ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Gordon McComb’s
Acknowledgments for the Third Edition
Only until you've climbed the mountain can you look behind and see the vast distance that you’ve covered, and remember those you've met along the way who made your trek a little
easier. Now that this book is finally finished, after the many miles of weary travel, I look
back to those who helped me turn it into a reality and offer my heartfelt thanks. To the gang
on comp.robotics.misc, for the great ideas, wisdom, and support; to Scott Savage, designer
of the OOPic; to Frank Manning and Jack Schoof of NetMedia for their help with the
BasicX; to Tony Ellis, a real-life “Q” if I ever met one; to Scott Grillo and the editors at
McGraw-Hill; to my agents Matt Wagner and Bill Gladstone; and last and certainly not least,
to my wife, Jennifer.
Myke Predko’s Acknowledgments for the Third Edition
I had no small measure of concern when I was offered the opportunity to work on the third
edition of what is affectionately known as RBB. The book is a staple for both beginners and
experts alike and is crammed with material and knowledge that come from a large number
of disciplines. Undertaking this effort required a lot of support from a variety of different
individuals.
My editor, Judy Bass, who had the confidence that I could update RBB and do a credible
job of it, and who kept her sense of humor and interest despite all the emails, questions,
and ideas that are generated in a project like this. Judy always gives the confidence that all
of McGraw-Hill is behind me.
For technical information and ideas regarding the material in the book, I would like to
recognize Ben Wirz, who has an amazing amount of background in robotics and has been
the co-designer on the Tab Electronics robot kits; Joe Jones, a very special robot designer
and author; and Ken Gracey of Parallax who seems to have dedicated himself to making
robots easy for everyone. I want to thank all of you for your time, ideas, and energy toward
the development of the third edition of this book.
Over the past few years, I have been involved with the Ontario Science Centre along
with Celestica, my daytime employer, helping to put on robot workshops for local families. Through these workshops, I have learned a lot about what people want to get from robots
and have seen their ideas take wing. All the volunteers involved, both Celestica and Ontario
Science Centre employees, continue to give excellent suggestions, feedback, and support.
I would especially like to thank Blair Clarkson, the special events coordinator of the Ontario
Science Centre for his friendship, help, and prodding over the years to help create something
that is truly unique.
For those of you following my progress as a writer, you will know that I frequently consult
my daughter, Marya, for ideas and a different perspective. Her support started out from
just pressing buttons to watch lights flash and now has progressed to trying out a few of the
projects and critiquing different aspects of the book.
My wife Patience's continual support and love are necessary ingredients of every book I
have written. Her enthusiasm for my hobby despite the mess, time taken from the family,
and occasional flames accompanied by loud obscenities is nothing short of wonderful.
Nothing that I do would be possible without you.
Lastly, I am indebted to Gordon McComb for all his hard work establishing the framework
for Robot Builder’s Bonanza and the countless hours he has spent making sure this
book is the best introduction to robotics there is.
Thank you and I hope I have been able to pass along a bit of what you’ve given me.