What Is Robotics? A Beginner’s Guide to Robots
Robotics is the field of designing, building and operating robots. It brings together mechanical engineering, electronics, computer programming and increasingly artificial intelligence to create machines that can perform useful, interesting or extraordinary tasks.
What makes something a robot?
Robots come in many forms, but they commonly combine a physical structure with systems that allow them to move, sense their environment or respond to instructions. Some robots are fully autonomous, while others are controlled directly by people.
The main parts of a robot
A robot may include:
- A mechanical structure – the chassis, frame and moving parts.
- Motors and actuators – to create movement.
- Electronics – to control power and communicate between systems.
- Sensors – to gather information about the world.
- A computer or controller – to process instructions.
- Software – which tells the robot what to do.
- A power source – often batteries.
Different types of robots
Robotics includes industrial robots, medical robots, exploration robots, humanoid robots, educational robots and remotely controlled machines. Famous examples such as Boston Dynamics’ Atlas demonstrate advanced research into movement and dynamic balance, while other robots are designed for much more specialised tasks.
Robotics and artificial intelligence
Robotics and artificial intelligence are related but not the same thing. A robot is generally a physical machine, while AI is a collection of techniques that can allow software to recognise patterns, make decisions or respond intelligently. Some robots use AI; many do not need it.
How can I start learning robotics?
A good starting point is to learn basic electronics and programming, then experiment with simple controllers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi or ESP32 boards. Motors, sensors and simple mechanical projects can gradually build into more complex robots.
Robotics in the real world
One of the most exciting things about robotics is seeing engineering leave the screen and become physical. At Robo Riots, audiences can see another side of robotics: powerful machines designed for spectacular live robot combat.
Explore the Robotics Hub | Learn how combat robots work | Meet the Robo Riots robots