INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS ENGINEERING: A Practical Guide to Kinematics, Sensors, Actuators, and Control Systems (hayes)

How do robots move accurately, sense their surroundings, respond to changes, and turn software commands into physical action?

Introduction to Robotics Engineering provides a practical foundation for understanding how modern robotic systems are designed, analyzed, controlled, and integrated. Written for engineering students, beginners, technicians, self-directed learners, and professionals entering robotics from related fields, the book builds knowledge progressively from fundamental concepts to complete robot systems.

Inside, you will learn about:

• Robotics fundamentals, robot anatomy, classifications, and performance measures

• Vectors, matrices, coordinate frames, and transformations

• Jacobians, singularities, velocity kinematics, and manipulability

• Robot dynamics, torque, inertia, gravity, and equations of motion

• Electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators and drive systems

• Encoders, IMUs, force sensors, LiDAR, cameras, and other sensing technologies

• Electronics, microcontrollers, PWM, communication, and power systems

• Trajectory generation, motion planning, and pathfinding

• Mobile robot kinematics, odometry, localization, and mapping

• Machine perception, sensor fusion, and introductory AI concepts

• Robot programming, software architectures, simulation, and testing

• Systems integration, safety, verification, commissioning, and engineering trade-offs

The book emphasizes step-by-step engineering examples, consistent SI units, practical explanations, and practice problems to help readers connect mathematical concepts with real robotic systems.

Rather than focusing on only one type of robot, this guide presents robotics as a complete engineering discipline—bringing together mechanics, actuators, sensors, electronics, control, software, perception, motion planning, and safety.

Whether you are beginning your robotics journey, studying engineering, or developing a foundation for more advanced study, Introduction to Robotics Engineering gives you the essential concepts and analytical tools needed to better understand and design robotic systems.

Disclaimer: This book is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for formal engineering education, professional training, manufacturer documentation, applicable safety standards, or qualified professional advice. Readers are responsible for applying appropriate engineering judgment and following relevant safety requirements when designing, building, testing, or operating robotic systems.