What course of action should I take in the future?

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Hello! I’m sorry for the lack of responses on the first post asking about the practicality of this project. I greatly benefitted from geraldinebc15’s help on the thread!

The end goal for this project is for it to A) Follow a series of GPS waypoints, B) Avoid obstacles along the route, and C) Shoot people with ping pong balls. The hardware-aspect of the project has been completed. I’ve already created the pathfinding methods which will navigate the robot. (it was super cool to use math, albeit basic trigonometry, in a project!).

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(the robot)

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(the ping pong ball launcher, equipped with a flywheel and mechanism to control the fire rate)

(the below question is the reason this post isn’t in the robots section)

Now I’m wondering: where do I go from this? As of now, I am using no robotics libraries, just simple self-made algorithms. I have about four years until I (hopefully) go to college, and I know that I will never be satisfied with my skill level or knowledge. In future projects, should I learn a robotics library like ROS? Should I build my own electronics rather than using IC’s and breakout boards? Are there contests that I should enter? I know that there is far more math and theory in professional robotics; should I try learning some of that? In short, I’m hoping that each consecutive project will be more difficult than its counterparts.

Feedback is much appreciated,
Utetwo.

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Hi @Utetwo
I can only give you the advice to go with the flow and follow every path that’s interesting for you.
A broad knowledge base is a good starting point for any challenge ahead.

I’m surprised to see young microchip coders, who doesn’t understand electronics.
debouncing a pushbutton ? Never heard of that.

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I will never be satisfied with my skill level or knowledge.

Robotics covers many, many fields, most notably electronics, programming and mechanics, but can extend far beyond this to biorobotics etc. etc.

In future projects, should I learn a robotics library like ROS?

Go where your interests take you and don’t force yourself too much to try to like something which you might not be passionate about. If you want to delve more into programming / ROS 2.0, start with Python programming. Try codeacademy.

Should I build my own electronics rather than using IC’s and breakout boards?

The more you know the better, but it’s up to you. If you want to start PCB design, learn EAGLE and download some open source PCB files / parts libraries from Sparkfun & look at Digikey for parts.

Are there contests that I should enter?

Most contests are for student teams, though some are individual. Participating in a contest shows you really like the field while winning means you’re also capable. Entirely up to you if you want a “goal”.

I know that there is far more math and theory in professional robotics; should I try learning some of that?

Ideally that’s what school is for, but you can learn all of it at home if you want. Yes, theory, especially the fundamentals in physics, electricity and programming are needed if you want to be “well rounded”

In short, I’m hoping that each consecutive project will be more difficult than its counterparts.

Not necessarily more difficult, but perhaps more “varied” and more “optimized / efficient”. One project can focus on designing a mechanical frame and purchasing the electronics, while another might be creating the electronics and reusing mechanics.

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Thank you for the reply. I’ve taught myself python, javascript, and C++ to an intermediate level already, so luckily I don’t have to add that to the pile of things to learn.

What would you say the basics of electronics entail? I know about Ohms and Kirchoffs laws (sorry if I spelled that wrong) and basic electronics. I don’t know if I haven’t gone far enough into it or not.

I greatly enjoy hobbyist robotics, but I don’t want to become complacent in my skill. Unfortunately there are no robotics teams where I live.

As for math, it’s always been a hindrance. I understand that there is a lot of math involved in engineering fields. I’ve already run into a mah roadblock with this project just using basic trigonometry. I am very lucky to live in a country with free education, but just due to my age and grade level, I’m still lacking in skill.

Thank you for the feedback,
Utetwo.

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What would you say the basics of electronics entail? I know about Ohms and Kirchoffs laws (sorry if I spelled that wrong) and basic electronics. I don’t know if I haven’t gone far enough into it or not.

Given that most electrical engineering degrees last four years, there’s quite a bit left to learn :slight_smile:

Unfortunately there are no robotics teams where I live.

Consider hackathons? There are in-person and virtual too.

As you get older and wiser, you hopefully realize that you know very little, even in a specialized field. There’s so much to learn and in robotics, things change very quickly.

It’s a great field to be interested in!

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I don’t mean to come across as thinking I know everything! I am very inexperienced, which is why I’m here in the first place.

When asking about electronics, I meant to ask what the very basics would entail. There is a ton of material on the topic of electronics, and so I was asking what a very basic knowledge of electronics would entail.

I’m very sorry if I came across as a know-it-all. It’s difficult to convey tone through text.

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No worries. Perhaps start by designing simple circuits using Eagle and see what information you need to make it work - it will lead you down the right paths.

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There is oldschool analog electronics and Op-AMP circuits. Using those technics can save you time and money.

There is boolean algebra which was very fun to learn, when I was a beginner.
Furthermore it’s good to know, how a CPU solves algebra.
And for sure you want to know the advantages of integer math vs. floatingpoint math if you have to squeeze some code into a small microcontroller without floatingpoint unit.