I'd like to start learning about robots to make my own once time. I wanna to build a very basic one to learning in practice, but -as I'm a beginner- I have no idea what parts and tools I need to buy. I don't wanna to order unnecessary parts because it would be expensive. So, please help me create a list from the available parts of stock the robotshop. I think I don't need a lot of things just a few essential ones plus some sensors for lerning a many aspect of robotics, but I'm not sure what parts are working together perfectly. I was viewing these "starter/beginner kits" but there is a many of them and this confused me a bit.
On the other hands, I'd like to know what kind of tools would I need to build robots (like screwdrivers, needle noose pliers etc..) just for double check that I have every essential tools for the beginning.
Starting with a “complete” kit is pobably the most economical way to start. The down side is you don’t get extra parts and making modifications may be difficult. You can always put the kit on the shelf and start anew.
Some considerations (in no particular order):
1. Batteries. 2. Programming environment. 3. Add ons such as tachometers, distance sensors, or radio. 4. Rplacement parts. 5. Tools - soldering, electrical measurement. 6. Source code availability. 7. Vendor support. 8. Local robot user groups. Mentors.
For what it’s worth, here are things that I didn’t use until later, but I wish that someone had told me to use early on (or had existed early on):
heat gun and heat shrink tubing
GOOD crimpers, various types of crimp-on connectors
Ferrule connectors and ferrule crimper
Inexpensive NRF24L01 modules (can be rounded up for under $2/module)
STM32 boards instead of Arduinos, like the Maple Mini. These can be rounded up for around $3 each, are much faster than Arduinos, and have lots more external interrupts.
This can be as cheap or expensive as you want to be.
You could easily put $20k into a shop or just buy as you need them. Or if there is a makerspace in your area, join the makerspace since that will connect you with great tools like laser cutters and 3d printers you can use.
Robotics is a mechanical, computer and electrical engineering endeavor. To be great at this, you need to know all three. Doing this as a hobby, you will spend the rest of your life learning. It is easy to get discouraged and give it up. My first robot was about a year to finally get it actually working correctly. I didn’t buy anything specifically for robots which added a lot of pain to my life (for instance, I used 6v electric drill motors that every time they started moving would reboot the Arduino because of the electrical noise). My suggestion is to try a kit for your first few robots and figure out what direction you want to go. Look at your next project as an opportunity to learn about a, b and c. There are many folks who come in here excited and raring to finish great projects but never get heard from again.
Start small and build on what you know. Let us know how you make out!
