Begin Robotics

Explore our introduction to robotics

Robots today are roving Mars, hoovering our floors, building cars and entertaining us in films. You may even share Stephen Hawking’s world view that super-intelligent ones may one day bring about the end of the human race.

But what are the different forms of robots today? And how do they achieve particular tasks? In this introduction to robotics course, you’ll explore these answers and more.

Discover the history of robots and their modern application

You’ll kick things off by taking a look at the basics of robotics. By exploring the history of robots, you’ll learn about some of the uses of these fascinating machines.

Next, you’ll explore some of the modern applications of robotics and our relationship with them, helping you gain context for what’s to follow.

Learn about the basics of robot design

On this robotics for beginners course, you’ll discover some of the fundamentals of how robots are made. As well as looking at some of the key components of robot design, you’ll also examine how they operate.

Examine robot anatomy, control and behaviour through a set of simulated tasks

If you’d like to find out more, but don’t have Hawking’s brain or an advanced qualification in cybernetics, this course is for you. You won’t require a soldering iron, but you’ll explore the basics of robot design, control and behaviour through a series of simulations that will have you test driving an ERIC – our very own University of Reading mobile robot.

The course is designed for anyone interested in robotics- you don’t need to own your own robot to take part! If you’ve always wanted to learn about robotics, robot design, or the history of robots, this is the course for you.

Please be aware that this course contains video clips that include sequences of flickering/flashing lights which might affect learners who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.