Robotics from edX

We think of Robotics as the science of building devices that physically interact with their environment. The most useful robots do it precisely, powerfully, repeatedly, tirelessly, fast, or some combinations of these. The most interesting robots maybe even do it intelligently. This course will cover the fundamentals of robotics, focusing on both the mind and the body.

We will learn about two core robot classes: kinematic chains (robot arms) and mobile bases. For both robot types, we will introduce methods to reason about 3-dimensional space and relationships between coordinate frames. For robot arms, we will use these to model the task of delivering a payload to a specified location. For mobile robots, we will introduce concepts for autonomous navigation in the presence of obstacles.

Class projects will make use of ROS - the open-source Robot Operating System (www.ros.org) widely used in both research and industry. Computer requirements for working on the projects will include a computer set up with Ubuntu Linux and high bandwidth internet access for downloading and installing ROS packages.

What you'll learn

College-level introductory linear algebra (vector spaces, linear systems, matrix decomposition)
College-level introductory calculus (partial derivatives, function gradients)
Basic knowledge of computer programming (variables, functions, control flow)
Projects will be carried out in the Python language, with C++ as an option
Represent 2D and 3D spatial relationships, homogeneous coordinates
Manipulate robot arms: kinematic chains, forward and inverse kinematics, differential kinematics
Program and navigate mobile robots: robot and map representations, motion planning
Plan complete robot systems
Develop present and future applications for robots
Introduction to Robotics
Homogenous coordinates and transform representations
Kinematic chains
Forward kinematics
Inverse kinematics: analytical methods
Differential kinematics: Jacobian computation, singular configurations
Configuration space operation
Mobile robots
Differential drive kinematics
Motion planning in robotics

Good to know

Know what's good

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, and possible dealbreakers

Develops problem solving skills that are useful for many professions

Develops foundational knowledge in robotics

Taught by instructors who are leaders in the field of robotics

Teaches a blend of theory and practical skills

Examines the foundations of robotics, which can be very complex

May require students to learn new software or programming languages

Students must be able to think analytically and solve problems

Assumes students have a background in math and computer science

Reviews summary

Robotics fundamental

This course provides a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of robotics, covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of building and controlling robots. Students will learn about the basics of linear algebra, calculus, and computer programming, as well as more specialized topics such as kinematics, dynamics, and motion planning.

Course content is thorough.

"The content is relatively complete in terms of controlling robotic arms, including forward and inverse kinematics, Cartesian and Null Space control, ended with motion planning avoiding obstacles."

Course can be challenging.

"The problems killed me: You have to download 3MB (!) of code that you have to get running on your system."

Career center

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

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and even space exploration. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of robotics, which will be essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of robots, how they are controlled, and how to program them. You will also gain experience working with robots in a hands-on environment.

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Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers combine the principles of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and build robots and other automated systems. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help you build a strong foundation in the principles of robotics, which will be essential for success in this field. You will learn about the different types of robots, how they are controlled, and how to program them. You will also gain experience working with robots in a hands-on environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design and implement the processes used to produce goods. They work in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help Manufacturing Engineers learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design and improve systems for producing and delivering goods and services. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and even government. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help Industrial Engineers learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing and other industrial processes.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including robotics, healthcare, and even finance. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help Software Engineers learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to develop software for robots and other automated systems.

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Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design, build, and maintain computer systems. They work in a variety of industries, including robotics, healthcare, and even government. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help Computer Engineers learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build computer systems for robots and other automated systems.

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Project Engineer

Project Engineers manage the technical aspects of projects. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and software development. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help Project Engineers learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to manage projects that involve the use of robots.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, build, and maintain electrical systems. They work in a variety of industries, including robotics, automotive, and aerospace. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help Electrical Engineers learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build electrical systems for robots and other automated systems.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and maintain mechanical systems. They work in a variety of industries, including robotics, automotive, and aerospace. The Robotics course from Columbia University can help Mechanical Engineers learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build mechanical systems for robots and other automated systems.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design, build, and maintain systems to protect the environment. They work in a variety of industries, including government, consulting, and manufacturing. The Robotics course from Columbia University may be helpful to Environmental Engineers who want to learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build robots for use in environmental monitoring and cleanup.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, build, and maintain chemical plants and processes. They work in a variety of industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. The Robotics course from Columbia University may be helpful to Chemical Engineers who want to learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build robots for use in chemical plants and processes.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, transportation, and government. The Robotics course from Columbia University may be helpful to Civil Engineers who want to learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build robots for use in construction and other infrastructure projects.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, build, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. They work in a variety of industries, including commercial aviation, defense, and space exploration. The Robotics course from Columbia University may be helpful to Aerospace Engineers who want to learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build robots for use in space exploration.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, build, and maintain nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. They work in a variety of industries, including energy, government, and research. The Robotics course from Columbia University may be helpful to Nuclear Engineers who want to learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build robots for use in nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, build, and maintain medical devices and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The Robotics course from Columbia University may be helpful to Biomedical Engineers who want to learn about the principles of robotics, which can be used to design and build robots for use in medical applications.

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Robotics fundamental

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