Practical Field Robotics: A Systems Approach is an introductory book in the area of field robotics.  It approaches the subject with a systems design methodology, showing the reader every important decision made in the process of planning, designing, making and testing a field robot. 

Key features:

• Takes a practical approach to field robotics, presenting the design and implementation of a robot from start to end
• Provides multiple robot examples including those used in in nuclear service, underground coal mining and mowing
• Bridges the gap between existing mathematically based texts and the real work that goes on in  research labs all over the world
• Establishes a structured approach to thinking about hardware and software design
• Includes problems and is accompanied by a website providing supporting videos and additional problems

Robert H. Sturges, Jr, Virginia Tech University, USA
Robert H. Sturges, Jr is a Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
He began his career at Charles Stark Draper Laboratories and he spent over ten years at Westinghouse in various product design and manufacturing departments before returning to academia. His 40 years of research experience in industry and academia have included the development and teaching of integrated design-manufacturing methods, and the design and development of advanced automation equipment and robotics.