In this article, we will explore the ten most popular programming languages used in robot development. We’ll examine their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the reasons why they are or aren’t commonly used in robotics. With over 1,500 programming languages available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. However, the following list highlights the top ten that are currently widely used in the field of robotics. Each language has its own unique advantages, and the ranking here is based on the authors’ personal experiences, from the least to the most commonly used.
Most robotics professionals have, at some point, asked themselves which programming language is best for robots. Unfortunately, there’s no single answer to this question. If you ask roboticists or check forums like Stack Overflow, Quora, Trossen, Reddit, or ResearchGate, you’ll get a variety of responses. Just as with fundamental robotic skills, the most important thing is to develop strong programming logic rather than focusing solely on a specific language. In many cases, it doesn’t matter which language you start with—what matters is your ability to think critically and improve through practice.
Returning to the topic, this article introduces the ten most popular programming languages used in robotics. We’ll discuss their pros and cons, and explain when and why they might be used. While there are over 1,500 languages to choose from, the ones listed below are widely recognized in the industry. Each has its own strengths, and the authors have ranked them based on their experience, from the least to the most frequently used.
10. BASIC / Pascal
BASIC and Pascal were among the first programming languages I learned. But that’s not the only reason they’re included here. These languages are still valuable in industrial robotics, especially for beginners. BASIC was designed to be user-friendly, making it an excellent starting point for new developers. Pascal, on the other hand, introduced concepts like pointers, helping bridge the gap between simple and more complex languages. Although these languages are now somewhat outdated for general use, they remain useful for understanding other industrial robot programming languages and for higher-level coding tasks.
9. Industrial Robot Languages
Each major robot manufacturer has its own proprietary programming language, which can be a challenge for developers. Learning Pascal helps familiarize you with some of these systems, but when working with different platforms, you may need to learn new languages. For example, ABB uses RAPID, KUKA uses KRL, Comau uses PDL2, Yaskawa uses AdvanWise, and Fanuc uses Karel. While standardized frameworks like ROS are becoming more common, most technicians still need to work with the manufacturer-specific languages.
8. LISP
LISP is the second oldest programming language in the world, just behind FORTRAN. Though not widely used today, it remains crucial in artificial intelligence and robotics research. Some parts of ROS are written in LISP, and while you don’t need to know how ROS is built, understanding LISP can be beneficial for AI applications.
7. Hardware Description Language (HDL)
HDLs are used to describe digital circuits and are essential for programming FPGAs. These languages allow developers to design hardware without silicon chips, offering faster and more flexible solutions. Unlike traditional programming languages, HDLs operate in parallel, making them ideal for real-time applications in robotics. If you're working with hardware, learning HDL is a must.
6. Assembly
Assembly is a low-level language that allows direct interaction with hardware using binary code. While it was once the standard for embedded systems, modern microcontrollers like Arduino have made C/C++ more accessible. Still, Assembly is useful for deep hardware control and optimization.
5. MATLAB
MATLAB is widely used in robotics for data analysis, simulation, and control system design. Its open-source counterpart, Octave, offers similar functionality. Many roboticists rely on MATLAB for its powerful toolboxes and ease of use in complex mathematical computations.
4. C#/.NET
C# is a Microsoft-developed language often used with the Microsoft Robotics Studio. While it’s less common in robotics compared to other languages, it’s still relevant in certain environments. Learning C/C++ first can provide a strong foundation for understanding C#.
3. Java
Java is popular in software engineering and is sometimes used in robotics due to its cross-platform capabilities. However, it abstracts away low-level details, which can be a drawback for hardware-based projects. Java is interpreted, meaning it runs slower than compiled languages, but it's still used in many robotics applications.
2. Python
Python holds a significant place in robotics due to its simplicity and extensive libraries. It is one of the primary languages used in ROS, along with C++. Python’s readability and ease of use make it ideal for rapid prototyping and development. Its ability to interface with C/C++ also makes it a powerful tool for performance-critical tasks.
1. C/C++
C and C++ are the foundational languages in robotics. Many hardware libraries are written in C, and C++ extends this with object-oriented features. These languages offer low-level access and real-time performance, making them essential for hardware control. While they are harder to learn than Python, they are still the standard for high-performance robotic systems.
Which One Should You Learn?
The top ten programming languages listed here don’t mean you need to learn all of them. The key is to choose a language that fits your goals and the hardware you’re working with. Python is a great starting point due to its simplicity and versatility. After mastering Python, learning C and C++ will help you interact with hardware drivers and optimize performance. Ultimately, the best language depends on your specific needs and interests.
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