Introduction to Robotics

01 Definition

What is robotics?

Robotics is a field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science to design, build, and operate robots. A robot is a programmable machine that can sense its environment, process information, and carry out physical actions, either on its own or with help from a person.

A complete overview of robotics

Robot vs automation vs AI

Timeline

1. 1921The word “robot” is introduced in a Czech play.
2. 1961The first industrial robot arm, Unimate, starts work in a car factory.
3. 1966Shakey, an early mobile robot that reasons about its actions, is built.
4. 1997The Sojourner rover roams Mars.
5. 2002The Roomba brings robots into homes.
6. 2020sCollaborative robots, delivery robots, and AI powered humanoids grow quickly.

02 How it works

How robots work

Every robot runs a repeating cycle, often called the sense, think, act loop.

1. SenseSensors measure distance, light, motion, force, position, and images.
2. PerceiveSoftware turns raw signals into meaning: where am I, what is around me?
3. PlanThe controller picks a goal and a path, and avoids obstacles.
4. ControlCommands are sent to motors, with feedback to correct errors.
5. ActActuators move wheels, joints, and grippers. Then the loop repeats.

The main parts of a robot

Core ideas in robot control

Key terms

Degrees of freedom

The number of independent ways a robot can move. A typical industrial arm has six.

Payload

The maximum weight a robot can carry or lift.

Repeatability

How accurately a robot returns to the same point again and again.

Workspace

The full area a robot arm can reach.

Autonomy

How much the robot can decide and act without human control.

Teleoperation

A person controls the robot remotely.

Firmware

Low level software that runs directly on the robot’s microcontroller.

Embedded system

A small computer built into a device to control one job.

03 Types

Types of robots

By body and movement

Special categories

Levels of autonomy

04 Sensors and actuators

The senses and muscles of a robot

Common sensors

Common actuators

05 How to build

How to build a robot

1. Define the job

   Decide what the robot must do, where it will work, and how you will know it succeeded. Example: “Drive around a room and stop before hitting a wall.”

2. Choose the platform

   Wheeled robots are the easiest start. Arms and legged robots need more mechanics and math.

3. Pick parts

   A microcontroller, motors and a motor driver, sensors, a battery, a chassis, and wires. Check voltage and current for every part.

4. Build the body

   Use a ready kit, laser cut parts, or 3D printing. Design with CAD before printing.

5. Wire the electronics

   Connect the power, sensors, and motor driver carefully. Test each part alone first.

6. Write the software

   Read sensors, decide, and drive motors. Start with simple rules, then add feedback control.

7. Test and tune

   Run in safe conditions, log data, and adjust speeds, thresholds, and PID values.

8. Add intelligence

   Later, add a camera, mapping, or an AI model for recognition and smarter decisions.

Starter code: stop before hitting an obstacle (Arduino)

const int trigPin = 9;
const int echoPin = 10;
const int motorPin = 5;

void setup() {
  pinMode(trigPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(echoPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(motorPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  /* send a sound pulse */
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);

  /* measure the echo and convert to centimeters */
  long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
  int distance = duration * 0.034 / 2;

  if (distance < 20) {
    digitalWrite(motorPin, LOW);   /* obstacle close: stop */
  } else {
    digitalWrite(motorPin, HIGH);  /* path clear: move */
  }
  delay(100);
}

Beginner project ideas

06 Tool stack

Which tools are used in robotics?

Tools and prices change often, so check official websites before buying or installing.

07 Robotics and AI

How AI is changing robotics

Classic robots followed exact instructions in controlled places. AI helps robots handle the messy real world.

08 Uses and careers

Where robots are used

Challenges and ethics

Career roadmap

1. Month 1Electronics basics and Arduino projects.
2. Month 2Python, C++ basics, and sensors with motors.
3. Month 3Build a wheeled robot with obstacle avoidance.
4. Month 4Learn CAD and 3D printing. Build a servo arm.
5. Month 5Learn ROS 2 and a simulator such as Gazebo.
6. Month 6Add vision with OpenCV and publish a portfolio.

09 FAQ

Frequently asked questions