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about the technology

It’s thrilling to see your code make a real, physical connection with the world. Programming robots no longer requires sophisticated electronics knowledge and low-level languages. Using standard tools like Python along with open source frameworks like ROS2—the Robot Operating System framework—you can control a wide range of mechanical systems. You just need to learn how robots differ from other software applications.

about the book

Robotics for Programmers teaches you the patterns of robotics software through hands-on examples and clear, jargon-free guidance. It relates new ideas about robotics to programming concepts you’re already familiar with, so you can easily make the jump from traditional software to robot development.

Unlike other books that feature toy projects and unrealistic examples, this practical book centers on the techniques you’ll use in real robotics applications. You’ll learn by simulating factory floor robots, survey drones, and even a multi-function mobile manipulator! The examples use the accessible ROS2 framework, and all core concepts and algorithms are taught in a way you can apply to the proprietary software you’ll encounter in robotics companies. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have the programming skills to start developing serious robots.

about the reader

For readers familiar with developing software. Examples in Python.

about the author

Andreas Bihlmaier is the Chief Software Architect at ABB Robotics. He obtained his PhD in the field of AI and robotics from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Intelligent Process Automation and Robotics (IPR) lab. After working at Google Research in 2015, Andreas returned to Germany to co-found the robotics startup robodev GmbH. In 2019 he received the "Innovator under 35" award by Technology Review for his work in modular easy-to-use robotics.