Introduction to Robotics

Robotics

What is Robotics?

• The intersection of computer science, engineering, and mathematics that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots
• Robots are programmable machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with human assistance

Key Concepts:

• Sensing: robots use sensors to perceive their environment (e.g., cameras, microphones, GPS)
• Actuation: robots use actuators to interact with their environment (e.g., motors, pumps, grippers)
• Control: robots use control systems to process sensor data and send commands to actuators
• Programming: robots are programmed using various languages and frameworks (e.g., Python, C++, ROS)

Coding in Robotics

Programming Languages:

• Python: popular language for robotics due to ease of use, flexibility, and extensive libraries (e.g., NumPy, OpenCV)
• C++: powerful language used for building operating systems, device drivers, and high-performance applications
• Java: widely used language for Android app development and robotics (e.g., Robot Operating System (ROS))

Frameworks and Libraries:

• Robot Operating System (ROS): open-source software framework for building and programming robots
  • Provides tools for building, programming, and testing robots
  • Supports multiple programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Lua)
• OpenCV: computer vision library for image and video processing
  • Enables robots to detect and track objects, recognize faces, and more

Key Skills for Robotics and Coding:

• Algorithmic thinking: ability to break down complex problems into step-by-step solutions
• Problem-solving: ability to debug and troubleshoot code and robotic systems
• Collaboration: ability to work effectively with others to design, build, and program robots

Robotics

• Robotics is the intersection of computer science, engineering, and mathematics that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots.
• Robots are programmable machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with human assistance.

Key Concepts

• Sensing involves robots using sensors to perceive their environment, such as cameras, microphones, and GPS.
• Actuation involves robots using actuators to interact with their environment, such as motors, pumps, and grippers.
• Control involves robots using control systems to process sensor data and send commands to actuators.
• Programming involves robots being programmed using various languages and frameworks, such as Python, C++, and ROS.

Coding in Robotics

• Python is a popular language for robotics due to its ease of use, flexibility, and extensive libraries, such as NumPy and OpenCV.
• C++ is a powerful language used for building operating systems, device drivers, and high-performance applications.
• Java is a widely used language for Android app development and robotics, such as Robot Operating System (ROS).

Frameworks and Libraries

• Robot Operating System (ROS) is an open-source software framework for building and programming robots.
• ROS provides tools for building, programming, and testing robots and supports multiple programming languages, such as Python, C++, and Lua.
• OpenCV is a computer vision library for image and video processing that enables robots to detect and track objects, recognize faces, and more.

Key Skills

• Algorithmic thinking involves breaking down complex problems into step-by-step solutions.
• Problem-solving involves debugging and troubleshooting code and robotic systems.
• Collaboration involves working effectively with others to design, build, and program robots.