Phase 2: Hardware & Electronics
Software is nothing without hardware to run on. Phase 2 gets your hands dirty — you'll learn which computers and microcontrollers power robots, how motors turn electrical signals into physical motion, and how sensors give robots a perception of the world around them.
Why hardware matters
Every software decision in robotics is constrained by hardware. Understanding what a servo motor can and can't do — or why a LiDAR costs more than a camera — directly shapes the algorithms you'll write. Phase 2 makes you fluent in the physical layer.
1. Microcontrollers & Computers
Arduino for low-level motor control, Raspberry Pi for Linux-based robots, NVIDIA Jetson for AI at the edge. Learn which board to choose and why.
Explore Microcontrollers →2. Motors & Actuators
Servo motors, stepper motors, brushless DC, hydraulics, and pneumatics. Each has unique characteristics — understand trade-offs in speed, torque, and precision.
Explore Motors →3. Sensors & Perception Hardware
LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic, IMU, force/torque sensors — a robot's sensory organs. Learn what each measures, how to interface with it, and when to use which.
Explore Sensors →Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn here?
This page covers the core concepts and techniques you need to understand the topic and progress confidently to the next lesson.
How should I use this page?
Start with the overview, then follow the section links to deepen your understanding. Use the table of contents on the right to jump to specific sections.
What should I read next?
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