1 Robotics or Bits Meet Atoms

Given its origins in the 1960s, modern robotics is not a young industry anymore, however, it has never been more exciting than today. Why are current times so exciting for roboticists? The gradual technological progress in many areas that make up the foundation of robotics is enabling an entirely new generation of robots. Although we are far away from general-purpose robots with human-level capabilities, the emerging new capabilities are not less impressive. Robots are becoming more adaptive to dynamic environments, are gaining entirely new skills, and will be much easier to program and use. Within the next decades, robots that have been the subject of science fiction will become part of everyday life. This goes along with tremendous opportunities for roboticists, be it as employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs as well as those simply doing robotics in their spare time. What could be more exciting than being part of this journey?

1.1 Robots and other machines

1.2 What you will learn about robots

1.3 Robotics the big picture

1.3.1 Environment

1.3.2 Sensors

1.3.3 Sensing

1.3.4 Planning

1.3.5 Acting

1.3.6 Actuators

1.4 Robot software development lifecycle

1.5 Summary