How can you build a robot from scratch using robotics learning resources?

in my experience as the creator of “SARA” the first saudi made Humanoid robot, focusing on the type is important, but what is more important is to choose carefully the exact use cases that your robot should be doing, commercializing a robot is still challenging nowadays and it comes with lots of Hardware/Software issue, so my advise, use cases are as important as the type of robot.

Making a robot from scratch is satisfying and difficult. Anyone can construct a robot from scratch with the correct resources and assistance. Online classes, books, tutorials, and robotics kits can cover the field. "Robot Mechanics: Basic Concepts and Analysis" by Newton, "Robot Modelling and Control" by Spong, and "Probabilistic Robotics" by Thrun are popular. Design, acquire materials, assemble, test, and troubleshoot a robot. Designing, obtaining materials, assembling, testing, and debugging the robot depends on its type. Robot building is enjoyable and teaches engineering, electronics, and programming.

before you start your robot design, begin with a purpose and a sketch to guide your modular approach. Select appropriate materials and components like sensors and actuators. Embrace simple control algorithms and ensure robust power management. Prioritize safety and plan for scalability. Test rigorously and adopt an iterative development cycle. Keep meticulous documentation and stay engaged with the robotics community. Utilize simulations and 3D printing for design refinements, manage code with version control, and be prepared to learn from failures. Keep abreast of new technologies, consider the battery life for autonomous operation, enable remote access for updates, and design a user-friendly interface.

In my experience, When programming your robot, begin with basic movement and task algorithms, structured in modular code for easy updates. Aim for a simple, intuitive interface and embed power-saving features. Use version control to manage your code and enable remote access for maintenance. Test iteratively, and stay updated with the community. Utilize simulations to refine complex behaviors and be ready to adapt from feedback and troubleshooting. most important, DOCUMENT your code and keep track of any changes you do.

Testing your robot involves an iterative cycle: start with individual components, then move on to integrated system checks. Use simulations to anticipate behaviors and identify issues in a controlled environment. Conduct real-world trials in varied conditions to ensure robustness. Document all outcomes to refine your approach. Stay adaptive, using feedback to improve the design and code. Always keep safety in mind.

Once your robot is built and tested, enjoy the fruits of your labor by putting it through its paces. Engage it in the tasks it was designed for, and observe its performance. Share your creation with others, perhaps in demonstrations or educational settings. Continue to tweak and enhance its functionalities for personal learning or to inspire new ideas. Remember, the journey of building the robot is just as rewarding as seeing it in action. Enjoy the process of continued learning and innovation that comes with exploring the capabilities of your robotic creation.