Robotics: Dynamics and Control from edX

Flying drones or robot manipulators accomplish heavy-duty tasks that deal with considerable forces and torques not covered by a purely robot kinematics framework. Learn how to formulate dynamics problems and design appropriate control laws.

In this course, part of the Robotics MicroMasters program, you will learn how to develop dynamic models of robot manipulators, mobile robots, and drones (quadrotors), and how to design intelligent controls for robotic systems that can grasp and manipulate objects.

We will cover robot dynamics, trajectory generation, motion planning, and nonlinear control, and develop real-time planning and control software modules for robotic systems. This course will give you the basic theoretical tools and enable you to design control algorithms.

Using MATLAB, you will apply what you have learned through a series of projects involving real-world robotic systems.

What you'll learn

The dynamics of robot arms, mobile robots and quadrotors
Position and force control for robots
How to generate complex trajectories
The basics of configuration spaces for robotic systems
Controller synthesis and stability

What's inside

Learning objectives

The dynamics of robot arms, mobile robots and quadrotors
Position and force control for robots
How to generate complex trajectories

The basics of configuration spaces for robotic systems
Controller synthesis and stability

The dynamics of robot arms, mobile robots and quadrotors
Position and force control for robots
How to generate complex trajectories
The basics of configuration spaces for robotic systems
Controller synthesis and stability

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction and Course OverviewWeek 2: Rigid Body DynamicsWeek 3: Dynamics of Robot ArmsWeek 4: Project #1: Modeling of a Robot ArmWeek 5: Introduction to Linear ControlWeek 6: State Space Modeling and Multivariable SystemsWeek 7: Nonlinear ControlWeek 8: Stability TheoryWeek 9: Project #2: Control and Trajectory Following for a Mobile RobotWeek 10: Quadrotor ControlWeek 11: Trajectory GenerationWeek 12: Project #3: Planning and Control of a Quadrotor

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops robot dynamics, trajectory generation, and motion planning, which are core skills for robotic engineers

Uses MATLAB and real-world projects to make learning practical and engaging

Taught by Vijay Kumar and Ani Hsieh, renowned professors in robotics, which adds credibility to the course

Covers nonlinear control, which is essential for advanced robotics applications

Requires extensive background knowledge in mathematics and physics, which may be a barrier for some learners

May require additional resources and software, which can be costly for some learners

Career center

Learners who complete Robotics: Dynamics and Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers apply engineering principles to design, construct, and test robots, including those used in manufacturing, space exploration, consumer products, and healthcare. Courses in control theory are essential for a Robotics Engineer to design algorithms that allow robots to move precisely. This course in control will teach you the control techniques that are critical for robots to respond to changes in their environment, to perform complex tasks, and to interact with humans.

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Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers design, build, and maintain systems that combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The control theory taught in this course is critical for Mechatronics Engineers to design systems that respond to changes in the environment and to perform complex tasks. For example, these control techniques are necessary for the development of self-driving cars.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems, including those used in aerospace, defense, and telecommunications. Control theory is important for Systems Engineers to understand how systems behave and to design systems that are stable and meet performance requirements. This course will provide Systems Engineers with the tools and skills they need to analyze and design control systems.

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Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineers design and implement control systems for a variety of applications, including industrial automation, robotics, and aerospace. This course provides the theoretical understanding and practical skills that are necessary to become a Control Systems Engineer. Coursework in modeling, simulation, and control design will teach you how to design controllers that can modify the behavior of a system to achieve desired goals, such as improved efficiency and performance.

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Automation Engineer

Automation Engineers design, install, and maintain automated systems, including those used in manufacturing, transportation, and energy. This course teaches control techniques that enable automated systems to operate more efficiently and effectively. Students in this course will learn how to design and implement control systems that can monitor and respond to changes in the environment, improving the performance and reliability of automated systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control systems theory is critical for Software Engineers who work with robotic, control, and automated systems. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to design and implement software systems that can control and coordinate complex systems.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. Control theory is an important part of aerospace engineering, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems for aerospace applications.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and maintain mechanical systems, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control theory is an important part of mechanical engineering, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and implement manufacturing processes, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control theory is an important part of manufacturing engineering, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems for manufacturing applications.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control theory is an important part of electrical engineering, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems. The course will cover electrical control systems, motor control systems, and the design of feedback control systems.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, develop, and maintain nuclear systems, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control theory is an important part of nuclear engineering, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems for nuclear applications.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and maintain biomedical systems, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control theory is an important part of biomedical engineering, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems for biomedical applications.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, develop, and maintain chemical processes, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control theory is an important part of chemical engineering, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems for chemical processes. Material taught in this course will help with the design of control systems for temperature control, flow control, and pressure control.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Materials science is closely related to control theory, as the properties of materials can be controlled by changing the way they are processed. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand the relationship between materials science and control theory.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design, develop, and implement computer systems, including those used in robotics, control systems, and automation. Control theory is an important part of computer science, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement control systems for computer applications.

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Robotics

Dynamics and Control

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