Hello (Real) World with ROS – Robot Operating System from edX

Are you interested in taking your first steps in robotics? Do you seek a practical approach and want to learn by doing? Join our course and learn how to program a complete real-world robotic system with ROS!

The Robot Operating System (ROS) enables you to quickly build robotic applications through access to a large set of open-source software and tools. Over the years, ROS has become the essential tool for roboticists. A large community surrounds ROS and there has been extensive input from industrial users in the development of these tools.

Many of the new advanced robot capabilities for manipulation, perception, and navigation have been developed using ROS. Companies such as Airbus and Boeing are using ROS for several of their applications. And we at Delft University of Technology won the Amazon Robotics Challenge 2016 with a robotic system developed with ROS.

In this course, you will learn to use different ROS tools to create a complete robotic application. You will be working with your own standalone Ubuntu-Linux installation and with industrial and mobile robots on the physics-based simulation engine, Gazebo. You will learn to program and configure basic robotic tasks such as pick-and-place objects, and navigate through obstacles. You will then integrate all this knowledge to build an industrial production line with two robotic arms and a mobile robot.

Are you ready to make your robot say "Hello" to the (real) world with ROS?

The development of this course is supported by ROSIN - ROS-Industrial Quality-Assured Robot Software Components. ROSIN project is funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 732287.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to use ros communication tools (topics, services, actions) to exchange information between functional modules
Visualization and creation of a custom environment with a robot
Mapping of the robot environment and navigation with a mobile robot

How to implement a pick-and-place function with industrial robot arms
Design of a complete robotic application with state machines

How to use ros communication tools (topics, services, actions) to exchange information between functional modules
Visualization and creation of a custom environment with a robot
Mapping of the robot environment and navigation with a mobile robot
How to implement a pick-and-place function with industrial robot arms
Design of a complete robotic application with state machines

Syllabus

Week 0: Course setup Installation of Ubuntu-Linux, course simulation setup and supporting software.

Week 1: ROS EssentialsIntroduction to ROS Topics, Services, Actions, and Nodes. Simple interaction with the course simulation environment.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Fits professionals who want to learn ROS and robotics with an emphasis on industrial and mobile systems

Provides a strong foundation in robotics principles and their implementation with ROS

Provides hands-on practice through simulations and industry-grade software

Taught by experienced robotics professionals recognized for their work in ROS and robotics

Covers a comprehensive range of topics in ROS, including navigation, manipulation, and perception

Reviews summary

Practical ros for robotics application

According to students, this course offers an excellent practical introduction to ROS, largely praised for its hands-on labs with Gazebo and a comprehensive final project that integrates various robotic concepts. Many find it highly valuable for real-world robotic applications, appreciating the clear explanations of essential ROS tools like topics, services, actions, and MoveIt!. However, a recurring theme is the challenging initial setup process, particularly for those without a basic understanding of Linux or programming fundamentals, making it potentially difficult for absolute beginners. Despite this, for learners with some prerequisites, it is considered a rewarding and confidence-building experience.

Covers a wide range of topics, some could be expanded upon.

"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the vision module, which could have been expanded."

"But for an introductory course, it covers a lot of ground effectively."

"I found the content on navigation and MoveIt! was particularly useful."

"The course provides a good overview of ROS and its core components, effectively covering many topics for an intro."

Lectures explain core ROS concepts effectively.

"The explanations are good *if* you already have a foundation, but for a 'Hello World' course, it feels a bit advanced."

"The lectures are clear and the concepts well-explained."

"The instructors do a great job of explaining complex topics."

"I found the navigation and manipulation modules to be well-structured and very relevant to real-world robotics."

Culminating project effectively integrates and solidifies concepts.

"I especially appreciated the comprehensive final project where we built a full production line."

"The final project really solidifies all the concepts learned throughout the weeks."

"This course delivers on its promise to teach you how to build a robotic application with ROS."

"The culminating project was excellent for applying all the learned modules in a realistic scenario."

Offers invaluable practical experience through labs and projects.

"This course is an excellent practical introduction to ROS. The hands-on labs with Gazebo were invaluable for understanding concepts..."

"The way they integrate different ROS tools into a complete robotic application is brilliant."

"The virtual environment is well-prepared, and the hands-on exercises are the core strength."

"I found the course to be very practical and engaging, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application."

Installation and environment setup can be difficult for some.

"I found the initial setup process challenging, especially with different ROS versions and dependencies."

"The technical setup issues were overwhelming. I spent more time troubleshooting my environment than learning ROS."

"More guidance on troubleshooting common installation issues would be beneficial."

"I struggled significantly with the setup and some of the coding exercises, requiring extensive troubleshooting."

Requires basic Linux and programming knowledge for smoother learning.

"As a complete beginner to Linux and ROS, I struggled significantly with the setup and some of the coding exercises."

"It assumes a bit too much prior knowledge... for a 'Hello World' course, it feels a bit advanced."

"A basic understanding of Linux is definitely helpful."

"My background in Python helped a lot, indicating a need for prior programming skills for a smoother experience."

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 Hello (Real) World with ROS – Robot Operating System with these activities:

Organize and review course materials for future use

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Enhance your learning retention by organizing and reviewing course materials. This includes summaries, exercises, and important concepts.

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Gather and organize course materials
Review and summarize key concepts
Identify areas for further clarification or practice

Build a fully functional robotic application

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Put your ROS skills to the test by creating a complete robotic application, demonstrating your understanding and proficiency.

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Design the robotic system and define requirements
Implement the ROS nodes and communication
Integrate sensors, actuators, and controllers
Deploy and test the robotic application

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Hello (Real) World with ROS – Robot Operating System will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers combine mechanical, electrical, and software engineering skills to design, build, and maintain robots. They also develop and test new robotic technologies. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are essential skills for Robotics Engineers who want to develop and deploy robots in real-world applications, and who want to further succeed in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Robotic Software Engineer

Robotic Software Engineers design and develop the software that controls robots. They work closely with Robotics Engineers to ensure that the software meets the requirements of the robot's application. This course provides a strong foundation in ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are essential skills for Robotic Software Engineers who want to develop and deploy robots in real-world applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotic Software Engineer

Field Service Robotics Technician

Field Service Robotics Technicians install, maintain, and repair robots in the field. They also provide technical support to customers. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are essential skills for Field Service Robotics Technicians who want to succeed in their roles.

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Robotics Research Scientist

Robotics Research Scientists conduct research in the field of robotics. They develop new robotic technologies and applications. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are essential skills for Robotics Research Scientists who want to develop new and innovative robotic technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Research Scientist

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design, build, and maintain the systems and processes used to manufacture products. They also work to improve the efficiency and quality of manufacturing operations. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are essential skills for Manufacturing Engineers who want to integrate robots into their manufacturing processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that products meet the needs of customers. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are valuable skills for Product Managers who want to develop and launch new robotic products.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are essential skills for Project Managers who want to manage robotic projects.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems. They work with engineers, scientists, and other stakeholders to ensure that systems meet the needs of customers. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are valuable skills for Systems Engineers who want to develop and integrate robotic systems.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with users to understand their needs and develop software that meets those needs. This course provides a strong foundation in ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These skills are valuable for Software Developers who want to develop and deploy robotic software applications.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. They develop new computer technologies and applications. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These are valuable skills for Computer Scientists who want to develop new and innovative robotic technologies.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They develop and implement data-driven solutions to improve business outcomes. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These skills are valuable for Data Scientists who want to develop and implement data-driven solutions for robotic applications.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment. They work to improve the efficiency and quality of manufacturing and service operations. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These skills are valuable for Industrial Engineers who want to integrate robots into their industrial processes.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and build mechanical systems. They work with other engineers to develop and test products. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These skills are valuable for Mechanical Engineers who want to design and develop robotic systems.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. They work with other engineers to develop and test products. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These skills are valuable for Electrical Engineers who want to design and develop robotic systems.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects. They work with other engineers to develop and test structures. This course provides a practical introduction to ROS, which is the leading software framework for robotics. It also covers advanced topics such as object detection, pose estimation, and motion planning. These skills are valuable for Civil Engineers who want to design and develop robotic systems for infrastructure projects.

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