2 answers
Edwin
Student
Hyattsville, Maryland
4
Questions
Updated
633 views
What kind of robotics are the easiest to start of with in order to get familier with it Is there some kinds of specific field that can help me get prepared for robotics once I get into college??
More specifically, Is there some sites, people, or places I can go to learn more about robotics? I want to be able to study more about robotics while I'm in high school so I'll be ready.
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2 answers
cassandra Harris
Social / Emotional learning Teacher
38
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
The easiest way to begin learning robotics is to start with simple, beginner-friendly robots that teach you the basics of coding, sensors, and movement. Here are the best ones for beginners:
1. LEGO Mindstorms / LEGO Spike Prime:
Very beginner-friendly
Teaches sensors, motors, and basic coding
Used in many robotics competitions
Great for middle and high school students
2. VEX Robotics (VEX IQ or VEX V5):
More advanced than LEGO
Teaches engineering, building, and coding
Used by many competitive high school robotics teams
3. Arduino Robots:
Cheap, hands-on, and very customizable
Introduces electronics, wiring, and simple programming
Great for students who want to build real circuits and controls
4. Raspberry Pi Robots:
A step up from Arduino
Let's you work with cameras, sensors, and even basic AI
Good for students preparing for engineering or computer science
5. Online Simulators:
If you can’t buy a robot yet, you can learn through:
Virtual robot simulators
Online coding challenges
3D modeling tools
These teach real robotics concepts without needing expensive equipment.
What fields/classes help you prepare for robotics in college?
Here are the top subjects high school students should focus on:
1. Math:
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
(If possible) Calculus
Robots depend on math for movement, sensors, and design.
2. Science:
Physics (VERY important!)
Computer science
Engineering electives
Physics helps you understand motion, force, and energy—everything robots use.
3. Programming:
Learn basic coding languages:
Python (most recommended)
Java (used on many robotics teams)
C/C++ (used in advanced robotics)
4. Engineering/Tech Classes:
Engineering design
CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360)
Robotics electives
Maker/engineering clubs
Where can I learn more about robotics right now?
Here are beginner-friendly websites, people, and places to start:
Websites & Online Tutorials:
YouTube
“Paul McWhorter” (Arduino & Python)
“Robotics with Raspberry Pi”
“FIRST Robotics” tutorials
Coursera (Intro to Robotics, free options)
MIT OpenCourseWare (Beginner robotics lectures)
Khan Academy (coding + physics basics)
Free Coding Platforms:
Code.org
Scratch (beginner programming)
Autodesk Tinkercad Circuits (virtual Arduino simulator)
Hands-On Platforms
Arduino project hub
Raspberry Pi Foundation website
VEX Robotics classroom resources
Places or groups you can join:
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) or FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
VEX Robotics teams
School robotics club
Local makerspaces or STEM centers
Engineering summer camps
Community colleges that offer robotics workshops
These groups teach teamwork, engineering, coding, and problem-solving, the exact skills robotics engineers use.
Final Advice:
“Start small, stay curious, and build something!”
You don’t need advanced tools to begin learning robotics. Beginning with simple robots, coding, and physics will give you a HUGE head start when you enter college.
1. LEGO Mindstorms / LEGO Spike Prime:
Very beginner-friendly
Teaches sensors, motors, and basic coding
Used in many robotics competitions
Great for middle and high school students
2. VEX Robotics (VEX IQ or VEX V5):
More advanced than LEGO
Teaches engineering, building, and coding
Used by many competitive high school robotics teams
3. Arduino Robots:
Cheap, hands-on, and very customizable
Introduces electronics, wiring, and simple programming
Great for students who want to build real circuits and controls
4. Raspberry Pi Robots:
A step up from Arduino
Let's you work with cameras, sensors, and even basic AI
Good for students preparing for engineering or computer science
5. Online Simulators:
If you can’t buy a robot yet, you can learn through:
Virtual robot simulators
Online coding challenges
3D modeling tools
These teach real robotics concepts without needing expensive equipment.
What fields/classes help you prepare for robotics in college?
Here are the top subjects high school students should focus on:
1. Math:
Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
(If possible) Calculus
Robots depend on math for movement, sensors, and design.
2. Science:
Physics (VERY important!)
Computer science
Engineering electives
Physics helps you understand motion, force, and energy—everything robots use.
3. Programming:
Learn basic coding languages:
Python (most recommended)
Java (used on many robotics teams)
C/C++ (used in advanced robotics)
4. Engineering/Tech Classes:
Engineering design
CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360)
Robotics electives
Maker/engineering clubs
Where can I learn more about robotics right now?
Here are beginner-friendly websites, people, and places to start:
Websites & Online Tutorials:
YouTube
“Paul McWhorter” (Arduino & Python)
“Robotics with Raspberry Pi”
“FIRST Robotics” tutorials
Coursera (Intro to Robotics, free options)
MIT OpenCourseWare (Beginner robotics lectures)
Khan Academy (coding + physics basics)
Free Coding Platforms:
Code.org
Scratch (beginner programming)
Autodesk Tinkercad Circuits (virtual Arduino simulator)
Hands-On Platforms
Arduino project hub
Raspberry Pi Foundation website
VEX Robotics classroom resources
Places or groups you can join:
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) or FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
VEX Robotics teams
School robotics club
Local makerspaces or STEM centers
Engineering summer camps
Community colleges that offer robotics workshops
These groups teach teamwork, engineering, coding, and problem-solving, the exact skills robotics engineers use.
Final Advice:
“Start small, stay curious, and build something!”
You don’t need advanced tools to begin learning robotics. Beginning with simple robots, coding, and physics will give you a HUGE head start when you enter college.
Roy Potvin
Product Manager
9
Answers
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Updated
Roy’s Answer
Edwin I agree with all the answers you have received so far, but it also depends on what you want to do or like to do and not like to do. There is a component of Hardware, Phsychology, Physics, Software in all aspects of robotics. Check out this about the Atlas humanoid, see how it all interacts, there will be a need for individuals that can do it all WELL....and those will be rare right, and those that specialize that can focus on a specific aspect or two and be really really good at it. Obvious things like Math, Science, Physics, programming, etc. AI is involved too so good to know more about that.
Check this link out, and search a bit more to focus in aspects you like or don't like. For me, the Physical side would be it, I can program, just not good at it. :)
https://bostondynamics.com/products/atlas/
OH and then there is the program or project managers, those that have natural leadership skills and ability to motivate, strategize, and work with teams, just playing on sports teams is a usable skill. Good luck.
Check this link out, and search a bit more to focus in aspects you like or don't like. For me, the Physical side would be it, I can program, just not good at it. :)
https://bostondynamics.com/products/atlas/
OH and then there is the program or project managers, those that have natural leadership skills and ability to motivate, strategize, and work with teams, just playing on sports teams is a usable skill. Good luck.