Introduction to Robotics
A Roadmap to Building the Future
What is Robotics?
Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates computer science
and engineering to design, construct, operate, and use robots.
The goal of robotics is to create intelligent machines that can assist
humans in a variety of ways.
The Pillars of Robotics
Robotics isn't just one field; it's a powerful synergy of multiple domains.
Mechatronics Electronics
The core mechanical and electrical systems that allow a The nervous system of the robot, including sensors,
robot to move and interact with the world. circuits, and microcontrollers that process signals.
Computer Science IoT (Internet of Things)
The brain of the robot, encompassing programming, Connects robots to the cloud and other devices, enabling
algorithms, and artificial intelligence for decision-making. data sharing and remote control.
How to Start Learning Robotics: A Roadmap
This journey is broken down into three manageable stages:
Advanced
Intermediate Mastering Machine learning and
Foundation Understanding Core Robotics AI
Math . physics , programming
Let's explore each step.
Level 1: Beginner 3 Foundations
Math & Physics Basics Electronics & Hardware Basics
Math: Brush up on algebra, trigonometry, and basic Theory: Learn Ohm's law, voltage, current, resistance,
calculus. and power.
Physics: Learn Newton's laws, forces, torque, energy, Hands-On: Use breadboards, resistors, LEDs, sensors,
and motion. and motors.
Concepts: Understand coordinate systems and vectors. Core Component: Study microcontrollers like Arduino
and ESP32.
Programming Fundamentals
Beginner Projects
Python: Easy to learn and widely used in robotics & AI.
C/C++: Essential for microcontrollers (Arduino) and Line-following robot
high-performance systems (ROS). Obstacle-avoiding robot
Practice: Focus on logic, loops, functions, and Bluetooth/WiFi-controlled car
debugging. Small robotic arm with servo motors
Level 2: Intermediate 3 Core Robotics
Control Systems & Kinematics Robotics Programming
Control: Learn PID controllers, feedback loops, and stability. Platforms: Start with the Arduino IDE and MicroPython.
Kinematics: Understand forward & inverse kinematics for robotic Industry Standard: Move to ROS (Robot Operating System).
arms and legs. Simulation: Learn tools like Gazebo, Webots, or CoppeliaSim to
Dynamics: Study differential drive robots (2-wheel/4-wheel). test algorithms without hardware.
Embedded Systems & Sensors Intermediate Projects
Sensors: Work with IMUs (gyroscope, accelerometer), GPS, Self-balancing robot (using an IMU + PID)
encoders, and LIDAR basics.
Basic drone (quadrotor)
Integration: Interface multiple sensors with microcontrollers. Mapping robot (basic SLAM)
3D printed robotic gripper
Level 3: Advanced 3 AI & Robotics
Machine Learning & AI for Robotics
Computer Vision: Use OpenCV, YOLO, and TensorFlow for object detection, tracking, and
gesture recognition.
Decision Making: Train ML models for navigation and complex tasks.
SLAM & Navigation
SLAM: Learn Simultaneous Localization and Mapping.
Path Planning: Explore algorithms like A*, Dijkstra, and RRT.
Advanced Control & Planning
Control Methods: Study Model Predictive Control (MPC).
AI Control: Explore Reinforcement Learning for robotics.
Advanced Projects
Autonomous drone with GPS and vision navigation
Humanoid robot with basic walking
AI-powered assistant robot (voice + vision)
Swarm robots (multiple robots collaborating)
Parallel Skills: Always Keep Learning!
These skills are crucial throughout your robotics journey.
CAD & 3D Printing PCB Design
Design custom parts using Fusion 360 or SolidWorks. Create your own circuit boards with KiCad or EasyEDA.
Cloud & IoT Team Collaboration
Connect your robots to the cloud with AWS IoT or MQTT. Use Git and GitHub to manage your code and collaborate
on projects.
The Complete Robotics Learning Path
1 Beginner
Math & Physics
Programming
Electronics
Simple Projects
2 Intermediate
Control Systems
Kinematics
Sensors
ROS
3 Advanced
AI & ML
Computer Vision
SLAM
Complex Projects
Remember to develop parallel skills like CAD, PCB design, and collaboration tools throughout your
journey!
Essential Software for Robotics
To bring your robotics projects to life, you'll need the right tools. Here are some of the most critical software platforms
and languages:
Robot Operating System Gazebo MATLAB & Simulink
(ROS) A powerful 3D robot simulator Widely used in academia and
An open-source, flexible that allows you to test complex industry for algorithm
framework for writing robot algorithms in a virtual development, data analysis, and
software. It's the industry standard environment before deploying model-based design, especially for
for robotics research and them on physical hardware, control systems and signal
development, providing libraries, saving time and resources. processing.
tools, and conventions.
Python C++
The most popular programming language for robotics Often used for performance-critical robotics
due to its extensive libraries for AI, machine learning, applications where low-level hardware control, real-
and computer vision (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, time operations, and maximum efficiency are
OpenCV). necessary.
Resources for Your Robotics Journey
Equip yourself with knowledge from these highly recommended books, covering various essential areas in robotics:
Electronics Basics Programming Basics
Make: Electronics: Learning Through Discovery Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition
by Charles Platt by Eric Matthes
C++ Basics and Beyond Machine Learning
C++ Primer, 5th Edition Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras & TensorFlow, 3rd Edition
by Stanley B. Lippman, Josée Lajoie, and Barbara E. Moo by Aurélien Géron
Thank You
Q&A
Ready to start your robotics journey?
