With the advancement of technology, robots, and mechanical machines, robotics provides a fascinating hobby.
However, getting into robotics can be challenging, particularly if you don’t have any formal training in this field.
But, anyone willing to dedicate their time to the hobby can enhance their skills and excel in robotics.
So, How Can You Get into Robotics as A Hobby?
To get started with robotics as a hobby involves enrolling in an online course, learning and practicing electronics, and mastering the C programming language and the Arduino board. Then you can progress to creating your first robot with a robot starter kit. Joining an online group or community will help lower your learning curve.
While robotics is not an easy hobby, with a little effort and diligence, you will be up and running with time. Regardless of whether you are interested in gaining technical know-how or building robotics, you have to take that first step to make progress.
Read on to get a step-by-step guide to help you get started with robotics as a hobby.
Seven Tips Regarding How To Get Into Robotics as A Hobby
There is no right way of starting robotics as a hobby.
You just need to get into the robotics field based on your interests;
- do you like coding
- is there a device you want to make
- are you looking to build the next R2-D2?
Think about what triggered your interest in robotics, and then go through these tips to find out the most useful points to help you get started.
1. Decide The Type Of Robots You Are Interested In
The first thing to do as a new hobbyist is to decide the type of robots that interests you.
For instance, the things you need to create a battle robot are significantly different than what you might require to create a scientific exploration robot.
This will be important before you start studying the basic design of the robots. So, the first tip is to find a cool project and start building on it.
2. Understand Electronics
Electronics knowledge is important as robots entail electronics.
For this, you don’t require to graduate in electronics; you just need to have a good understanding of electronics.
You can refer to any online material or book when starting your first robotic project.
Still, as you advance deeper into the field of robotics, you will need more understanding of electronics.
This will occur with time as creating more and more robots.
3. Take An Online Robotics Course
If you are not the individual who wants to get your hands dirty with try and error and would instead have a more logical approach to getting started into robotics as a hobby, then you should consider taking online robotics courses.
The Robotics field can be overwhelming, and there are many things that you need to learn.
Fortunately, online courses are designed for beginners with too little robotic experience.
Arduino for Beginners is the first course to teach you the coding and circuits fundamentals.
You will walk away with a functional device that you coded from start to finish.
Build Arduino Robots is the second course that will teach you how to interface sensors and motors to design an autonomous mobile robot.
These courses have been designed to take you through the basics of robotics, including wiring, building, and coding from scratch.
You just need to pick a kit, register for the course, and start to learn robotics skills in a matter of days.
4. Learn To Code
Next, it is very useful to have programming knowledge before starting robotics. If you want to write complex algorithms for robotic mechatronic systems, you should consider learning to code.
The two coding languages recommendable for robotic engineers are Python and C++.
There are many online coding courses that you can learn and apply the skills such as Codecademy.
You can also undertake excellent Udemy courses about coding for industrial robots.
5. Make A Prototype
Another step into starting robotics is making your prototypes.
Get a 3D printer and learn how to create robotic parts.
After gaining experience in manufacturing parts, you can then learn how to design the parts into CAD.
Combining 3D printing with basic robotic skills will give you endless possibilities. If you want to make a particular device, learning to create a prototype can be very useful.
While you will still need to learn electronics and coding basics, designing prototype robots and printing them out is great fun.
6. Read Blogs And Connect With Others
Connecting with other people with the same hobby will go a long way in helping you explore better options.
This way, you will have an opportunity to share your experiences and knowledge about the mistakes you need to avoid.
Join online chat rooms, discussions, forums, and read blogs to share knowledge and experiences. There are even Facebook robotic groups you can join.
Connecting with like-minded people will give you more motivation to pursue robotics and expand your network, resulting in career opportunities in the future.
Besides reading robotics blogs and articles, some of the robotics sites you can check out include; Make, Hackster.io, and Robotic Industries Association.
7. Join Contests
Joining contests will help you get the best direction to plan your robotic project.
After successfully making your initial robot, you should start planning for a robot that will actually do something.
When you put definite goals in place, you will be more interested and motivated in finishing them. An excellent way of doing this is by entering your robot into a contest.
A contest will offer a ‘To do List’ as well as ‘Do’s and Don’ts,’ which in turn offers a better framework to work on with a specific direction and sense.
This will get you well organized and dedicated to finishing the project.
Robotic competitions are available in different categories to cater to various audiences ranging from hobbyists, students and professionals.
These competitions offer a great way for hobbyists to grow and create a network of social contacts. They will give you fun learning opportunities to help polish and build your robot-creating skills.
8. Remain Consistent
It is recommended to get on your projects regularly because doing parts will decrease your interests and make it more challenging to get back on track as you will have forgotten many things.
Starting each time with some forgotten points will result in failure.
Always file your progress so you can always readily refer back to your previous workings.
Therefore, ensure you are consistent and regular to your robotic projects.
Remember that robotics as a hobby will be a slow and gradual process.
You won’t make an advanced self-aware robot in a single day.
But with consistency and determination, you will develop a robot that will even surprise you.
Bottom Line
Robotics is one of the most demanding hobbies to get in, but the outcome is priceless.
You will need to understand the basics and conduct a lot of research if you want to advance from the beginner ranks.
But online learning resources will offer you the information and tools you require.
Ultimately, it’s not a matter of which of these steps you choose to start a robotics hobby. What matters most is that you start!
Related
What Are Some Good Technology Related Hobbies? (Not Just Gaming)
References
Where can I learn robotics as a hobby?-Quora.com
I am looking to go into robotics as a hobby. How can I get started? – Reddit.com
Where should I start with robotics as a hobby? – Element14