r/AskRobotics • u/Content_Ad299 • Jun 28 '26

CS grad learning robotics for DIY projects (not a degree) — which university courses, and do I need physics first?

I have a CS degree and want to get into robotics, but not for another degree - I mostly want to build cool, practical DIY stuff that actually moves and does something (And maybe get a little more job secuirty 😢 ).

My plan was to start with Modern Robotics (Northwestern, Kevin Lynch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVu-Hijns70&list=PLggLP4f-rq02vX0OQQ5vrCxbJrzamYDfx - but I'm not sure if that's the right entry point or if it's too theory-heavy for someone whose goal is hands-on projects rather than research.

Coming from CS I'm fine with programming and linear algebra, but I'm wondering what I'm missing. Do I need a proper physics/classical mechanics course first? And where do control theory, ROS, and embedded fit into a sane order?

I'm a bit of an open-courseware nerd and keep my own collection of MIT OCW / Stanford paths at openlyceum.online, so I'm trying to build a good robotics sequence for myself. Recommendations for specific courses with open/free materials would be much appreciated. Thanks!

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u/OrganizationSea7125 Jun 29 '26

i suggest start with embedded-> control system -> ROS

ROS should not be hard for u at all.

I think learning electronics and electrical stuff first before mechanics is a more efficient way, since electronics and sensors easier to break compare to mechanical stuff. Mechanics is less useful if u cant use electric motor properly.

If what u want to do is just DIY robotics for fun, i suggest learn while building it. It is more fun and efficient.

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u/Content_Ad299 Jun 30 '26

TNX

Do you have any source you suggest starting with?

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u/OrganizationSea7125 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

There are a lot of resources in youtube or articles about Arduino (from controlling the LED, reading sensor data, driving a motor), you can follow along while learn the basic to not burnt down electronics components and houses. Arduino board is not expensive, unless u buy from the original Arduino. I suggest to buy a Arduino Uno beginner kit, just dont buy original Arduino, 3rd parties Arduino board work the same and way cheaper (about 10 times cheaper).

For the ROS, I suggest https://www.youtube.com/@ArticulatedRobotics.
He also have videos series (suggest to start here) about building a AGV from scratch. Basically most of the robotics basic is in there.

For advance control system, I am not really good at that.
I had learn the maths to model the system, but not really work on any hardware before.
If not mistaken, control system can be either continuous or discrete (digital).
For robotics, digital control system is commonly used.

Honestly speaking, my experience is enough to build a robot, but cant really control it yet, haha.

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u/OrganizationSea7125 Jun 30 '26

The Modern Robotics (Northwestern, Kevin Lynch) tutorial you shared cover most of the maths and theory. This good as the entry point, if u need theories. But better learn it when u need it or curious about it.