How to Build Robots
You’ve had a feeling that you might want to learn what this robotics stuff is all about? This blog will take you through the next things to think about.
Firstly, lets clear up what robotics actually is. I wrote a blog a while ago, which can be found here.
Robots have three main functions:
This means the definition of robotics is:
‘A machine, which can sense and gather data, process the data, and complete a task accordingly.’
To create such a machine, robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering and science that includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and others.
At HausBots, we are very passionate on helping people, young and old, learn the skills needed in this ever-changing economy. Therefore, I’ll be running through how you can get started learning about each of those fields above.
Mechanical Engineering
‘Mechanical engineering is the discipline that applies engineering, physics, and materials science principles to design, analyse, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.’
An example of a discipline inside Mechanical Engineering is Automotive Engineering, and car design. It’s really anything physical that needs to be designed and made.
Here, there really is no cheat to learning. I would recommend the following two steps:
- Look at a structure in the real world, and get interested in it
- Google ‘How does X structure work’
and go from there!
It’s all about finding books, videos and online articles that help you understand the forces that are at play, and why certain materials are better than others.
There are plenty of YouTube channels about materials and engineering, you’re just a quick search away from your answer.
We have some great videos on how to choose the correct tools and materials for robotics.
Electrical Engineering
‘Electrical engineering is a professional engineering discipline that generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.’
The main thing you’re going to need to know is about Arduino’s.
The Arduino board, is a mini computer specifically designed for use in robotics. It’s basically the brains of the operation.
I never thought I’d say this. But the best place to learn Robotic Electronics is on Facebook.
There are multiple groups, just search ‘Arduino’ and you’ll be met with thousands of enthusiasts, just like you, trying to help each other learn the best programming practices. Like THIS
Computer Science
Computer science is the study of the theory, experimentation, and engineering that form the basis for the design and use of computers.
Now, there are many, many, many strands that sit under computer science. But the main areas you’ll need to be familiar with to do with robotics are Arduino programming, mentioned above, and basic python programming.
On a basic level, programming is just like writing a language. It’s a language that your robot will understand, and is like it’s instruction manual. The program will contain everything from things like ‘number of steps to move’ and ‘turn left now’.
My favourite method of learning programming is via MOOC’s (a massive open online course). These are courses, totally free, which you can learn about an abundance of different subjects. There are many different providers, just do some searching around the following terms:
- Arduino programming
- Python programming
- Programming for robotics
Supplement this with books, and you’ll soon get a grasp of the information you need.
JUST BUILD
Now, whilst these have been good pointers on how to build a strong base, there is no substitute for just going out and building.
Lego Mindstorm is a great kit to start learning how to build, and past that, start designing, 3D printing and programming your own robots.
Just start, and then learn along the way… it’s the best thing to do!
I would recommend reading this series as you go along, as it will help you answer lots of questions.
Happy learning.
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