Robot Development from edX

Thiscourse opens an in-depth discussion and creates a better understanding of the field of developmental cognitive robotics. This field takes direct inspiration from child psychology theories and findings to develop sensorimotor and cognitive skills in robots.

Coursework will explore the principles of developmental robotics and will review the application of robotics models and techniques. The areas covered range from intrinsic motivation to motor and perceptual learning, social interaction, language learning, and abstract knowledge.

The course will also explicitly discuss core theories and findings from developmental psychology and neuroscience that have directly inspired developmental robotics models. It will introduce students to the main concepts in robotics technology and the main robot platforms and simulators used in developmental robotics.

Thecourse is suitable both for robotics and computer science students, as well as cognitive scientists and psychologists interested in computational models of cognition and behavior. It is also an option in the final year of a BSc/MSc degree in robotics, computer science, as well as for degree courses in psychology, anthropology, cognitive sciences. Part of the course has been created with Professor Matthew Schlesinger.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The principles of developmental robotics
How to design the acquisition of sensorimotor and cognitive skills in robots

The application of robotics models and techniques in areas ranging from intrinsic motivation to motor and perceptual learning, social interaction, language learning, and abstract knowledge

The principles of developmental robotics
How to design the acquisition of sensorimotor and cognitive skills in robots
The application of robotics models and techniques in areas ranging from intrinsic motivation to motor and perceptual learning, social interaction, language learning, and abstract knowledge

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Examines principles of developmental robotics, a field that designs sensorimotor and cognitive skills in robots inspired by child psychology

Suitable for robotics and computer science students, as well as cognitive scientists and psychologists interested in computational models of cognition and behavior

Reviews applications of robotics models and techniques in areas such as intrinsic motivation, motor and perceptual learning, social interaction, language learning, and abstract knowledge

Taught by Angelo Cangelosi and Matt Schlesinger, who are recognized for their research in computational models of cognition and developmental robotics

Part of the course has been created with Professor Matthew Schlesinger, an accomplished researcher in the field of developmental robotics

Reviews summary

Academic dive into robot cognition

According to students, this course offers an excellent and foundational exploration into developmental cognitive robotics. Learners highlight its deep theoretical insights, particularly the unique interdisciplinary blend of child psychology and AI. Many praise the insightful lectures and well-structured content, expanding their understanding of robot learning. However, some note the course is heavily theoretical, with a lack of hands-on labs or coding exercises. This makes the course title potentially misleading for those seeking practical robot building, appealing more to academic researchers and cognitive scientists than pure engineers.

Best suited for academic researchers and cognitive scientists.

"A must-take for researchers in AI or cognitive science."

"Good course, but definitely for those with a strong academic interest."

"You need to be deeply interested in the cognitive science aspect."

"Highly recommend for advanced students or researchers in AI, cognitive science, or robotics."

Instructors are highly insightful and present complex concepts clearly.

"The lectures by Professor Schlesinger were incredibly insightful..."

"Absolutely brilliant! The instructors did a fantastic job explaining complex concepts."

"The course materials were clear and well-structured."

"The lectures are detailed and the readings are well-curated."

Offers a profound, interdisciplinary theoretical foundation.

"This course provided an excellent foundation in developmental robotics. The lectures... connecting complex theories from child psychology to practical robotic applications."

"A very solid academic course. It delves deep into the theoretical underpinnings of developmental robotics, drawing heavily from neuroscience and psychology."

"The theoretical depth is impressive. It gave me a new lens through which to view robot intelligence."

"This course bridges the gap between developmental psychology and AI in a profound way."

The title may mislead those expecting practical 'robot development.'

"Disappointed... it didn't align with my expectations for 'Robot Development'. It feels more like 'Cognitive Science for Robots'."

"The title 'Robot Development' is misleading for those expecting practical engineering. It's more about theoretical cognitive science."

"It's not a 'how-to build a robot' course, which some might misunderstand from the title."

Course is heavily theoretical, with minimal practical labs or coding.

"While comprehensive, I felt it could use more hands-on labs or practical demonstrations to balance the heavy theory."

"I was hoping for more practical robot building or programming. This course is almost entirely theoretical..."

"As a robotics engineer, I struggled to connect some of the developmental psychology concepts to tangible robotics problems."

"If you're looking for heavy coding, this isn't it."

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 Robot Development with these activities:

Read 'Developmental Robotics: From Babies to Robots'

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Gain in-depth knowledge from the leading researchers in the field.

View Developmental Robotics on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Summarize the main ideas and discuss them with others.

Watch tutorials on ROS and Gazebo

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Help solidify your understanding of the core technologies used in developmental robotics.

Browse courses on ROS

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Identify relevant tutorials based on the course syllabus.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
Practice using ROS and Gazebo in a sandbox environment.

Join a study group and discuss course concepts

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Enhance your understanding through group discussions and peer feedback.

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Find or join a study group with other course participants.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, share insights, and work through problems together.

Five other activities

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Solve coding challenges on LeetCode in Python

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Strengthen your programming skills and apply them to robotics-related problems.

Browse courses on Python

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Select LeetCode challenges that align with the course topics.
Attempt to solve the challenges on your own.
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Organize and review course materials

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Improve your retention by organizing and actively reviewing course materials.

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Organize your notes, assignments, and quizzes by topic.
Review the materials regularly and summarize the key concepts.

Develop a presentation on a specific developmental robotics algorithm

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Deepen your understanding of a particular algorithm and improve your communication skills.

Browse courses on Presentation Skills

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Choose an algorithm discussed in the course.
Research the algorithm and gather relevant information.
Create a clear and concise presentation that explains the algorithm and its applications.

Build a simple mobile robot using Arduino and sensors

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Gain hands-on experience designing, building, and programming a physical robotic system.

Browse courses on Arduino

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Gather the necessary materials and components.
Design and assemble the robot's physical structure.
Program the robot using Arduino IDE.

Contribute to an open-source robotics project on GitHub

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Apply your skills to a real-world project and connect with the development community.

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Identify an active open-source robotics project on GitHub.
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
Propose and discuss potential contributions with the project maintainers.
Make and submit a pull request with your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Robot Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and tests robots for a variety of applications, including manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. They may also work on the development of new robotic technologies and algorithms. This course may be helpful for Robotics Engineers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Developmental Psychologist

A Developmental Psychologist studies the development of children and adolescents. They may also develop theories and models of child development. This course may be useful for Developmental Psychologists who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Developmental Psychologist

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

An Artificial Intelligence Engineer designs, develops, and tests artificial intelligence systems. They may also work on the development of new AI algorithms and technologies. This course may be useful for Artificial Intelligence Engineers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Cognitive Scientist

A Cognitive Scientist studies the mind and how it works. They may also develop theories and models of cognition and behavior. This course may be useful for Cognitive Scientists who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Scientist

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops theories and models in a specific field of science or engineering. They may also write research papers, present their findings at conferences, and mentor junior researchers. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

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Neuroscientist

A Neuroscientist studies the nervous system and how it works. They may also develop theories and models of the brain and its functions. This course may be useful for Neuroscientists who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist

Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist designs, develops, and tests computer systems and applications. They may also work on the development of new computer technologies and algorithms. This course may be useful for Computer Scientists who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. They may also work on the development of new software technologies and algorithms. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to extract meaningful insights. They may also develop models and algorithms to predict future trends and outcomes. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that can learn and adapt to their environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer designs and evaluates the user experience of products and services. They may also work on the development of new user experience technologies and methodologies. This course may be useful for User Experience Designers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that are easy to use and interact with.

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Interaction Designer

An Interaction Designer designs and evaluates the interaction between humans and products or services. They may also work on the development of new interaction technologies and methodologies. This course may be useful for Interaction Designers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that are easy to interact with and communicate with.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Product Designer

A Product Designer designs and develops new products. They may also work on the development of new product development processes and methodologies. This course may be useful for Product Designers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that are useful and appealing to users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer designs and develops new products for mass production. They may also work on the development of new industrial design processes and methodologies. This course may be useful for Industrial Designers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that are efficient and cost-effective to manufacture.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs and develops complex systems. They may also work on the development of new systems engineering processes and methodologies. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that are reliable and efficient.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and controls projects. They may also work on the development of new project management processes and methodologies. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about developmental robotics and how it can be used to design and build robots that are delivered on time and within budget.

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