Robotic Mapping and Trajectory Generation from Coursera

In this second course of the Introduction to Robotics specialization, "Robotic Mapping and Trajectory Generation", you will learn how to perform basic inverse kinematics of (non-)holonomic systems using a feedback control approach. You will also learn how to process multi-dimensional sensor signals such as laser range scanners for mapping. Additionally, you will apply the overarching focus of mechanisms and sensors as sources of uncertainty and gain techniques to how to model and control them.

It is recommended that you complete the first course of this specialization, “Introduction to Robotics: Basic Behaviors”, before beginning this one.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s MS in Computer Science degrees offered on the Coursera platform. These fully accredited graduate degrees offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more:

MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

What's inside

Syllabus

Advanced Sensor: Range finders and Homogeneous transforms

Welcome to Week 1 of the course. You will get started by being introduced to the class of "range finder" devices, which have important applications in mapping, as well as the concept of homogeneous transforms to perform coordinate transformations.

Mapping: Basic Representations

In this week, you will begin to understand basic discrete map representations and their implementation.

Mapping: Probabilistic Representations and Configuration Space

This week introduces simple ways to encode obstacles in terms of probability, the concept of "configuration space", and a simple algorithm for collision checking.

Inverse Kinematics: Trajectory Following

In this week you will learn to define a robot trajectory based on a series of waypoints and implement a basic proportional controller in Webots to navigate in a 2D environment.

Implementing Mapping and Trajectory Generation

In this module you will transfer your mapping and trajectory following skills to a commercial robotic platform in a kitchen environment, introducing you to additional constraints of sensor integration on a real robotic platform.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Deepens students' awareness of probabilistic modeling and error management, which are essential for real-world robotics applications

Develops students' skills in applying mathematical tools to model sensor uncertainty, which is critical for robust robot navigation

Provides hands-on experience with robotic platforms and real-world environments, enhancing students' practical abilities and understanding of robot deployment

Taught by industry experts with extensive experience in robotics, providing students with insights and best practices from the field

Coursework includes independent projects and assignments, allowing students to apply their learning and receive personalized feedback

Requires students to have a strong foundation in basic robotics, which may limit accessibility for beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Robotic Mapping and Trajectory Generation with these activities:

Mentor a junior student or peer on mapping and trajectory generation

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Mentoring others reinforces understanding by explaining concepts and providing guidance in a specific area.

Browse courses on Mapping

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Identify a suitable mentee
Establish regular mentoring sessions
Provide guidance and support on specific topics

Complete online tutorials on mapping and localization

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Engaging with guided tutorials reinforces concepts and provides practical examples of mapping and localization techniques.

Browse courses on Mapping

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Identify suitable online tutorials
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Apply the techniques to simulated or real-world examples

Attend a hands-on workshop on advanced mapping and localization techniques

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Hands-on workshops provide practical experience and exposure to new techniques and tools.

Browse courses on Mapping

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Identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Participate actively and take notes

Four other activities

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Develop a model for mobile robot kinematics

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Designing and simulating a mobile robot kinematic model cements understanding of inverse kinematics.

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Define the robot's configuration space
Establish the relationship between joint angles and end-effector position
Implement the model in a simulation environment
Test and validate the model's accuracy

Solve a series of mapping and trajectory generation exercises

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Regular practice reinforces concepts and improves problem-solving habilidades in mapping and trajectory generation.

Browse courses on Mapping

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Identify suitable exercise sets
Solve the exercises independently
Compare solutions with others or consult with an expert

Develop a detailed plan for a mobile robot mapping and navigation system

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Creating a detailed plan forces students to think critically about the different components and their integration.

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Define the requirements and specifications of the system
Research and select appropriate sensors and algorithms
Design the system architecture and workflow
Estimate the hardware and software resources required

Participate in a mapping or trajectory generation competition

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Participation in a competition provides pressure-tested practice and hones mapping and trajectory generation skills.

Browse courses on Mapping

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Identify relevant competitions
Form a team or work independently
Develop and implement a solution
Submit the solution

Career center

Learners who complete Robotic Mapping and Trajectory Generation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Robotic Mapping Specialist

Robotic Mapping Specialists are responsible for creating and maintaining maps of indoor and outdoor environments for robots. They use a variety of sensors, such as laser range finders, to collect data about the environment and then use algorithms to create maps that can be used for navigation and planning. This course can provide you with the skills you need to become a Robotic Mapping Specialist, including experience with laser range finders and mapping algorithms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotic Mapping Specialist

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers research, design, develop, and test robots and robotic systems. They may specialize in a particular area of robotics, such as autonomous systems, medical robotics, or industrial robotics. This course can help you build a foundation in the fundamentals of robotics, including mapping and trajectory generation, which are essential skills for Robotics Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Computer Vision Engineer

Computer Vision Engineers design and develop algorithms and systems that enable computers to see and understand images and videos. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and medical imaging. This course can help Computer Vision Engineers build a foundation in the fundamentals of computer vision, including techniques for image processing and object recognition, which are essential skills for this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Vision Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models and algorithms. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Machine Learning Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of machine learning, including techniques for supervised and unsupervised learning, which are essential skills for this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work in a variety of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and marketing. This course may provide Data Scientists with a foundation in the fundamentals of data science, including data analysis and visualization techniques, which are essential skills for this field.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design and develop software applications. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Software Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of software engineering, including object-oriented programming and design patterns, which are essential skills for this field.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Electrical Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of electrical engineering, including circuit analysis and power electronics, which are essential skills for this field.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Mechanical Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, including solid mechanics and thermodynamics, which are essential skills for this field.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Aerospace Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of aerospace engineering, including aerodynamics and propulsion, which are essential skills for this field.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and systems. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Biomedical Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of biomedical engineering, including biomaterials and medical imaging, which are essential skills for this field.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and develop chemical processes and products. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Chemical Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of chemical engineering, including fluid mechanics and mass transfer, which are essential skills for this field.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and develop infrastructure systems, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Civil Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of civil engineering, including structural analysis and hydraulics, which are essential skills for this field.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design and improve industrial processes and systems. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Industrial Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of industrial engineering, including operations research and supply chain management, which are essential skills for this field.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and develop solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution. They work in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Environmental Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of environmental engineering, including environmental chemistry and risk assessment, which are essential skills for this field.

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Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers design and develop new materials for use in a variety of industries, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare. This course may provide Materials Engineers with a foundation in the fundamentals of materials engineering, including materials science and materials processing, which are essential skills for this field.

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