So I got the new book: ROS Robotics Projects by Lentin Joseph. I like it. I got the ebook for under 30 bucks (lowest cost ROS book that I know of). If you want to learn about ROS you should buy this one. #Totally not sponsored, I promise.
It starts off showing different versions, expensive robots that use ROS, how to install ROS, ROS terminology, only one page of turtlesim (+10 Points), getting a job with your ROS knowledge, and a simple 6 step process to set up a work space. I like how all of the talking about ROS, other than the how to do stuff, is in the first chapter.
The next chapter shows how to do a low cost face tracking total: $200.00 (I imagine it can be done for $120.00). with the exception of the autonomous car, it is the most expensive project in the book. Other chapters are like what you dreamed about when you were a kid robot enthusiast. This has voice commands, hand gestures, how to make it talk, object recognition, low cost equipment, and machine learning. It is almost like he read my rant on ROS books and made this the next week.
After I make the autonomous lawn mower I will try to make a robot with all these fun things.
Thanks Lentin Joseph, wherever you are.
3/19/17