What is machine learning? | A beginner’s guide – FutureLearn
What is machine learning? And what is it used for? We explore this fascinating technology, how it’s used, the type of careers on offer, and the skills you’ll need to get started.

Before you start
- Basic Python familiarity
- Comfort with algebra or calculus basics
- Interest in robotics systems
About this guide
What is machine learning? And what is it used for? We explore this fascinating technology, how it’s used, the type of careers on offer, and the skills you’ll need to get started.
Common questions
What will I learn in What is machine learning? | A beginner’s guide – FutureLearn?
What is machine learning? And what is it used for? We explore this fascinating technology, how it’s used, the type of careers on offer, and the skills you’ll need to get started.
Is What is machine learning? | A beginner’s guide – FutureLearn free?
Yes — this guide is free to access through FutureLearn. Some providers may offer paid certificates separately.
Do I need any prerequisites?
Recommended prep: Basic Python familiarity; Comfort with algebra or calculus basics; Interest in robotics systems.
How long does it take?
Self-paced (provider defined). Most learners complete this guide in self-directed sessions over a few weeks.
Does it offer a certificate?
This guide does not include a formal certificate. Focus is on the learning material itself.
Related guides

How to AI (Almost) Anything | MIT Learn
<p>Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds great promise as a technology to enhance digital productivity, physical interactions, overall well-being, and the human experience. To enable the true impact of AI, these systems will need to be grounded in real-world data modalities, from language-only sy
Begin Robotics - Online Robotics Course
On this four-week robotics course from the University of Reading, you'll gain a solid introduction to robotics to answer these questions and more.
Best Robotics Courses & Certificates [2026]
Browse Robotics ## Robotics Courses Robotics courses can help you learn how to design, build, and program intelligent machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with human guidance. ## Find the best Robotics course for your goals Status: Free Trial Free Trial Northwestern University ### Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control [...] Yes. Many robotics courses offer a free audit option, allowing learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To com
How to Learn Robotics: A 2025 Guide
As a learning pathway, you can typically expect training programs to offer a foundation of knowledge and skills in robotics and electrical and mechanical systems. You can typically expect to receive training through classroom lectures and get practical training working on robots in the lab. Many of these training programs also prepare learners to take their chosen certification exams. Examples of certifications include these from Fuji Automatic Numerical Control (FANUC): [...] Discover more abo
Introduction to Robotics
### Filter [...] Image of robotic mannequin, 'Manny', constructed at Pacific Northwest Laboratory. A graphic showing a Mars Rover-like robot in a sandy, rocky environment. A circular path of words is overlaid, with the words Precepts - Agent - Actions - Environment (and back to Precepts again). Paradox and Infinity Introduction to Ethics: Moral Problems and the Good Life Minds and Machines [...] Five six-sided badges in solid colors with a simple icon in the center representing the feature, blue
Robotics Mastery: From Basics to Advanced Simulations MATLAB
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer-aided robotic analysis and simulation, all while offering real-world applications. It is
Robots that use these skills

HiWonder TonyBot Humanoid Robot Kit
Hiwonder
Hiwonder TonyBot is a small humanoid (biped) robot kit for STEM learning with 16 DOF servo joints and app/program control.

MAiRA
NEURA Robotics
MAiRA is a 7‑axis collaborative robot arm from NEURA Robotics designed for industrial automation with integrated AI perception and voice interaction.

Mercury X1
Elephant Robotics
Mercury X1 is Elephant Robotics’ wheeled humanoid research platform with a 7‑axis arm and onboard NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano compute.
Refer a learner and get early access to our paid pathways and 1:1 mentorship pilot.
Join referral list