How to read
1 The target of reading the book
The book is designed to help you reach the following targets.
Main targets
Understand the basic use of mechanical, electronic, and software aspects related to robotic arms.
Understand the basic principles of robotic arms, including joints, coordinates, terminology, and control. Be able to perform simple forward and inverse kinematics calculations.
Understand the basic operation of controlling robotic arms via API.
Extended Goals
Understand image recognition algorithms related to machine vision.
Understand the methods and strategies for building robot vision scenarios and coordinating vision with robotic arms.
Possess all the skills to complete embodied intelligence scenarios.
2 Division of your background
You should read the book based on your background. We divide the background and related knowledge into three degrees:
| Degree | Background | Skills | Estimated time of learning | Recommended platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Information Technology, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Automation-related majors | Familiar with one programming language, such as Python; Basic knowledge of electronics | 100 hours | VS Code/PyCharm |
| Advanced | Familiar with this or similar hardware products; Familiar with servos and programming; Familiar with I/O interfaces; | Able to debug APIs and interfaces; Familiar with communication | 50 hours | VS Code/PyCharm |
| Professional | Experience using at least one industrial or consumer robotic arm; Possesses hardware and software development capabilities; | Familiar with Cartesian coordinates for robotic arms; Familiar with joint control; Familiar with basic robot usage | 30 hours | Any |
3 Learning Steps and Time
| No. | Target knowledge points | Theory | Practice | Estimated hours of learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quick Unboxing | 1 Basic Function Test | 1 Test the Mercury series robot and included accessories according to the initial installation and power-on test guide |
1 hour |
| 2 | Background - Knowledge Learning | 1. Industrial Robot Usage Background 2. Coordinate and Spatial Learning, Cartesian 3D Coordinates and Rotation, XYZ 3. Industrial Robot Joint and Coordinate Control |
1. Robot Joint Control and Reproduction 2. Robot Speed Control 3. Robot Coordinate Point Control and Cyclic Operation |
5 hours |
| 3 | Hardware - Learning | 1. Embedded Electronics Principles and Operation 2. Servo and Motor Principles and Knowledge 3. Actuator Learning |
1. Atom Control and Drive 2. Servo Drive and Motion 3. Robot Accessories Learning |
5 hours |
| 4 | Software - Firmware and Updates | 1. Identifying Different Software Platforms and Their Purposes 2. Firmware Loading and Adaptation Principles |
1. Choosing a Suitable Development Platform 2. Downloading and Updating Corresponding Firmware |
2 hours |
| 5 | Software - Development Environment Setup | 1. Python Platform Setup 2. Python Library File Download and Update 3. Understanding Serial Communication |
1. Familiarity with the Python Platform 2 Loading Libraries 3. Running the First Line of Code |
2 hours |
| 6 | Robot Library Learning and Development | 1. Basic Robot Communication and Operation Types 2. Common Robot Operation Methods 3. Direction Mode and Coordinate Mode Control |
1. Communicating with the Robot 2. Controlling Robot Movement 3. Operating Robot I/O Ports, Gripper Signals, etc. |
15 hours |
| 7 | ROS/ROS2 Control of Robotic Arms | 1. ROS/ROS2 Robot Operating System Basics 2. Learning the Robotic Arm ROS Control Framework 3. Robot Model and Simulation Basics |
1. Building the ROS/ROS2 Robotic Arm Control Environment 2. Using ROS to Control Robotic Arm Joint Movements 3. Implementing Robotic Arm Motion Planning through Coordinate Control |
20 hours |
| 8 | Image Recognition Related Algorithms | 1. Common Color Recognition Methods and Strategies 2. Common Shape Recognition Methods and Strategies 3. Common Area Recognition Methods and Strategies |
1. Reading Different Colors 2 Different Shape Recognition |
20 hours |
| 9 | Vision and Robotics Coordination | 1 Associating the World with the Camera Coordinate System 2 QR Code Image Calibration 3 Movement and Correction |
1 Manipulating the Robotic Arm to the Camera Coordinate System 2 Robotic Arm Movement within the Camera Coordinate System 3 Recalibration and Setting |
10 hours |
| 11 | Accessory Kit | 1 Flowchart Learning and Creation 2 Electrical Connection Diagram Learning and Creation 3 Image Recognition and Classification Operation Strategies |
1 Sensor Connection 2 Gripper Actuator Connection and Drive 3 Robotic Arm Drive and Vision Coordination |
20 hours |
4 Additional problems
If the above learning contents cannot meet your actual use needs, you can contact Elephant Robotics helper for further communication. We provide customized services for software and hardware, and the service fee is based on the actual cost.