This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.
Y.S. Dighe,
Abhijit Gawali,
Ajinkya Jadhav,
Gaurav Khaire,
Nisha Pavane,
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India
- Student, Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India
- Student, Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India
- Student, Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India
- Student, Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
This article is intended for on ramping of novices in mobile robotics and shine a new light on feasibility of home-brew robots. Readers are expected to use this resource as a take-off point from which they will get to know where to look and to what extent, along with some of our own recommendations. The topics covered include but not limited to, hardware selection, firmware programming, feedback control, system design, simulation, algorithm selection, software. We also recommend different paths based on readers’ goals. In conclusion, as mobile robotics is a vast and complex field, if possible, we recommend beginners to purchase a ready-made robot ideally with ROS support and slowly understand each subsystem by interacting with it in isolation. Else, start with a simple PID controlled differential drive robot then, learn to work with a lidar in simulation to eventually start working in the real world. This study analyzes the balance between cost, performance, and scalability in DIY robotic systems, offering both technical and economic insights. It emphasizes the impact of open-source tools and low-cost hardware in making robotics more accessible and fostering innovation. Furthermore, it provides actionable guidance and suggested learning paths to support beginners in progressing from basic understanding to practical, real-world applications.
Keywords: ROS (Robot Operating System), System Design, Differential Drive, PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) control, lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor
References
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Trends in Mechanical Engineering & Technology
| Volume | 16 | |
| 02 | ||
| Received | 13/01/2026 | |
| Accepted | 07/04/2026 | |
| Published | 20/06/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 158 Days |