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How to Get Into Robotics

How to Get Into Robotics

Instructors: Dr Rafael Papallas

5,299 already enrolled

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2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

59 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

59 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the foundational aspects of robotics, covering intelligent robot components.
Learn about the challenges in specific areas such as industrial robotics and autonomous vehicles.
Name current areas of robotics application, highlighting challenges in social, legal, and ethical aspects.
Identify diverse robotics careers and understand essential skills for success.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

In this course, you will learn about the dynamic world of robotics, which blends engineering, electronics, and computer science to create innovations that enhance our daily lives.

You'll learn to envision a future where humanoid robots assist the elderly, autonomous cars ensure safety and medical robots revolutionise surgical precision. You'll then discover the array of exciting careers in robotics, from engineering and software development to research and project management, gaining insights into the skills required for success in this rapidly advancing field. Click Start, a nationwide training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills, offers this course. Click Start offers scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Follow the link in the Click Start icon on the top, to check if you are eligible for free access!

In Week 1 you will be introduced to the subject of robotics! Specifically, Lesson 1 will define what a robot is, look at the 'attributes' of intelligent robots, and review some careers in robotics. Lesson 2 will look at some of the different industries that you might consider working in. The aim of the first week is to familiarise you with robotics and the job opportunities and industries robotics thrive in.

What's included

2 videos16 readings3 assignments3 discussion prompts

2 videos Total 8 minutes

Welcome to the course 2 minutes
What is an intelligent robot? 5 minutes

16 readings Total 120 minutes

Course overview 10 minutes
Lesson 1: Overview 5 minutes
What is a robot? 5 minutes
A note about the categorisation of robotics jobs 5 minutes
Software-related jobs 15 minutes
Hardware-related jobs 10 minutes
Research-related jobs 10 minutes
Other roles and specialisations 5 minutes
Lesson 1: Summary 5 minutes
Lesson 2: Overview 5 minutes
Industrial robotics 10 minutes
Logistics and e-commerce 10 minutes
Autonomous vehicles 5 minutes
Medical and health care robotics 5 minutes
Domestic robotics 10 minutes
Lesson 2: Summary 5 minutes

3 assignments Total 35 minutes

Check your understanding: What is a robot? 10 minutes
Check your understanding: Careers in robotics 10 minutes
Test your understanding: Robotics applications 15 minutes

3 discussion prompts Total 40 minutes

Introduce yourself and tell us what you are looking forward to! 10 minutes
Which category of jobs do you find the most interesting? 10 minutes
Other application areas 20 minutes

In this second week we will discuss the challenges and emerging opportunities of robotics. In particular we will discuss why robotics is hard, why the future is promising, and look at the ethical implications of robotics. Finally, we will host interviews with industry experts from Ocado Technology, the technology company behind the online grocery shop Ocado, and Shadow Robot.

What's included

6 videos14 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 37 minutes

Robotics is hard 4 minutes
The ethical implications of robotics 5 minutes
Career advice from Giuseppe from Ocado Technology 10 minutes
Career advice from Annagiulia from Shadow Robot 12 minutes
Technical skills: Important robotics tools and relevant programming languages 5 minutes
Course summary 1 minute

14 readings Total 133 minutes

Lesson 3: Overview 5 minutes
The future is exciting 5 minutes
Optional: Learn more about the trolley problem 10 minutes
Lesson 3: Summary 5 minutes
Lesson 4: Overview 5 minutes
What is Artificial Intelligence? 10 minutes
Lesson 4: Summary 10 minutes
Lesson 4: Overview 5 minutes
Fundamental theoretical knowledge and soft skills for a career in robotics 10 minutes
Podcast: talking robotics with Annagiulia from Shadow Robot 16 minutes
Podcast: talking robotics with Giuseppe from Ocado Technology 15 minutes
Lesson 4: Summary 2 minutes
Next steps 5 minutes
Optional: reflect on your own professional development and identify next steps 30 minutes

3 assignments Total 45 minutes

Test your learning and gain your certificate 25 minutes
Test your understanding: Ethics 10 minutes
Check your understanding: Skills and knowledge 10 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 20 minutes

What about the now? Research the job market and find out 20 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(18 ratings)

Dr Rafael Papallas

University of Leeds

3 Courses 17,849 learners

Offered by

University of Leeds

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Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Thank you very much for the information's provided

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2024

I am not a student major in STEM realm, but this is definitely an excellent lesson for introduction of robots.

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

It was nice experience learning a new and latest technology

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Frequently asked questions

This course is part of Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start is offering a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK.

Check if you are eligible for free access today.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.