Gazebo project · Technical tutorial

Building Your Own Robot

A step-by-step simulation tutorial for constructing a robot model from linked parts and joints.

Source text reviewed October 27, 2026. Study notes and exercises are written by botstest.

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Where to start

Follow the robot-model example in order and inspect the coordinate and joint definitions.

Use it in your project

Save a minimal model with a diagram explaining how its parts and frames correspond.

Scope and limitations

The latest documentation can change. Use a release compatible with your simulator and ROS environment.

Follow a related roadmap

Program your first robot behavior · Beginner →

Read: Follow the robot-model example in order and inspect the coordinate and joint definitions.

Use a documented minimal model to isolate setup and geometry problems before adding more behavior.

Produce: Describe the simulated model and the command/observation interface before changing code.

Build a personal mobile robot project · Beginner →

Read: Follow the robot-model example in order and inspect the coordinate and joint definitions.

Use a documented minimal model to isolate setup and geometry problems before adding more behavior.

Produce: Draw the rover parts and frames and choose one achievable behavior before buying extra components.