Programming to learn kinematics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on learning kinematics through practical applications, specifically focusing on inertia tensors, cosine matrices, quaternions, and Euler angles. The user seeks resources for animating robot arms and rigid bodies using Python or JavaScript, as they do not have access to MATLAB but can use Octave, a free alternative. The user expresses a desire for more challenging projects to enhance motivation and understanding of kinematic concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic concepts such as inertia tensors and Euler angles
  • Familiarity with programming in Python and/or JavaScript
  • Basic knowledge of animation techniques for rigid bodies
  • Experience with Octave as a MATLAB alternative
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Python libraries for kinematics, such as Pygame or Matplotlib
  • Research JavaScript frameworks for 3D animation, such as Three.js
  • Learn about implementing quaternions for rotation in animations
  • Investigate resources for using Octave to simulate kinematic equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and enthusiasts in physics and engineering, programmers interested in robotics, and anyone looking to apply kinematic principles through animation in Python or JavaScript.

Avatrin
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Hi

I am learning kinematics. Topics include inertia tensors, cosine matrices, quaternions, Euler angles etc... To learn these topics well, I want to try working on something a bit more difficult than just the underlying math. That will probably keep me more motivated.

So, I am looking for resources that can teach me how to animate robot arms and other rigid bodies to play around with the concepts I need to learn. I don't have access to Matlab. So, I want to use Python and/or Javascript since I am already quite familiar with these languages and have used them in other contexts. Are there any websites or books you guys can recommend?
 
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Avatrin said:
I don't have access to Matlab.

But you do have access to Octave, a free Matlab clone. The help files are not as good as the Matlab help files, while everything else seems similar. Although, I was not able to get Octave to read a time/date stamp from a text file that I think Matlab would have been able to read.
 

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