Robotics: Aerial Robotics from Coursera

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.

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.

Geometry and Mechanics

Welcome to Week 2 of the Robotics: Aerial Robotics course! We hope you are having a good time and learning a lot already! In this week, we will first focus on the kinematics of quadrotors. Then, you will learn how to derive the dynamic equations of motion for quadrotors. To build a better understanding on these notions, some essential mathematical tools are discussed in supplementary material lectures. In this week, you will also complete your first programming assignment on 1-D quadrotor control. If you have not done so already, please download, install, and learn about Matlab before starting the assignment.

Planning and Control

Welcome to Week 3! We have developed planar and three-dimensional dynamic models of the quadrotor. This week, you will learn more about how to develop linear controllers for these models. With this knowledge, you will be required to complete the second programming assignment of this course, which focuses on controlling the quadrotor in two dimensions. We encourage you to start working on the assignment soon. This week ends with a discussion on motion planning for quadrotors.

Advanced Topics

Welcome to Week 4! So far, we have gone over the basics of developing linear controllers for quadrotors and motion planning. In this last week of the course, we will discuss some more advanced material on how to enable quadrotors to perform more agile maneuvers and to operate autonomously in teams. Note that the last programming assignment on quadrotor control in three dimensions uses material from the previous weeks. It is strongly recommended to start the assignment as soon as possible.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Well-rounded aerial robotics overview

Learners say this well-received course provides a balanced overview of the mechanics of quadrotors. Though engaging, students were disappointed when the MATLAB license expired during the course.

Basic PD control techniques

Nonlinear controller with stability

Control using differential flatness

Engaging topics and coverage

"Although this course is a bit short I learned a lot with it."

"It begins covering an introduction to the mechanics of quadrotors and its dynamical model."

MATLAB license expired partway through

"Matlab license expired during the course, this should not happen and it was very annoying."

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

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Reinforce linear algebra and differential equations knowledge to better understand dynamics and control in later course modules.

Browse courses on Linear Algebra

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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

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Gain proficiency in basic quadrotor control techniques and familiarize with MATLAB to prepare for upcoming assignments and projects.

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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

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Engage in group discussions to clarify concepts, share insights, and reinforce learning through collaboration.

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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

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Solve practice problems on quadrotor dynamics and control

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Sharpen problem-solving skills in quadrotor dynamics and control to better grasp concepts and prepare for assessments.

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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

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Gather and organize resources for future reference, broadening knowledge and understanding of the field.

Browse courses on Drones

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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

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Explore advanced concepts and techniques in aerial robotics, including agile maneuvers and autonomous team coordination.

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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

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Solidify understanding of course concepts by summarizing them in a blog post, reinforcing knowledge and promoting deeper engagement.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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