Foundations of Robotics: Kinematics and Core Concepts

Robotics is transforming industries from manufacturing to healthcare, but mastering it requires a solid grasp of its foundational mathematics and mechanics. This course guides you from the historical origins of robotics to the core mathematical models used to control robotic systems. By the end of this course, you will transition from a curious beginner to a practitioner who understands how robots calculate movement, navigate space, and interface with modern software frameworks. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental history, terminology, and core components of modern robotic systems. - Apply coordinate transformations and spatial representation mathematics to describe robotic motion. - Master forward and inverse kinematics using the Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) convention. - Analyze differential motion and robot Jacobians for velocity and force propagation. - Explore modern robotics concepts, including path planning algorithms and ROS 2 framework basics. The course begins with essential terminology and foundational definitions before moving into the core mathematical concepts of spatial representation. You will then progress through step-by-step written explanations of kinematics, differential relations, and modern software paradigms. This course is designed for beginners and aspiring robotics enthusiasts, with no prior robotics experience required. Start reading today to build your foundational knowledge of robotics engineering.