Introducing Robotics: Build a Robot Arm from FutureLearn

Build your robot arm: Configuration and design: Move and test your robot arm: Assess your robot (optional): Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This project is an exciting opportunity to apply mathematical, algorithmic and control principles of robot arm manipulators, so you’ll need to understand these principles before starting. This includes concepts from advanced high-school mathematics or engineering, especially analytic geometry and linear algebra. That is, you need to know about points, vectors, matrices, matrix-vector and matrix-matrix multiplication and linear transformations. You’ll find the prerequisite knowledge and skills to build your robot in Introducing Robotics: Making Robots Move . Enrol now to check that you’re familiar with the concepts. If you wish to build a robot arm, you will need access to robotic kits or components. Before you buy any equipment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss different build options with your peers and the teaching team. If you’re not able to source equipment though, you can still learn the build principles in this course. You can use the hashtag #FLrobotarm to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Sourcing the equipment
Connecting to the brick
Moving the motors
Braking modes
Joint types
Key design decisions
Connecting structure and gears
Robot design tips
Developing kinematics equations in MATLAB
Moving your robot to a point
Joint movement
Improving movement performance
Filming your robot arm
Submitting your video for peer assessment
Assessing other learners’ videos

Reviews summary

Introducing robotics: build a robot arm

According to learners, this course received a largely positive reception, particularly for its central focus on helping students build a robot arm. Many highlighted the hands-on project as the most engaging part, allowing them to see practical application of the concepts learned. However, students frequently noted the course requires a strong background in mathematics and linear algebra, which some found challenging if their foundation was weak. The course integrates theoretical principles with the practical build, utilizing MATLAB for calculations. Building the physical robot arm requires required hardware, which is an additional cost. Evaluation includes peer assessment of submitted robot videos.

Evaluation is done via submitted video.

"Submitting a video of the robot arm working was an interesting assessment method."

"Peer assessment was okay, but feedback quality varied wildly."

"Had some technical issues filming my robot for the final submission."

Kinematics calculations use MATLAB.

"The kinematics section uses MATLAB, which is standard, but be prepared if you haven't used it."

"MATLAB examples were clear and helpful for implementing the equations."

"Wish they offered an alternative to MATLAB, but it's fine if you have access."

Building requires purchasing physical kit.

"Be aware you need to purchase a robotics kit if you want to do the physical build parts."

"The cost of the hardware is something to factor in if you plan to build the arm."

"Couldn't afford the kit, but I still followed along with the principles and theory."

"It's clear that you need to buy components to follow the build instructions fully."

Balances concepts with real-world build.

"The course provides a good balance between the theory behind robot arms and the practical steps for building one."

"It links the math directly to the physical movements of the arm, which was helpful for understanding."

"Not just theory, not just building – it shows how the math enables the physical movement."

Hands-on robot arm build is a highlight.

"Loved being able to actually build something and see the theories come to life. The hands-on aspect was great!"

"The project is the core strength. Applying inverse kinematics to a real arm was very rewarding."

"This course made robotics feel tangible. The robot arm project is a fantastic way to learn."

"It was incredibly satisfying to build and program my own robot arm based on the course material."

Requires strong math/engineering background.

"The math prerequisites are serious. If you aren't comfortable with linear algebra, you will struggle quickly."

"Found the math sections moved very fast. Needed to review linear algebra extensively outside the course."

"They mention prerequisites, but underestimate how crucial a deep understanding of the math really is."

"Definitely requires a solid foundation in linear algebra and analytic geometry as stated."

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Learners who complete Introducing Robotics: Build a Robot Arm will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Introducing Robotics

Build a Robot Arm

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Introducing robotics: build a robot arm

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