Best Introduction to Robotics Course for Beginners in 2024

Best Introduction to Robotics Course for Beginners in 2024

If you’re fascinated by how robots work and dream of building your own one day, the best place to start is with a solid beginner course. In today’s fast-changing job market, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are opening new doors—and learning these skills doesn’t require a technical degree. That’s the promise behind the top “Introduction to Robotics” courses on platforms like Udemy and edX. But with so many options, which course is beginner-friendly, affordable, and truly worth your time?

In this post, I’ll walk you through what to expect from Udemy’s flagship Introduction to Robotics course, how it compares to competitors like edX and Coursera, and who it’s best suited for. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or thinking about a career switch, this guide will help you choose your starting point with confidence.

Image credit: Unsplash

Why Learn Robotics (Even Without Experience)?

We’re already seeing robots in everyday life—self-driving cars, robotic vacuums, factory automation, and even healthcare tech. According to a report by the International Federation of Robotics, industrial robot installations have grown by over 12% YoY globally, showing strong demand from employers.

But entering this field doesn’t mean returning to school for a degree. Online courses like Udemy’s Introduction to Robotics & Artificial Intelligence are crafted for total beginners—no background in coding, engineering, or mathematics required.

You’ll learn:

• What robots are and how they’ve evolved
• Where robots are used in real life (spoiler: almost everywhere)
• The basics of AI and how it plays a role in robotics
• Entry-level career paths and how to pursue them

Inside a Top Beginner Robotics Course

The most widely enrolled course under “Introduction to Robotics” on Udemy includes:

• 1.5 hours of on-demand video
• 7 structured lectures, emphasizing the history, applications, and future of robotics
• Industry insight into robotics and AI roles
• Lifetime access and a certificate of completion

Course versions like this are taught by instructors with engaging teaching backgrounds (e.g., Sabin Mathew of Lesics YouTube, known for educational engineering videos). If you value visual learning and real world analogies, these courses are ideal.

💡 Want hands-on coding? Some courses also include beginner-friendly modules with Python, C++, or even a peek into ROS (Robot Operating System), making them more practical.

Pros and Cons (Based on Real Students)

Here’s what current students have shared on Reddit, Trustpilot, and YouTube:

What Students Love:

• ✅ No prerequisites: Jump in with zero coding or hardware experience
• ✅ Bite-sized video lessons: Digestible, concise, and easily bingeable
• ✅ High visual clarity: Well-animated and engaging explanations
• ✅ Real-world examples: Learn how robots are used in healthcare, space, and industry

Areas to Watch For:

• ❌ Can be basic: The core 1.5-hour course may not satisfy learners looking for advanced robotics
• ❌ No mentor interaction: It’s a solo journey; no 1-on-1 assistance
• ❌ Quality varies: Course quality depends largely on the specific instructor

➡ Redditors often mention using Udemy’s intro courses as a launchpad, then applying the learning to DIY kits or open-source projects like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. As one user put it: “It helped me understand the concepts, but I needed more hands-on practice after that.”

How Does It Compare to Other Robotics Courses?

Let’s break it down:

If you’re just testing the waters, Udemy’s course offers unbeatable value. At under $20 (when on sale), you get lifetime access. edX and Coursera are better suited if you’re aiming for a tech degree or job-ready portfolio.

(Source: edX – ETH Zurich Robotics, Udemy course listings, IF Robotics 2023 Report)

Who Is This Robotics Course For?

🎯 This is perfect for:

• High school and college students curious about STEM
• Tech-curious adults who want a new hobby
• Parents looking to introduce robotics to teens
• Anyone wanting a foundation before diving into more complex programming

Not sure if you’re “technical” enough? You don’t need to be.

💬 One user on Quora said: “I expected it to be over my head, but everything was so clearly explained. It actually made me feel smart—and now I’m building my first robotic arm with Arduino!”

Is It Worth the Price?

Absolutely—if you manage your expectations.

For approximately $15 (when on sale), you’re getting:

• Lifetime access to the material
• A certificate of completion
• The chance to find out if robotics excites you—before investing in more expensive options

If you’re looking for hiring-ready skills or want to work with real robots or machine learning algorithms, you’ll need to go deeper. This course forms your stepping stone, not the whole journey.

Final Verdict: A Solid First Step into Robotics

Udemy’s “Introduction to Robotics” course delivers what it promises: A clear, friendly, and affordable overview of the robotics and AI space—without overwhelming jargon or commitment. While it won’t make you a robotics engineer overnight, it opens the door wide enough for you to take your first confident step.

Once you’ve completed the basics, your next moves might include:

• Enrolling in an intermediate robotics programming course
• Trying hands-on kits like Arduino or Raspberry Pi
• Exploring specialization tracks (vision, AI, autonomous programming)

🌟 Bottom Line: If you’re curious about robotics but unsure where to start, this is your launchpad.

Still on the fence? Preview a lesson or two “for free” on Udemy—get a feel before you commit. Just don’t wait too long; course prices fluctuate regularly.

Ready to explore the future? Robots are waiting.

📚 Citation:

• International Federation of Robotics. (2023). “Executive Summary – World Robotics Report.” https://ifr.org
• Udemy Course & User Reviews from Reddit, Trustpilot, and YouTube search data.