'Derby Robot' Textbook To Prove A Chinese Best-Seller?
22 October 2009
Tim Wilmshurst with Derbots and new Chinese versions of his textbook.
People usually think of new electronic innovations as coming from the East and being introduced to Europe and the UK, rather than the other way around.
”Tim Wilmshurst, University Head of Subject for Electronics and Sound
We're all familiar with Far East know-how producing new electronic gadgets to send to Europe but a University of Derby expert's book will teach Chinese engineers how to build a 'Derby robot'.
Tim Wilmshurst, University Head of Subject for Electronics and Sound, has just seen his best-selling textbook for engineering students and electronics hobbyists, called Designing Embedded Systems with PIC Microcontrollers, Principles & Applications, translated into Chinese.
The book - all about the tiny built-in computers or microcontrollers without which washing machines, microwaves, medical gadgets, cars and other modern machines would not work - will also teach Chinese students and technicians how to build a 'Derbot', a mini robot designed in Derby by Tim.
Derbots are autonomous robot vehicles, guided not by a human controller but by their own built-in microcontrollers.
Each year the University stages a Derbot Challenge event, where Tim's students get together in international teams to build their own mini robot, before pitting them against each other on a timed obstacle course.
Tim is looking forward to seeing what Chinese electronics fans make of, and build from, his textbook.
He said: "While hardly in the league of the Harry Potter series in terms of sales, for a textbook this has sold well since it was published in 2007 and I have just finished a second edition. I get emails and queries about the book from all over the world.
"This is the first time it has appeared in Chinese and it will be interesting to see what they make of it there. People usually think of new electronic innovations as coming from the East and being introduced to Europe and the UK, rather than the other way around."
This year's Derbot Challenge, held at the University of Derby's Markeaton Street site in March 2009, featured 11 international teams, made up of 31 Technology degree students from countries including Iran, Libya, Palestine, Zambia, Nigeria, Poland, Wales and England.
Tim is already thinking of ways to make the third annual event, to be held in Spring 2010, even more challenging.
For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 592019 or 07876 476103, or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
