Programming homebuilt devices

You realize this is the kind of project that can last several years, right?

 

I suggest you look at Adruino but in all honesty it sounds like you'll have to step back quite a bit and learn some basics first.

 

If you haven't already, you should consider one of the various microcontroller platforms that have the power / outputs / development tools necessary to do this relatively easily.

For example:
Arduino
mBed

I own both of these (including a PIC programming kit and lots of PIC chips). Arduino is nice because its compiler is not online, whereas the mbed requires you to be on the internet to compile code for it.

Also you'll need / want a motor controller / driver that works for the type of motors you'll be using. Take a look at Pololu for ideas what you might need.