5 Tips to Start Your Robotics Hobby

Robotics may start off as an intimidating topic. However, I do suggest that you take the first move and click on this post. We'll discuss seven ways of getting your robotics hobby going. This is especially beneficial if you are finding ways to break into the field of robotics.

Reasons You Shouldn’t Start a Robotics Hobby

Robotics is very overwhelming. There are so many things you need to learn, and there are so many "unknown unknowns."

The stuff you don't think you need to think do not become apparent until you know them!

And, that’s okay!

I know this is an article to help you get your robotics hobby going, but I wanted to make it obvious what robotics are.

1. Pick out a Robot or Project to Build

The first tip is to locate, and start creating, a fun idea. I find that I learn the most when I just immerse myself right in!

You can get any number of robotics kits (we also have one) but if you want more of a "hacker" experience, Amazon has a bunch of cool options.

You do need some basic hand tools but other than that, it's only the simplest way to build it.

2. Take an Online Robotics Course

Unless you're not the sort of person who likes to "get your hands dirty" and would like to get going with a more rational solution, instead you should take robotics courses online.

We have two courses online planned for students with little or no robotics experience.

Arduino for Beginners is the first course designed to teach you the coding and circuit basics. You are going to walk away with a working computer you've programmed from start to finish!

The second lesson, Create Arduino Robots, will teach you how motors and sensors are interfaced to construct an autonomous mobile robot. Again, our courses are built to guide you through the process, so that from scratch you can be designing, cabling and coding everything.

Our courses use the Learn Robotics Alpha Pack, which includes all the components that you need to launch. It takes the guesswork out of having to find out which compatible parts and where to locate them.

You can pick up a kit, enter the courses and in a matter of a few days start learning robotics skills.

3. Learn to Code

Thirdly, if you know any sort of programming before you start with robotics it is very helpful.

If you know that you want to write sophisticated algorithms for mechatronic systems, then first you may want to learn to code.

There are two coding languages which I suggest to learn from any robotics engineer. Python is first language and C++ is second language. If you deal with embedded controllers and/or Arduino microcontrollers, you'll presumably know C somewhere in there, too.

How to Learn Coding Online

How to learn coding online Using Codecademy, learn, practice and apply job-ready skills. If you are looking for interactive coding lessons and daily practice this is a great option.

Additionally, there are a number of Udacity Nanodegree programs that are fantastic options if you want something of a course-led curriculum. More precisely, I suggest that you look at the Nanodegree Intro for Programming and the Nanodegree C++.

Coding for Industrial Robots

In the other hand I suggest studying the fundamentals of Ladder Logic if you want to work with Industrial Robotics and PLCs.

There are some fantastic courses on Udemy that you can take if you know which platform the shop will use.

4. Create a Prototype

You can build your designs, in addition.

Bring a 3D printer out to learn how to make pieces. If you have experience with parts production, you can learn how to build your parts in CAD.

Combine 3D printing with some advanced robotics abilities and there are countless possibilities.

If you have a product you like to make then it can be very useful to know how to make prototypes. You will also need to know the fundamentals of coding and electronics, but it's a lot of fun just to build and print robots!

5. Read Robotics Articles

You are maybe looking for a more relaxed way to get into the field of robotics. When you are interested in learning about robotics without building it, so reading papers is a perfect way to make it simpler for you.

Besides all of the Learn Robotics posts, here are some additional robotics pages that you can check out:

Depending on your level and interests, some of these books might be too easy or too advanced.

I wanted to give you a mix of options for beginners and university level, so you have the best starting point for your skillets.