Welcome
Page 08
MAKE 39: Robotics
There’s never been a better time to get excited about DIY robotics! In this issue Mythbuster, model maker, and combat roboticist Grant Imahara talks about hacking everything from a giant spiderbot to R2-D2. Check out the latest in humanoid robots and open-source robotic platforms. Then, build your own bots that follow the sunlight or scuttle about in a hamster ball and delve into biorobotics by hacking a venus flytrap to close on command.
Plus, build a super-efficient backyard oven, launch a compressed air rocket with wings that snap open to glide back to Earth, pick up the basics of Intel’s new Arduino-compatible Galileo board, and learn to paint on leather using the classic Lego Space logo. These projects and much more in Make: Volume 39, on newsstands May 27, 2014.
Table of Contents
COLUMNS
Reader Input
Page 10
What Sticks About Play & Bricks
Steve Davee
Every child is a natural born maker.Page 12
How Maker Faire Shaped My Future
Sam DeRose
From hobbies to Harvey Mudd via a salvaged aircraft.Page 14
Made on Earth
Page 16
FEATURES
One Hundred Maker Faires Around the World
In 2013, a record number of makers from 20 countries came together to share their projects and passions.Page 22
The Self-Taught Sculptor
Eben Markowski’s metalworking skills are rooted in his father’s car restoration shop.Page 26
Adventures in Body Cooling
How a self-taught maker began building medical prototypes.Page 29
SPECIAL SECTION
We, Robots
Your guide to all the shapes our future overlords will take, from AIs to endoskeletons.Page 32
In Our Own Image
Gareth Branwyn
The state of the art in humanoid robots.Page 34
Grant Imahara’s Hollywood Dream Machine
Grant Imahara
As a MythBuster, model maker, and combat roboticist, he's hacked everything from R2-D2 to the Energizer Bunny.Page 38
Remote-Control Venus Flytrap
Explore biorobotics with a carnivorous plant that bites on command!Page 46
SunBEAM Seeker Bot
Our easy-bake adaptation of a classic phototrope.Page 48
Miniball Solar Hamsterbot
Hours of fun sans batteries.Page 50
World’s Smallest Line-Following Vibrobot
’Nuff said.Page 52
Mars-Bot Challenge
Forrest M. Mims III
A simulated space mission could leverage the popularity of robotics competitions to teach science.Page 54
Buyer’s Guide: Open-Source Robotics
Sean Michael Ragan
The best hackable robots on the market.Page 56
SKILL BUILDERS
Photo Etching Metal Parts
Use chemical milling to cut intricate shapes from brass or stainless steel.Page 58
Eclectic Electret Microphone
Charles Platt
How to understand and use the common 2-wire condenser mic.Page 62
PROJECTS
Wood-Fired Barrel Oven
Max Edleson and Eva Edleson
Build a super-efficient, easy-to-use backyard oven that’ll never put cinders in your pizza.Page 64
Classic Lego Space Flight Jacket
Laurie Barton
For graduates of the Lego Space Corps.Page 70
Sing-a-Long Song Devocalizer
Jeffrey M. Goller and Nathan Goller-Deitsch
Cancel out vocals, isolate instruments, and create fascinating audio effects.Page 73
Open-Source CNC Furniture
Anna Kaziunas France
Forget Ikea. Make stylish, customized furniture on a CNC machine near you.Page 74
Getting Started with Galileo
Matt Richardson
Use the Intel Galileo to make networked gadgets.Page 76
123: Duct Tape Double
A quick and easy way to make a custom mannequin using cheap materials. Page 79
Air Rocket Glider
Rick Schertle
Build a folding glider that’s blasted skyward by a compressed air launcher!Page 80
Flora NeoGeo Watch
Becky Stern and Tyler Cooper
Make a stylin’ LED timepiece with GPS navigation and compass modes built in.Page 84
Smooth Moods Machine
Gordon McComb
Sooth ragged nerves with this Arduino-based sound system.Page 90
123: Springboard
Build a cheap and easy prototyping board for students.Page 91
Remaking History
The invention of thermite played a major role in the building of railroads.Page 92
Toothy Toothbrush Timer
Nick Normal
Hack a novelty toy and get your dentist-recommended brush time every time.Page 94
GoPro Cannon Cam
Dan Spangler
Take astonishing videos from high above — and look out below.Page 96
3 Fun Things to 3D Print
Print a distinguished bust, a clockwork heart, and a mini robot elephant.Page 97
Toy Inventor’s Notebook
Use a strip heater to shape thermoplastic parts for your projects. Page 98
Homebrew: OpBot
Russ Martin
Operation is way more fun when you play with a giant robot arm!Page 112
TOOLBOX
Tool Reviews
MAKE’s recommendations for useful and unique maker tools, toys and materials.Page 100
New Maker Tech
On the horizon for electronic accessories.Page 103
Books
Text tools for your bench or bedside table.Page 106
