Answer 1

Actually It depends on what system you want use!
You can use cards for robotics and control with computer then matlab or c# are get scored!
And either way you can use chipsets on the demand, then languages like embedded C, Basics, as for Arm and fpga programming and the other side Arduino programming comes up!

I suggest you find your way first! but for start C and embedded C are suggested! And try to get the right information about chipset you programming for. C is good for AtMega chipsets. Chip and functional!
Arduino kits made it easy nowadays, but I am oldschool guy. Try to gather data about them.

Good Luck!