How should I start in robotics?
arduino
basic stamp (boe bot)
oopic
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Go to various robotics web sites and forums to see what others are doing that is similar to what you want to do, and note what equipment they are using.
How should I start in robotics?
I want to answer this question; really I do. I honestly can't, though. The only true answer I have is "read". That's how I started, that's how I have continued to learn. Robotics (which at once is both a sub-field and super-field of computer science, IMHO), I have learned, encompasses so much - that I find I can't think of a place to start, other than by reading.
I would say as far as hardware is concerned, buying something now might be premature - with the exception of things like a Lego NXT or Mindstorms kit, or perhaps (if you have the money) a FischerTechnik kit. Basically, if you really want to delve into the mechanics coupled with the programming of robotics, you need to go at it "open-ended"; you don't necessarily want a single small robot. In many cases, you can learn a lot about robotics without any robot at all, by simulating a robot on the computer (in fact, there are several good 3D robotics simulation systems available for most PC platforms that you might want to look into).
You could really start with an Arduino and the blink sketch; understand that, then move on to controlling and getting input from other things. A switch becomes a touch sensor, a motor controlled by a transistor a "muscle", and the Arduino with its programming, becomes the "brain" of the robot. Attach it all together with some hot glue and double-sided tape and you have a desktop bump-switch rover-bot.
But ultimately, reading and studying robots, robotics, computer science, and a whole vast host of other subjects, while taking notes (physically or mentally - whichever is best for you), asking questions, and seeking answers - that's how you pursue it. Robotics, ultimately, is the study of the creation of artificial life and intelligence. You may as well be asking "How should I start in religion?" (indeed, you study enough of robotics, the concepts of religion do come into play!); there is no one "right" answer, no one possible method or approach. You just have to begin, and one thing will lead to another, and at some point you look around and wonder "How did I get here?"...
That's what I'm doing right now - your question has caused me to pause and wonder just that, because I first approached the question with the idea of "how did I start?". I found that I mainly started with reading, studying, dreaming, drawing, conceptualizing, thinking, wondering, doing. Some things didn't work, others did; but no matter what, I have just as many questions today as I did when I started thinking about this field when I was 6 or 7 years old.
I am sorry that I can't answer this better - really, this forum isn't the place to give you a proper answer; but I don't know what is...
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Do you have any electrical or programming experience? What do you expect to do and how much do you want to spend? Is it for fun or do you want to accomplish something? Are you going to build your own parts or are you going to be stuck with store made parts? Do you know that some companies give samples or help people out? Do you know how much time you want to spend building or programming robotics? Are you a do it yourself kind of person or do you need a kit? I think you should answer these questions first.
You can literally spend thousands of dollars on Robotics. Some kits are over a thousand dollars.
There are different websites on Robotics that I could give you. They use different microcontrollers.
I'm not sure what is the best but if you want to use Arduino then you might want to check out the Roboduino. You might want to check Society of Robots, etc. Different companies have different forums.
I would recommend you don't jump in right away. I can give you a list of manufacturers or websites to preview and you can make your own decision.
They are great entertainment and personal enjoyment but unless they are used to help people, I don't find a need for them. I suppose people in school should be exposed to them and people should learn about them in case the chance arises that they might get to work with them one day but I can't tell the future.
What I suggest is you study prices around the web to see how much it is going to cost you.