Robotics is a subject that, whenever we hear comes to a notion, it would be tough to grasp. To some extent, the concept can be challenging to understand fully. By definition, we can say that Robotics is typically the study to know about robots. Meaning, it involves everything from the design to the construction of robots.
So, in this article, we will talk about the basic steps that should land your foot on understanding Robotics. These steps will, eventually, guide you to follow the path better and make ideal decisions after that. However, if you want to learn Robotics then you should also to the major fields of robotics to pursue the career.
Steps to Learn the Basics of Robotics
Here in this section, we will discuss steps to learn the basics of Robotics. Please note that whatever we discuss is not an ultimatum. There are other ways to learn Robotics, as well. We are sharing whatever we will is more accessible and convenient.
1. Understanding Electronics
Success comes with a strong foundation. Electronics is the core subject that is required to learn Robotics. Some people, meanwhile, may argue that it isn’t mandatory to learn it. However, we suggest you build your core knowledge first before you dive deep.
That said, we are not asking you to get an EE degree. All we are suggesting is to have some preliminary knowledge of Electronics, which will eventually aid you in the long run.
One of the right ways to gain some initial information is to check out a book – Getting Started In Electronics by Forrest Mimms. Of course, there are plenty of online tutorial videos that you can follow as well.
2. Get More Information
The next step that we suggest to everyone who has a knack for learning Robotics is to gain more knowledge. So, the obvious question is how to access more information on this incredible subject. One of the traditional ways involves reading books. You can start with the one we have mentioned before – Getting Started In Electronics by Forrest Mimms.
Then quickly follow up with Robot Building for Beginners by David Cook. After you wrap up these books, it would be best to read Robot Builder’s Bonanza by Gordon McComb, which many experts claim to be one of the best.
3. Go Slow at First
Let’s face it – Robotics is a vast subject where there are endless possibilities. The little bit of knowledge that you have acquired will provoke you to try something extravagant.
However, what we suggest is to control your urges a bit and look for the positive side. Enthusiasm is good, but a bit more can disrupt your self-confidence.
What we are suggesting here is to go slow initially. You can try assembling some motors in a base while executing them using a Basic Stamp. Similarly, if you are into Kits, you can try building your project on RobotShop, Lynxmotion, Parallax, Rogue Robotics, or Budget Robotics. For this, of course, you have to buy a new Kit.
4. LEGO Mindstorms
To build a career in Robotics, it is integral that you know a bit of programming. Again, we are not telling you to spend hours studying complicated coding. But you must own some knowledge. So, we suggest you consider learning LEGO Mindstorms.
The LEGO Mindstorms can be an excellent tool to understand the codes required for building robots. It offers a range of relevant programming support that can make you feel confident in programming, considering you don’t have any idea of it. So, it would help if you learned this incredible software to firm your foot in the world of Robotics.
5. Build a Bot
Once you are getting the vibes of being a Robotics engineer a bit, it is time to go on to the next step – to build a Bot. Now, if you are wondering what a Bot is, it is an interactive tool designed to communicate and redirect users to perform any particular task. Most commonly, you can find those in customer handling websites.
So, Bots are the initial implementation of your knowledge of Robotics. Here, the biggest challenge that you should face is what you want a Bot to do. Experts claim that once you are sure of the purpose of your Bot to perform, you will eventually succeed in making it. One of the best inspirations that you can get is to take part in any contest.
6. Upgrade your Bot Frequently
The mark of a scientist is to sustain the urge to discover something new every day. Once you start taking part in various Bot Competitions, you will get a clear idea of how much you need to update yourself. The best way to do that is to keep upgrading the bot a regular intervals. You must also take the initiative to follow the mistakes that other participants have made. This will give you better ideas to improve your Bot.
Here, it would help if you were patient as making a Bot close to perfect is not an easy task. So, you must do loads of research to make the Bot not only functional but also unique from the rest.
However, another very critical aspect that you should remember is the Bot should serve a purpose that is grounded in reality. Also, make sure every modification you make in the future should also follow the same trait.
One of the real facts that you must understand is you can’t do everything on your own. So, sharing your knowledge can only uplift your skills. However, it is crucial as well to trust the right people just as important as it is to open up.
So, we suggest you ask for others to help you and help them to be a part of their success as well.
Conclusion
The biggest quality that every Robotics Engineer has is a curious mind. As long as you keep that virtue with you and ask questions to find answers, you can Learn the Basics of Robotics in no time.
