In a world where robots are no longer confined to science fiction, understanding the fundamentals of robotics has become a gateway to the future. Whether you are a curious beginner, a student exploring STEM fields, or a professional looking to upskill, the rise of free online courses have made learning fundamental in robotics more accessible than ever.From programming autonomous machines to grasping the mechanics of motion and control systems, these courses offer a hands-on dive into the building blocks of intelligent machines—without costing a rupee. In this article, we have curated a list of free robotics foundation courses from leading platforms and universities. So let’s get started to explore the nuts and bolts of robot design:RoboticsThe NPTEL course taught by Prof. Dilip Kumar Pratihar from IIT Kharagpur offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of robotics, ideal for engineering students, researchers, and professionals. Spanning eight weeks, the course begins with the basics—robot definitions, history, and industrial relevance—before diving into advanced topics like kinematics, dynamics, trajectory planning, and control schemes.Free AI courses for beginnersLearners explore manipulators, wheeled and multi-legged robots, sensors, robot vision, and motion planning algorithms. With no prerequisites required, it’s accessible to anyone with a curiosity for intelligent machines.Top free coding coursesThough the course is free to audit, learners can opt for a certification exam for a nominal fee. Want to enrol? Visit: onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc19_me74/previewIntroduction to roboticsThe NPTEL course is offered by IIT Madras and taught by Professors T. Asokan, Balaraman Ravindran, and Krishna Vasudevan. Designed for undergraduate and graduate students, it covers mechanical, electrical, and computer science aspects of robotics without requiring any prerequisites.Free Cybersecurity coursesOver 12 weeks, learners explore topics ranging from robot history and applications to kinematics, trajectory planning, actuators, sensors, control systems, and even reinforcement learning. The course delves into advanced concepts like probabilistic robotics, SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), and various path planning algorithms, including A, Dijkstra, and Voronoi methods. With a strong academic foundation and practical relevance, it’s ideal for students from diverse engineering backgrounds.Learn Data Science for FreeStory continues below this adWhile the course is free to audit, learners can opt for a certification exam for a nominal fee. Want to know more? Head to: onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc20_de11/previewIndustrial Robotics: Theories for ImplementationThe NPTEL course, led by Prof. Arun Dayal Udai from IIT-ISM Dhanbad, offers a deep dive into the technical and practical aspects of industrial robotics. Spanning 12 weeks, it’s designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as industry professionals.Top free ethical hacking coursesThe course covers everything from robot anatomy, actuators, and sensors to advanced topics like kinematics, dynamics, calibration, and control systems. Learners also explore installation procedures, safety protocols, and programming fundamentals.Top Free Semiconductor CoursesWhile free to audit, learners can opt for a certification exam for a nominal fee. Read more about the course from here: onlinecourses.nptel.ac.in/noc25_me161/previewStory continues below this adRobotics and Digitalization in ManufacturingThe course is offered by L&T EduTech and is designed to bridge traditional manufacturing with modern automation technologies. It covers robotic configurations, sensors and actuators, servo systems, robot vision, and programming. Learners gain hands-on exposure to simulation tools like MATLAB and explore advanced concepts such as cyber-physical systems, digital twins, and robotic process automation.Taught by experts Dr Venkatesh Radhakrishnan and Dr J Bhaskaran, the course includes a post-course MCQ assessment and offers certification at no additional cost. Ideal for students and professionals in mechanical, manufacturing, or mechatronics fields. Though this course on SWAYAM Plus is paid, it’s still affordable with a fee of Rs 2500.Know more: swayam-plus.swayam2.ac.in/courses/course-details?id=P_LTEDU_018Diploma in Robotics (Arduino)The Diploma in Robotics (Arduino) offered by IISDT is a six-month, hands-on programme designed to equip learners with practical skills in robotics and embedded systems using the Arduino platform. Open to anyone with a Class 12 pass, the course covers core topics such as microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, circuit design, and Arduino programming. The course is paid and costs Rs 4000.Story continues below this adLearners also explore wireless communication, IoT integration, and real-world robotic applications. The curriculum includes online exams, graded assessments, and both soft and hard copy certifications upon completion.With lifetime validity and verification, the certification enhances employability across industries like automation, IoT, and electronics. Graduates can pursue roles such as robotics technician, Arduino developer, automation engineer, or embedded systems specialist.Know more: iisdt.in/product/dilploma-in-robotics-arduino/?srsltid=AfmBOop2AuJisAEABkLRqAkdvFkSd5M9oAg3z6pT1sbmLBU1U-8yXyFWAs robotics continues to revolutionise industries and redefine the future of work, gaining foundational knowledge in this field is no longer optional—it’s essential. The courses will help aspirants to explore robotics through expert-led instruction, hands-on projects, and real-world applications.