Hi there
I want to learn about robots, what they are made of, all the parts names, how to build/program robots and where to start with robotics? (mainly just the stuff to get me started)
Are there any websites that have this information on them?
Thanks
The “Start here” link
The “Start here” link underneath the LMR logo.
A bit more detailed link line…
You are going to love robotics! I personally am getting a double major in Mechanical and electrical engineering ( so i can build robots!
1. http://science.howstuffworks.com/robot.htm (This is a wonderful site; check here for basic the machinations)
2. http://www.mos.org/robot/robot.html (this is a bit kiddish I’ll admit :\ , however it dose follow the aforementioned concepts from howstuffworks.com and more)
3. and the “start here” link is also a good one 
4. http://www.robodyssey.com/resources/HackAToy/HackARobosapien1.htm (this is a great place to start modding things)
4.a http://www.evosapien.com/robosapien-hack/marcus/html/flameosapien_v2.html
5. I hate to say it but google is your friend…
6. And not really pertaining to robots, but lots of electrical fun http://hackaday.com/
have fun and god bless robots and alll who make them…
Amen
It depends where you are starting from
Hi, and welcome to LMR. I’d say where you start depends on where you are starting from. For general electronics,“How do I start” is a frequent question. I’ve cross-posted this link before (nobody minded), and think it still applies: http://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=11902&p=56877#p56877. There’s a good link to some beginner’s resources for electronics specifically.
For robots and electronics, I’d say find something that inspires you but which you think you could do in a month (it will take 6 months). I started with Arduino and some sensors, LEDs and wireless transmitters (the transmitters cost a small fortune and I’ve used them once). The microcontroller made it fun to do some research on transistors, integrated circuits, power supplies and all that introductory stuff. If you’re really starting out from no electronics background, be sure to get two of everything for when you accidentally burn some components (if you’re experienced you probably already know that). I was really inspired by DIY UAV projects, but the complexity was high (USA has lots of regulations) and I quickly found out that I couldn’t just fly a plane anywhere (in fact there is almost nowhere I’d be allowed to fly it). (The next thing that came along was a CNC project that I saw through to completion – after 5 months and a few hundred dollars.)
So I suggest research until you find something that inspires you and which you think is possible. Let us know where you are starting from and it may help with suggestions. Check out the BEAM project for some solar-bot inspiration, SparkFun, Adafruit, and Seeedstudio (at http://www.nkcelectronics.com and check out the “Electronics Bricks”) have some inspiring projects.
-John
