Over the past few decades, robotics research has increased exponentially, creating a new industry. Today, there are tons of robots operating globally across different sectors, and it’s safe to say that we’re in the middle of a robotic revolution.
Of course, this is nothing like the sci-fi movies where robots rip off human heads and try to take over the world. Rather, it simply means that innovative scientists and engineers are constantly finding ways to make lives easier with robotics.
So, how do you hop on this train? For starters, you need math. Math is an integral part of robotics, and while this might be a bummer, it’s not going to change anytime soon.
Thus, if you’re looking to kickstart a career in robotics, you might need to sign up for Brighterly to improve your math skills.
However, just before you choose online math courses, remember that you don’t necessarily need to understand all aspects of math to pursue a career in robotics. Instead, here are the core requirements you may face:
Geometry
Let’s admit it: geometry can be pretty boring. No one wants to sit around for hours learning about shapes and patterns. However, to fully understand robotics and pursue a successful career in this field, you need to be a whiz at geometry. Wondering why?
Well, it’s pretty simple. If you’re creating a robot for specific tasks, you need to tailor the design to suit its purpose. For instance, if you’re designing a robot for cleaning homes, you need to ensure that it isn’t so small that it falls into tiny holes. At the same time, you must make the robot not overtly large so that it can fit or reach into certain nooks and crannies.
To do all this, you need to understand how geometry works and how to apply it to robotics. How do you calculate the size of each shape? How do you ensure that different rotating parts make the movement you want them to? All these are the questions that only geometry can answer.
Advanced linear algebra
Apart from geometry, algebra is yet another core math prerequisite for pursuing a career in robotics. Sure, you may have had one or two algebra classes in the past. However, the robotics field requires more than just a working knowledge of this topic. To attain success in this field, you need to breathe and live algebra.
Algebraic thinking typically involves drawing patterns and relationships between different concepts. As you venture into advanced robotics, you will use this skill to create relationships between designs and specific commands. This way, you can be sure that your design does exactly what it’s supposed to do without glitches or malfunctions.
Statistics
Contrary to popular opinion, robotics isn’t so straightforward. You don’t simply build a robot, test run it, and then release it to the public. Behind every smiling stock photo of a successful inventor, there is a story of trials and errors.
When building a robot, you need to run several trials to test its speed, optimization or other functions. But it doesn’t just end there. You also should collate the data from those trials. This is where statistics comes in. With statistics, you are able to interpret your data and draw a meaningful inference from it.
Final Thoughts
On the outside, robotics might seem fun and straightforward. However, to succeed in this field, you need a working knowledge of geometry, statistics, and advanced linear algebra. If you’re not proficient in any of these fields, it may be time to sign up for online math lessons.
Good luck!
