robotic creations. With clear instructions illustrated through countless diagrams, readers can explore fundamentals from basic rover robots all the way up to complex machines capable of shooting objects or executing voice commands. Alongside coding basics are optional lessons that dig deeper into robotics concepts plus experiments that test skills and encourage further exploration of these fascinating builds. The LEGO BOOST Activity Book offers something for everyone, so why not get ready for some serious robotic fun?

10. The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Activity Book
    
    Daniele Benedettelli
    Published in 2021
    
    

    This book is an invaluable guide for anyone looking to make the most of their LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor set. Written by robotics expert Daniele Benedettelli, it takes a project-based approach as readers are guided through seven captivating robotic creations that become increasingly sophisticated with each chapter. Step-by-step building instructions and detailed explanations on programming robots using the companion app mean no coding experience is necessary – users will have all they need to invent unique LEGO projects. From a magical monster that gobbles up paper to a remote controlled transformer car, this Activity Book presents an engaging universe full of incredibly fun interactive models making it unmissable for aspiring robot builders of every age and skill level.