If you’re interested in robotics but don’t know where to start, a good robotics book for beginners can set you off on the right track.
These types of robotics for beginners books help you learn the basics of programming, after which you can buy a robotics kit for a hands-on experience. Here’s my curated list of 15 best robotics books for beginners to kickstart their educational journey in this field.
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1. Robot Building For Beginners
Written by David Cook, Robot Building For Beginners is an absolute beginner’s guide that provides you with all the necessary information and essential building techniques to start as a robot developer.
This robotic book is one of the few books on robotics that summarizes the main tools most developers learn after years of robot building. Additionally, it lists specific experiences with different tools as well. Therefore, the book will give you an excellent head start in robot building and different chapters of robotics programming for beginners.
The author provides detailed descriptions of different electronic components as well. Thus, a person who does not have an engineering background can still learn how the components function and used. Additionally, many beginners find the book’s content useful in diagnosing issues while building their very first robots.
- Cook, David (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Learn Robotics Programming: Build and Control Autonomous Robots Using Raspberry Pi 3 and Python
Remember, robot building is not just based on hardware components. Coding and programming play an important role in the functioning of the robot. Build and Control Autonomous Robots Using Raspberry Pi 3 and Python, written by Dany Staple, offers you a complete insight into the robot project’s software side.
The combination of Raspberry Pi 3 and Python programming languages gives the developer complete control and flexibility to build almost any function in their robot.
You can learn to interface the sensors and the motors using Raspberry Pi 3. Additionally, it teaches you how to control the Artificially Intelligent components of your robot using Wi-Fi. Lastly, it guides you with the finance and budgeting of your robot project as well.
When you want to learn robotics for beginners, you can use it with other robotics books focusing on the hardware aspect can give you comprehensive robotics knowledge.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Automate The Boring Stuff With Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners
Currently, one of the best sellers in Python development, Automate The Boring Stuff With Python helps you understand the fascinating world of Python-based robotics coding in complete depth. However, just like a handful of robotics engineering books, there is a twist to this particular book.
The book does not focus on developing a novel idea or putting your robotics idea into practice. Instead, it helps you automate the mundane and ordinary tasks in your daily routine to complete them automatically. Thus, it offers an excellent resource for office workers looking to reduce their repetitive work burden.
For example, you can code a robot to help create and update files and folders. Similarly, a bot can help you fill out online forms. You can even code a chatbot using this book to reply to your emails and text notifications automatically, a great lesson not found in many books on robotics for beginners.
- Language: english
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Arduino Workshop: A Hands-On Introduction with 65 Projects
An open-source and cheap microcontroller platform, Arduino Workshop is billed as one of the best books on robotics as it serves as the best starting resource for most people to develop electronic projects in their homes.
Additionally, with this beginners robotics book, you get a complete range of input and output add-ons that allow you to experiment with different functions. However, understanding the system can be tricky at the start. For this issue, Arduino Workshop: A Hands-On Introduction is a perfect solution.
The book guides you on how to develop almost 65 different, daily-use projects. For example, you can develop a tester for voltage in different devices or a GPS logger to record your travel data. Similarly, you can even develop a digital thermometer using this book.
The book’s detailed walkthroughs ensure that by the time you complete a few projects, you can easily make anything you want on your own.
- Boxall, John (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book: A Beginner’s Guide to Building and Programming Robots
The LEGO MINDSTORMS platform has made it extremely easy for even novice developers to build a simple robot without a formal engineering education. However, a formal guideline for using the system can ensure the best results from its usage. As such, the Lego Mindstorms Discovery Book provides you with the best starting point.
The discovery beginners guide to robotics guides you on the EXPLOR3R, FORMULA EV3 RACE CAR, ANTY, SK3TCHBOT, SNATCH3R, and LAVA R3X projects. Each of these projects is explained in detail and a comprehensive explanation of over 150 different building challenges and programming issues. Thus, once you complete these projects, you are ready to build robots and try your ideas with the system.
- Valk, Laurens (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Learn Robotics with Raspberry Pi: Build and Code Your Moving, Sensing, Thinking Robots
As the title suggests, Learn Robotics with Raspberry Pi: Build and Code Your Moving, Sensing, Thinking Robots help to both build and code any robot that you develop using the Raspberry Pi platform. The writer, Matt Timmons-Brown, summarizes multiple issues that developers face in building robots.
Just like many excellent robot books, it guides you on how to see through your robot’s eye using the Pi Camera. Additionally, it helps you customize your robot with LEDs and speakers. This way, your robot looks more realistic and has more functions.
But that’s not all, this robotics textbook allows you to learn how to code different functions and basic concepts that the robot can perform autonomously without any manual help. Likewise, it also guides you on using the robot with your Wi-Fi connection.
- Timmons-Brown, Matt (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Getting Started with Arduino: The Open Source Electronics Prototyping Platform (Make)
As mentioned earlier, Arduino offers the best open-source platform for developing prototypes of robotics projects. However, starting with Arduino may not be easy with proper guidance. This robotics book for beginners, Getting Started with Arduino, solves the problem for you.
The book guides you on how to use the basic electrical components and their functions. Further, it provides comprehensive guidance on interaction design and the computing of the system.
You may also learn how to draw a formal schematic design. This design is extremely important if you wish to build something that you will later apply for the patent. Also, you can learn how the Arduino board works, how to manipulate its software environment, and program robots.
- Banzi, Massimo (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Robot Builder: The Beginner’s Guide to Building Robots
If you are an absolute beginner with no experience in building robots, The Beginner’s Guide to Building Robots is the right place to start. It is a fun and educational introduction that’s geared toward people who are getting their feet wet in the robotics field.
The writer, John Baichtal, has a reputation for helping numerous students in the field of robotics. As such, his book can help you make intelligent robots that can use motors and wheels. Additionally, it guides you on how to install the claw function for grabbing products in a robot.
Furthermore, you can see some ideas that people interested in robotics start with during their development journey. Finally, you can organize the robotics toolbox as per your liking as well.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 3
Let’s face it – development without knowledge can become misleading. Most beginners face a serious problem in understanding where they must use which electric component.
Similarly, there are problems with understanding the unique features that each component offers. Consequently, many ideas can not be accomplished by developers, which would otherwise be easy to accomplish.
The Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 3 is unique in its genre, offering complete details about essential hardware components.
Additionally, it is authoritative and fact-checked by the best in the industry. The instructive nature of the book makes it easier to follow directions and get the desired results. Finally, you can easily surf through the book due to the clear pagination and setting of the content.
- Platt, Charles (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids: 20 Original STEAM Robots and Circuits to Design and Build
If you’re looking for a robotics book for a newbie, the Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids is a great beginner guide for kids willing to develop steam robots.
The book offers complete guidelines about 20 different projects for the kids to try including robot building for beginners. Furthermore, the colored pictures and photos retain the interest of kids in the content.
Finally, the book also provides information about the different robots used around the world. You get an idea of how to develop such robots to help with your daily life. Get this amazing book on Kindle for a low price tag of 8.99 USD.
- Katovich, Bob (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11. Data-Driven Science and Engineering: Machine Learning, Dynamical Systems, and Control
Data-Driven Science and Engineering is an amazing book that explains complex ideas most simply. Brunton and Kutz build their way up from fundamental techniques of linear algebra, through almost every major aspect of classical control, to some of the cutting-edge techniques of modern control (like SINDy which they’ve helped develop).
This book touches on so many complex ideas, and yet they manage to write in simple, understandable English.
This book has enough illustrations and examples to keep you engaged and interested. The mathematical foundations are very well tackled and the code is well explained. Get this book in Kindle version or Hardcover version from Amazon
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
12. Home Robotics – Maker-Inspired Projects For Building Your Own Robots
Home Robotics is a book by Daniel Knox on Robotics that amazingly explains things using projects and illustrative guides. Featuring 13 unique robotics projects suitable for beginners to intermediate learners, this is an accessible, illustrated guide for robotics enthusiasts to make their robots.
If you like project-based learning then the Home Robotics book is a nice reference for Robotics. You can learn to create your robot using this innovative project-based guide in the book. You can get the Flexibound version of this book from Amazon for just $15. Home Robotics book is a good reference guide for beginners.
- Knox, Daniel (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
13. PIC Robotics – A Beginner’s Guide to Robotics Projects Using the PIC Micro
This book by John Lovine, PIC Robotics is a Robotics Project that helps you learn robotics and create your robot using the PIC Micro. There are various complete do-it-yourself robotics projects in this book that you will find intriguing. There are six complete robotics projects here, ranging from primitive light-seeking robots to bipedal walkers.
If you’re interested in building your robots, this book is an excellent way to get started. The diagrams and illustrations are clear and concise and every detail of every step is shown.
- Iovine, John (Author)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
14. Artificial Intelligence – The Ultimate Guide to AI, The Internet of Things, Machine Learning, Deep Learning + a Comprehensive Guide to Robotics
Artificial Intelligence is one of the most complete and in-depth books on AI by Neil Wilkins. The book covers every single concept in AI, The Internet of Things, Advanced programming techniques, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, a robot operating system, etc. This book covers many basic things that you should know from the point of view of the author.
However, many concepts are missing in this book if you consider this book as the Ultimate Guide to AI. Thus, I won’t say that this book covers everything for you but it has all the basics covered for robotics for beginners. This book covers very smart things in AI and gives you a better perspective to learn about modern robots, a robotic arm, a humanoid robot, etc. with key robotic principles.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
15. Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Building Robots
The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Building Robots by Gareth Branwyn is a well-written, inviting, and action-packed guide to building robots that are complete with engaging ideas and fascinating factoids about robots and robot-related arts and sciences.
It teaches you the basic skills and resources needed to create hobby robots and the principles of building three bots by the time you’re done reading the book.
Last update on 2023-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key Points To Consider Before Buying Books About Robotics
Know Your Needs
Know what kind of information you need about robotics before buying any book. If you are a beginner, then you should avoid thick, heavy books that cover every single topic in the world of robotics because that will confuse you.
On the other hand, if you are an expert programmer in a programming language (C++/Java/Python…) then thick books like this will not help you much more. So identify your needs and choose accordingly.
Remember, you need to determine the book that’s right for you. If you are weak in programming, start with a programming book. On the other hand, buy a book about hardware if you do not know the different components.
Your preferred approach
Think about what style of instruction you like. Select between detailed and conversational books. If you are looking for something to learn at your own pace, choose books that use a conversational style. On the other hand, if you want to go through everything step-by-step, then detailed books are a better choice.
Your Development Environment
Consider whether you wish to use Raspberry Pi, Python, or Arduino to build increasingly sophisticated robots. Buy the book that best suits your preferred development platform.
Most books cover more than one development platform. But if you want to learn a specific platform right from the beginning, then this factor should be considered while making a purchase.
Your Experience Level
The book you ultimately buy should suit your experience level. If you are a beginner in the amateur robotics field, then choose something that teaches basics and their applications through interesting projects.
On the other hand, if you have some prior knowledge about robotic concepts and wish to master these topics in-depth, then consider buying books that extensively delve into each topic. By extensive, I mean you will find the maximum number of topics covered by authors for each topic rather than just scratching the surface. The bottom line is to go for deep dives rather than quick tutorials/introductions.
The Scale of The Project
Check the book’s catalog to understand how complex a project the book helps to develop. If your project requires in-depth information, select a comprehensive book from the list. Conversely, if you are looking for quick projects, choose a book that only covers the basics.
The Book’s Reviews And Rating
There is no harm in checking out the ratings and reviews online before buying any book. If some books have good ratings on most e-commerce websites, they will most likely suit your needs well. On top of this, don’t forget to check for negative reviews as well. This will help you make an informed decision about the product without wasting time and money!
Author
The author of the book can also guide you in some ways. For example, if you want to select a book on Raspberry Pi, then opt for books by Simon Monk. When choosing books based on Python, search for books written by John Zelle or Eben Upton et al.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which book is best for learning robotics?
It depends on what type of person you are and how fast you want to master the subject. Some books have a conversational approach.
These can be great for beginners but they assume readers have some prior knowledge in this field. On the other hand, some books provide a detailed understanding of each topic by breaking them down step-by-step with great examples. In all honesty, both approaches have their pros and cons so do your research before making a purchase!
How do I start learning robotics?
There are different approaches to learning robotics. If you are just getting started, then choose a book that starts with the basics and gradually increases your knowledge at a steady pace. Many available books follow this approach so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that suits your needs perfectly.
What should I learn first in robotics?
The basics of robotics vary from one platform to another. In the case of Arduino, you’ll need to comprehend C programming and how it’s used in conjunction with a microcontroller. In addition, if socket communication is being used then you’ll have to understand sockets at a basic level.
What resources do I require for learning robotics?
You can learn robotics without any resources apart from online tutorials and books! In fact, I have learned a lot about robotics by just reading books and doing projects to get practical knowledge. This is the best approach, especially if you are trying to learn on the job.
Is there any milestone I should achieve after learning robotics?
Yes! If you are just starting then just understanding how to use sensors effectively can be great for your career. For example, if you understand how to use ultrasonic sensors in combination with Arduino, obstacle detection will become much easier for you in future projects. These types of skills are essential so take your time developing them while learning the basics of robotics.
Final Thoughts; best robotics books for beginners
These are some of the best robotics books for beginners. Whether you are interested in learning Raspberry Pi, Arduino, TensorFlow, or any other platform, there is something available on this list to suit your needs. Go through them carefully and pick one that suits your needs perfectly!
You can also read about: Programming kits for beginners
Emma Marie is a valued writer at the Little Robot Shop. She studied robotics and deeply understands technology, which shows in her writing. She consistently produces high-quality content, making her a perfect fit for the Little Robot Shop team.
While not writing, Emma works in a popular electronics retail chain. Emma also enjoys running and has two dogs with whom she loves spending time.
