Introduction to Robotics (Live Online)

Program Overview

Introduction To Robotics

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Overview

Robotics is the confluence of engineering and science dedicated to the research, development, and operation of robots. The Introduction to Robotics course introduces you to the concepts of robot flight and movement, how robots perceive their environment, and how they adjust their movements to avoid obstacles, navigate difficult terrains and accomplish complex tasks such as construction and disaster recovery. Subjects to be covered include control design, actuators, sensors and embedded software. Every specialization includes a hands-on project. This course will provide hands on  experience with microcontrollers, servo drives, real-time control, and embedded software. Students will apply the course theories to design and program an intelligent robotic system with embedded smart path planning and obstacle avoidance algorithms.

Course Prerequisites

None, however:

1. Basic understanding of computer programming is preferred but not required.
2. Basic knowledge of electronics would be an asset but not required.

Topics/Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• To develop the student’s knowledge in various robot structures and their workspace.
• To provide the student with knowledge of the singularity issues associated with the operation of robotic systems.
• To provide the student with knowledge and skills associated with sensor feedback control.
• To provide the student with the skills in the Arduino microcontroller programming language.
• To provide the student with hands-on skills with electronics, sensors and actuators.

At the end of this course, you will be able to design and program a smart car that interfaces with sensors and actuators to avoid obstacles.

Module 1

Understanding robotic applications and their challenges. To gain introductory knowledge of systems, and how the functional units connect to each other. Student will be able to describe the many applications of Robotics technologies in today’s society including predictions of future applications and trends.

Module 2

One of the key elements in the implementation of mechatronic systems is the integration of computational intelligence with sensing (measurement of environmental conditions) and actuation (affecting the surrounding environment through a controlled response). Students will be able to have an understanding of sensors and actuators and their various applications in the field of robotics.

Module 3

IoT devices involve a combination of software and hardware. This module provides background on the basics of hardware design and wiring needed to build useful circuits. This module describes the functions of basic passive components and describes how to use them in simple circuits. This module also describes how to wire circuits together using a breadboard. The goal of this module is to enable students to design and implement the circuits they need to interact with basic sensors and actuators.

Module 4

Artificial intelligence is fascinating field. It brings out a lot of passion, and many people have strong opinions. Some people feel that artificial intelligence poses one of the greatest threats to humankind. Others believe that it’s the path to some of the best new opportunities. This module will discuss the concept of artificial intelligence specifically in the field of robotics.

Module 5

Introduction to computer programming for Arduino (Arduino IDE). The goal of this module is to introduce students to basic programming princliples and algorithms which including how the Arduino main loop works and what it means to call a function. Students will be able to understand key concepts in software logic which will be used to control the smart car robot with sensors.