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How to Learn Robotics

Robotics is a hobby that, as you program and build your own robots, can bring lasting enjoyment and even become a future career. If you want to learn robotics, the best way to do so is developing proficiency in computer science, coding,...
Part 1 of 3:

Learning the Basics

  1. How to Learn Robotics Picture 1How to Learn Robotics Picture 1
    Practice basic coding so you can program your robots. Coding is a foundational element of robotics, and you will need to know how to use variables, create conditional statements, use functions, and other basic coding skills. Choose a coding language and study it on your own or take coding classes to improve your skills.[1]
    1. The most popular coding languages for robotics are Python and C++.
  2. How to Learn Robotics Picture 2How to Learn Robotics Picture 2
    Learn linear algebra to prepare you for building robots. Basic algebra is essential for both programming a robot and tweaking its code. Take plenty of algebra courses in high school or college, or study algebra on your own to strengthen your mathematical skills.[2]
    1. If you have trouble with mathematics and are still a student, talk to your math teacher or professor for help. Many pre- and post-secondary schools also have math help labs to teach struggling students key concepts.
  3. How to Learn Robotics Picture 3How to Learn Robotics Picture 3
    Study physics as a background for learning robotics. Building robots involves an understanding of how your robot moves and interacts with the outside world. If you haven't taken a physics course before, enroll in an online program or learn basic physics on your own.[3]
    1. Many web-based institutions, like KhanAcademy and The Open University, offer physics, mathematics, and even computer science courses for free.
  4. How to Learn Robotics Picture 4How to Learn Robotics Picture 4
    Study computer science to strengthen your robotics skill. Robotics is strongly connected to computer science, and a strong understanding of the latter is key for learning the former. Practice or study basic computer skills and try to keep up-to-date on articles or websites about computer science.[4]
    1. Many community colleges offer online or in-person computer science courses at a reduced cost, even if you don't enroll in a program.
Part 2 of 3:

Building Your Robotics Skills

  1. How to Learn Robotics Picture 5How to Learn Robotics Picture 5
    Build your own robot using a kit or on your own to build your first robot. Once you've learned the basic skills for robotics, purchase a robot building kit and build your robot using coding, mathematics, and manual tinkering based on the kit's instructions. Alternatively, you can also build your own using parts and tools you can purchase from most hardware stores.[5]
    1. You can buy robot building kits online or from many electronics stores.
    2. Start with simple robots and, as you gain experience, move on to complex models over time.
  2. How to Learn Robotics Picture 6How to Learn Robotics Picture 6
    Take robotics courses in-person or online to strengthen your skills. While studying robotics on your own is helpful, robotics courses can teach you advanced techniques. Ask your local colleges or community centers if they offer robotics classes, or enroll in an online course to either develop or strengthen your robotics skills.[6]
    1. If you don't have the time for a robotics class, you can try reading books or articles on robotics instead.
  3. How to Learn Robotics Picture 7How to Learn Robotics Picture 7
    Join a robotics club to share your passion with others and receive advice. Robotics is not just a hobby—if you're interested in building robots with other people, it can also be a way to make lasting friendships. Join a robotics club at your school or community center to share your hobby with other people and learn new ways to build robots.[7]
    1. If you can't find any robotics clubs in your area, consider starting your own instead.
  4. How to Learn Robotics Picture 8How to Learn Robotics Picture 8
    Enter robotics competitions when you're ready to showcase your projects. Once you've learned how to program basic robots, enroll your inventions in a local or large robotics competition. No matter how you do, robotics competitions can be a great way to test your robots and learn ways to make them better.[8]
    1. If you're not comfortable entering a competition, you can always attend one first. Not only can you get a feel for what robotics competitions are like, but you can also find inspiration for your own robots by watching all of the different competitions.
Part 3 of 3:

Studying Advanced Robotics

  1. How to Learn Robotics Picture 9How to Learn Robotics Picture 9
    Learn trigonometry and statistics for advanced robotics. While linear algebra is sufficient for basic robots, you may need to learn advanced mathematics to build complex ones. Study trigonometry or statistics on your own, or take a course online or with a local college.[9]
    1. If you struggle with advanced mathematics, ask a fellow robotics hobbyist for advice. They may be able to relate mathematics to skills you both know and understand to make learning new concepts easier.
  2. How to Learn Robotics Picture 10How to Learn Robotics Picture 10
    Study the Robot Operating System to customize your projects. The Robot Operating System (ROS) is the most common software system for building robots. If you want to build your own complex robots without the help of a kit or guide, learning how to use the ROS can help you program your inventions.[10]
    1. Using ROS requires proficiency in a coding language, preferably C++ or Python. Before you download the ROS, spend time honing your computer programming skills first.
    2. You can also take a course in ROS online or at some colleges to learn more about the software and clear up any questions you have.
  3. How to Learn Robotics Picture 11How to Learn Robotics Picture 11
    Obtain a degree in robotics engineering if desired. If you're serious about robotics, a degree in robotics engineering can teach you how to design, troubleshoot, and repair complex robots. Finish a bachelor's degree in robotics engineering to learn more about the robots industry and learn advanced skills.[11]
    1. For schools that don't offer robotics engineering, mechanical engineering can provide similar skills for building and programming robots.
  4. How to Learn Robotics Picture 12How to Learn Robotics Picture 12
    Become a robotics engineer to make your hobby a career. If you develop a passion for your hobby, robotics engineering is a career that involves the design and creation of robots. To become a robotics engineer, most companies require a bachelor's or, preferably, master's degree in robotics engineering or a related engineering field.[12]
    1. Some related fields of study include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering.
    2. Duties for robotics engineers include designing and testing robots, debugging codes, servicing or repairing robots, and integrating robots with electronic devices.
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