A modern and unified treatment of the mechanics, planning, and control of robots, suitable for a first course in robotics.

Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.

The thrilling sequel to the book that Kirkus Reviews called “ingeniously plotted and vastly entertaining,” inspired by the classic board game CLUE—now in paperback! New semester. New secrets. New murder. In the aftermath of their headmaster’s brutal murder, Blackbrook Academy has been thrown into chaos. Half the student body hasn’t bothered to return to campus—but those who have include Orchid McKee, Vaughn Green, Scarlett Mistry, Beth “Peacock” Picach, Phineas Plum, and Sam “Mustard” Maestor, now warily referred to by the other students as the Murder Crew. When another staff member is found dead, each teen’s reasons for sticking around come to light. Orchid and Vaughn grow ever closer to having their secrets exposed, Peacock and Scarlett struggle to change their stripes, and Plum and Mustard question everything. As everything comes to a boiling point at Tudor House, nobody’s life will ever be the same.

Tool collectors will appreciate this well organized, comprehensive catalog of American wrenches and their makers. Following a list of wrench patent dates with the names of their makers is the catalog of wrenches, organized alphabetically by maker. Each entry includes a short history of the company and their wrenches with illustrations of each wrench, in b&w. An appendix contains an interview with Loring Coes.

WRENCH IN THE SYSTEM Why business software doesn't work—and how to fix it Every year, businesses waste billions of dollars on information technology that doesn't communicate clearly with the people who use it. This fundamental flaw causes errors and delays, lowers profits, and can even endanger lives. In this groundbreaking book, technology designer Harold Hambrose shows executives and managers how to turn underperforming digital assets into powerhouse systems—how to specify small changes that dramatically boost productivity, how to reduce training costs, and how to ask vendors the right questions. Wrench in the System reveals: Why so many of our essential software systems are needlessly confusing How to make low-cost changes that provide direct, measurable benefits The hidden costs of forcing people to adapt to clumsy electronic tools The secrets of matching software to the needs of the company How to leverage the power of technology for innovation Information technology is still in its adolescence, and Hambrose explains that because the industry has grown so quickly, it's still in an awkward phase. Software manufacturers have been in such a rush to add new features that they haven't paid enough attention to the human beings who use their products. Most software systems are built to fulfill business requirements and technical specifications, but often they fail to meet expectations because they aren't designed to anticipate human needs. As a result, much of our most powerful business software is ineffective and underutilized. With compelling case histories and an engaging narrative, Hambrose exposes popular nonsense about software systems and shows how to evaluate them and measure their performance just as we do every other product. This timely book by an industry insider tells decision makers what they need to know to un-lock the full potential of one of their biggest business investments.