Here's how you can learn robotics and broaden your expertise while unemployed.

I would like to add that the digital age has made learning more accessible, and online courses are an excellent way to start your robotics education. Many free or affordable courses cover the basics of robotics, such as programming, electronics, and mechanics, often including interactive content and real-world problem-solving scenarios. By dedicating a few hours each week, you can build a good foundation. Recommended platforms include Coursera, edX, Udacity, Khan Academy, and FutureLearn, offering various courses from top institutions.Apart from these certification courses you can also available free resources from youtube channels.

Starting off with online classes similar to the ones on Coursera as well as edX was instrumental in giving me a strong grounding in robotic science. They have relatively straightforward pathways useful for beginners too.

The digital age has made learning more accessible than ever before, and online courses are a great way to start your robotics education. You can find numerous free or low-cost courses that cover the basics of robotics, including programming, electronics, and mechanics. These courses often provide interactive content and real-world problem-solving scenarios that can help you grasp the fundamental concepts of robotics. By dedicating a few hours each week, you can build a solid foundation without the pressure of deadlines or exams.

From my vantage point, working on do-it-yourself projects was essential to my educational process. I learnt a lot about the mechanics and electronics involved in building a basic robotic arm from scratch, which gave me a practical grasp of the ideas I had read about online.

Nothing beats hands-on experience, and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be both educational and enjoyable. Start with simple projects that require minimal components, like building a line-following robot or a robotic arm. As you progress, you can tackle more complex projects that challenge your problem-solving abilities and technical skills. Working on these projects will give you practical experience with hardware and software integration, which is crucial in robotics.

?I was able to establish connections with other hobbyists and experts by joining sites such as r/robotics on Reddit and taking part in conversations on LinkedIn groups. I learned so much from this networking and was able to solve many of the issues I ran with when working on my projects.

Engaging with the robotics community can accelerate your learning process. Online forums and social media groups are excellent platforms where you can ask questions, share your projects, and get feedback from experienced enthusiasts and professionals. This interaction not only helps you solve specific problems but also keeps you updated on the latest trends and technologies in the field of robotics. Additionally, networking within these communities can lead to potential job opportunities or collaborations.

I was able to go deeply into robotics development by utilizing open-source platforms like as ROS. In addition to improving my coding abilities, contributing to open-source projects gave me a better understanding of the collaborative aspect of the robotics community.

Open-source software and hardware platforms are invaluable resources for aspiring roboticists. Platforms like ROS (Robot Operating System) provide tools and libraries to help you develop robust robotic applications. By using open-source platforms, you not only learn from the existing code but also contribute to the community by sharing your improvements or new features. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and skill development in a real-world context.

Experimenting with robotic designs and algorithms was made more affordable by using simulation tools such as Gazebo. Prior to actual installation, it offered a secure setting for idea testing and understanding robotic system behavior.

Before investing in physical components, simulation software allows you to test and refine your robotic designs virtually. Many simulation tools offer realistic physics and graphics that can mimic real-world environments and robot behavior. This is an excellent way to learn about the dynamics of robotic systems and to experiment with different algorithms and control systems without the risk of damaging actual hardware.

Once you've gained some confidence in your robotics skills, consider taking on freelance projects. This can be a stepping stone to full-time employment, as it not only helps you build a portfolio but also demonstrates your practical abilities to potential employers. Freelance work can vary from writing code for robotic applications to designing custom parts for specific projects. It's a way to earn income while continuing to learn and grow in the field.