Learn Robotics Online
All LST Robotics training material, readable directly here — no downloads needed. Work through the Theory Track to understand the concepts, then the C++ Coding Track to program a real robot.
Theory Track
Robotics fundamentals from the LST Robotics Training Book.
Introduction to Robotics
What defines a robot, sensing–processing–actuation, and where robotics is used.
Robotics Controllers (VMX-pi)
The VMX-pi controller: layout, interfaces, and how it runs your robot.
Motor Control Systems
How motors are driven and controlled, including the Titan motor controller.
Robot Drive Systems
Drivetrains: how wheel arrangements turn motor power into movement.
Encoders and Motion Feedback
Encoders and motion feedback for measuring distance and speed.
Control Systems (PID)
PID control: reducing error for smooth, accurate movement.
Autonomous Systems
Autonomous systems: letting the robot act on its own using sensor data.
Robotics System Design
System design: breaking a robot into clean, maintainable subsystems.
Vision Systems
Vision systems: cameras, object detection, and depth perception.
Sensor Fusion
Sensor fusion: combining sensors for more reliable awareness.
Testing and Debugging
Testing and debugging strategies for reliable robots.
3D Printing in Robotics
3D printing custom robot parts for rapid prototyping.
C++ Coding Track
Hands-on C++ / WPILib lessons from the LST Robotics Coding Guide.
Setting Up Offline FRC VS Code
Install the offline FRC WPILib VS Code environment.
Setting Up the Control Station
Install and set up the Control Station app.
VS Code Project Setup
Create your first C++ Command-based robot project.
Simple Auto: Timed Movement
Your first autonomous: move the robot on a timer.
Simple Auto with Encoder
Drive to a target distance using encoder feedback.
navX / IMU Basics
Read heading/orientation from the navX IMU.
PID Implementation and Tuning
Implement and tune a PID controller in C++.
Control Panel LEDs
Drive the control-panel LEDs from code.
Control Panel Start & Stop Buttons
Read Start and Stop buttons to trigger actions.
Simple Servo Movement
Move a servo to precise angles in autonomous.
Ultrasonic Sensor
Measure distance with an ultrasonic sensor.
Encoder + Ultrasonic (Pause & Resume)
Pause and resume movement using encoder + ultrasonic.
Simple LiDAR Code
Read a LiDAR and use it in your robot code.
DriveBase Class for Cleaner Code
Refactor drivetrain logic into a clean DriveBase class.
USB Camera Vision Processing (OpenCV)
Process a USB camera stream on the VMX-pi with OpenCV.
RGB Color Detection (OpenCV)
Detect and track colours in a camera frame.
Autonomous State Machines
Structure autonomous as clean, predictable states.
State Machine with Heading Hold & PID Turning
Combine a state machine with PID turns and heading hold.