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Robotics

Aerial Robotics

Vijay Kumar

How can we create agile micro aerial vehicles that are able to operate autonomously in cluttered indoor and outdoor environments? You will gain an introduction to the mechanics of flight and the design of quadrotor flying robots and will be able to develop dynamic models, derive controllers, and synthesize planners for operating in three dimensional environments. You will be exposed to the challenges of using noisy sensors for localization and maneuvering in complex, three-dimensional environments. Finally, you will gain insights through seeing real world examples of the possible applications and challenges for the rapidly-growing drone industry.

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How can we create agile micro aerial vehicles that are able to operate autonomously in cluttered indoor and outdoor environments? You will gain an introduction to the mechanics of flight and the design of quadrotor flying robots and will be able to develop dynamic models, derive controllers, and synthesize planners for operating in three dimensional environments. You will be exposed to the challenges of using noisy sensors for localization and maneuvering in complex, three-dimensional environments. Finally, you will gain insights through seeing real world examples of the possible applications and challenges for the rapidly-growing drone industry.

Mathematical prerequisites: Students taking this course are expected to have some familiarity with linear algebra, single variable calculus, and differential equations.

Programming prerequisites: Some experience programming with MATLAB or Octave is recommended (we will use MATLAB in this course.) MATLAB will require the use of a 64-bit computer.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Aerial Robotics
Welcome to Week 1! In this week, you will be introduced to the exciting field of Unmanned Aerial Robotics (UAVs) and quadrotors in particular. You will learn about their basic mechanics and control strategies and realize how careful component selection and design affect the vehicles' performance. This week also provides you with instructions on how to download and install Matlab. This software will be used throughout this course in exercises and assignments, so it is strongly recommended to familiarize yourself with Matlab soon. Tutorials to help you get started are also provided in this week.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops models, controllers, and planners for aerial vehicles, which are key skills for robotics engineers
Taught by Vijay Kumar, who is recognized for their work in aerial robotics
Explores noisy sensors for localization and maneuvering, which is highly relevant to autonomous vehicles
Provides insights into real world examples of the drone industry, which may provide career opportunities for learners
Requires that learners have some familiarity with linear algebra, single variable calculus, and differential equations, which may be a barrier to some entry-level learners
Requires some experience programming with MATLAB or Octave, which may be a barrier to some entry-level learners

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Reviews summary

Rigorous aerial robotics foundations

According to students, this course provides a strong foundation in aerial robotics, covering mechanics, control, and planning. Learners highlight the challenging but rewarding programming assignments in MATLAB as particularly effective for learning. While the course is well-structured and builds knowledge logically, students note that strong prerequisites in linear algebra and calculus are essential, and the assignments require significant time commitment. Some also mention MATLAB might feel less common than other languages. Overall, it's considered a valuable introduction for those with the necessary technical background.
Course exclusively uses MATLAB software.
"All programming is done in <span class='neutral'>MATLAB, so familiarize yourself if you haven't used it."
"I wish they used <span class='neutral'>Python instead of MATLAB, but the concepts are transferable."
"The requirement for <span class='neutral'>MATLAB and a 64-bit machine was a bit of a hurdle for me."
"Working in <span class='neutral'>MATLAB was new to me, but the tutorials helped me get started for the assignments."
Need strong math/MATLAB background.
"<span class='warning'>Make sure your linear algebra and calculus are strong; the course moves fast assuming you know them."
"I struggled because my <span class='warning'>math background wasn't as solid as required. This course isn't for beginners."
"Having <span class='neutral'>prior MATLAB experience is definitely necessary to keep up with the programming tasks."
"The <span class='warning'>prerequisites aren't suggestions, they're requirements for success here."
Assignments are difficult but rewarding.
"The programming assignments were <span class='warning'>quite challenging, but <span class='positive'>solving them solidified my understanding immensely."
"You really have to <span class='warning'>put in the work on the assignments, but they are <span class='positive'>where the real learning happens."
"I spent a lot of time on the labs, but the <span class='positive'>hands-on coding made the concepts click."
"Be prepared for <span class='warning'>tough assignments, but the <span class='positive'>sense of accomplishment is huge."
Excellent coverage of core theory.
"The lectures provided a really <span class='positive'>solid understanding of the dynamics and control principles behind quadrotors."
"I felt the course did a great job covering the <span class='positive'>essential mathematical concepts needed for aerial robotics."
"It builds a <span class='positive'>strong theoretical base, explaining the mechanics and planning thoroughly."
"This course gave me the <span class='positive'>foundational knowledge I needed before diving into more advanced topics."
Course moves quickly through topics.
"Be ready for a <span class='warning'>fast pace; each week covers a lot of ground."
"I found myself <span class='warning'>rushing to keep up, especially with the assignments."
"The <span class='neutral'>weekly structure is good, but there's <span class='warning'>a lot crammed into each module."

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 Robotics: Aerial Robotics with these activities:
Read about the Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Reinforce linear algebra and differential equations knowledge to better understand dynamics and control in later course modules.
Browse courses on Linear Algebra
Show steps
  • Review linear algebra concepts such as matrices, determinants, and systems of linear equations.
  • Review concepts of differential equations, including ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations.
Practice simple 1D quadrotor control
Gain proficiency in basic quadrotor control techniques and familiarize with MATLAB to prepare for upcoming assignments and projects.
Show steps
  • Set up MATLAB and run simulations of 1D quadrotor control.
  • Experiment with different control parameters and observe their effects on quadrotor behavior.
Participate in study group discussions on course material
Engage in group discussions to clarify concepts, share insights, and reinforce learning through collaboration.
Show steps
  • Join or form a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems, and share ideas.
  • Prepare for group meetings by reviewing notes and completing assignments beforehand.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve practice problems on quadrotor dynamics and control
Sharpen problem-solving skills in quadrotor dynamics and control to better grasp concepts and prepare for assessments.
Show steps
  • Locate practice problems in textbooks, online resources, or course materials.
  • Attempt to solve the problems independently, referring to course notes and materials as needed.
  • Compare solutions with provided answers or consult with peers and instructors for feedback.
Compile a list of resources on drones and aerial robotics
Gather and organize resources for future reference, broadening knowledge and understanding of the field.
Browse courses on Drones
Show steps
  • Search for articles, websites, videos, and books related to drones and aerial robotics.
  • Organize the resources into a structured format, such as a spreadsheet or annotated bibliography.
Follow tutorials on advanced topics in aerial robotics
Explore advanced concepts and techniques in aerial robotics, including agile maneuvers and autonomous team coordination.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tutorials on topics such as trajectory planning, obstacle avoidance, and swarm robotics.
  • Follow the tutorials, take notes, and complete any practice exercises.
  • Apply the knowledge gained to improve understanding of course materials.
Create a blog post summarizing key concepts from the course
Solidify understanding of course concepts by summarizing them in a blog post, reinforcing knowledge and promoting deeper engagement.
Show steps
  • Review course notes, materials, and complete assignments.
  • Identify key concepts and organize them into a coherent outline.
  • Write a blog post that clearly explains the concepts, using examples and illustrations.
  • Proofread and edit the blog post before sharing it online.

Career center

Learners who complete Robotics: Aerial Robotics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, build, and test robots for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as a Robotics Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, build, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles that fly. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as an Aerospace Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, build, and test a wide range of machines and devices, including robots, engines, and medical devices. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as a Mechanical Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, build, and test electrical systems, including power systems, communications systems, and computer systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as an Electrical Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design, develop, and test computer software and systems. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as a Computer Scientist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test computer software. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as a Software Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as a Data Scientist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in business and industry. This course provides a strong foundation in the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms, all of which are essential for designing and building autonomous aerial robots. The course also covers topics such as sensor fusion and localization, which are critical for robots that operate in complex environments. Overall, this course provides the skills and knowledge that are necessary for a successful career as an Operations Research Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide advice on investments and financial planning to individuals and businesses. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to learn more about the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms. These concepts can be applied to a variety of financial problems, such as portfolio optimization and risk management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to learn more about the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms. These concepts can be applied to a variety of marketing problems, such as campaign planning and optimization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. This course may be useful for Sales Managers who want to learn more about the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms. These concepts can be applied to a variety of sales problems, such as territory management and lead generation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers ensure that customers are satisfied with a company's products and services. This course may be useful for Customer Success Managers who want to learn more about the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms. These concepts can be applied to a variety of customer success problems, such as onboarding and retention.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers plan and execute the development of new products and features. This course may be useful for Product Managers who want to learn more about the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms. These concepts can be applied to a variety of product management problems, such as road mapping and prioritization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms. These concepts can be applied to a variety of project management problems, such as scheduling and risk management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about the mechanics of flight, control systems, and planning algorithms. These concepts can be applied to a variety of business analysis problems, such as process mapping and optimization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Robotics: Aerial Robotics.
Cover image
Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots, second...
Save
Provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamental concepts of autonomous mobile robots, and introduces the models, algorithms, and methodologies used to design and implement them.
Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots, second...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Modern Robotics
Save
Presents a comprehensive introduction to robotics from a mechanical perspective, covering kinematics, dynamics, and control.
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
Hardcover
$$$
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Virtual Reality
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to path planning algorithms for robots.
Virtual Reality
Hardcover
$$$
Virtual Reality
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Robotics, Vision and Control
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to machine learning techniques for robotics.
Robotics, Vision and Control: Fundamental...
Paperback
$$
Robotics, Vision and Control: Fundamental...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Aircraft Performance
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to aerial vehicles, with a focus on fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
Aircraft Performance
Paperback
Check
Aircraft Performance
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots, second...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of autonomous mobile robotics, covering topics such as sensing, planning, and control. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this field.
Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots, second...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Control Systems
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of nonlinear control systems, covering topics such as stability analysis, control design, and simulation. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this field.
Control Systems: An Introduction
Hardcover
$$$
Singular Perturbations in Systems and Control (IEEE...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the aerodynamics of helicopters, covering topics such as rotor aerodynamics, fuselage aerodynamics, and flight dynamics. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this field.
Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics (Cambridge...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Robot Modeling and Control
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of robot modeling and control, covering topics such as kinematics, dynamics, and control design. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this field.
Robot Modeling and Control
Hardcover
$$$
Robot Modeling and Control
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Course image
Effort
4 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Vijay Kumar
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Robotics. It's comprised of seven courses:
  1. Robotics: Mobility
  2. Robotics: Aerial Robotics (viewing)
  3. Robotics: Estimation and Learning
  4. Robotics: Capstone
  5. Robotics: Perception
  6. Robotics: Computational Motion Planning
  7. Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops models, controllers, and planners for aerial vehicles, which are key skills for robotics engineers
Taught by Vijay Kumar, who is recognized for their work in aerial robotics
Explores noisy sensors for localization and maneuvering, which is highly relevant to autonomous vehicles
Provides insights into real world examples of the drone industry, which may provide career opportunities for learners
Requires that learners have some familiarity with linear algebra, single variable calculus, and differential equations, which may be a barrier to some entry-level learners
Requires some experience programming with MATLAB or Octave, which may be a barrier to some entry-level learners
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