Is it Necessary to Belong to the Electrical Engineering Branch to Learn Robotics?

These days, the barriers to learning engineering topics, particularly robotics, have significantly decreased. Thanks to the Internet, individuals no longer need to be an electrical engineer to learn about robotics. This article aims to debunk the myth that joining the electrical engineering branch is a prerequisite.

Robotics can be decomposed into several important components:

Sensors, Actuators, and Control Systems

These core components form the fundamental building blocks of any robotic system:

Sensors:
Responsibility of detecting and responding to the environment. Familiarity with electrical and mechanical engineering is often required to design and understand these components effectively. Actuators:
Components that generate movement. Mechanical engineering plays a significant role in the design of actuators. Controllers:
Core to processing data, programming, and managing the robot's actions. Microcontroller programming is a key skill in robotic control systems, often requiring knowledge of both electrical and software engineering.

Starting Your Robotics Journey

Anyone with a passion for robotics can take the first step by building simple robots. The internet offers numerous self-taught resources for newcomers. Many tutorials at varying levels of complexity are available, from beginner-friendly guides to more advanced specifications. It is possible to start with a few homemade robots, making use of readily available tutorials and kits.

Self-Made Robots: Begin with basic projects such as automata or small-scale drones. This provides hands-on experience without the need for extensive background knowledge. Online Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera offer a wide range of tutorials, ranging from basic to advanced levels, making it accessible for both children and adults. Robot Kits: Kits like LEGO Mindstorms are excellent for beginners, providing a structured approach with all necessary components pre-assembled. For those on a budget, the Avishkaar Box is a cost-effective alternative.

Moving Forward in Robotics

For those who aspire to advance their robotics career, a background in mechanical, electrical, or computer science is often preferred. Key courses that are beneficial include:

Mechanical Engineering: Focuses on machine design and motion analysis. Electrical Engineering: Important for understanding and programming control systems. Computer Science: Crucial for artificial intelligence and software development in robotics.

Choosing Your Path

While a background in one of the aforementioned branches is beneficial for a professional career in robotics, it is not strictly necessary to start building robots. Many successful robotics enthusiasts come from diverse academic backgrounds. The key is to identify your passion and interest in various aspects of robotics, such as hardware design, software programming, or sensors and control systems.

It is never too late to start learning about robotics! Today is the best time to build those skills and pursue your passion. Embrace the opportunities available online and take the first step towards building your own robot. Remember, the most important thing is to have a genuine interest and willingness to learn, regardless of your background.