Introduction to Robotic Programming from edX

Welcome to the world of robotic fabrication!

In this course you will learn how to create design-to-production workflows, linking parametric models to mass customized robotic fabrication processes. This course in Robot Programming is a design-oriented experience, exploring automated fabrication and mass customization. The goal is for you to achieve a thorough understanding of how robotic technology can be integrated into computational design and production for Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC).

This course teaches parametric design for robotic fabrication utilizing KUKA|prc, Rhino and Grasshopper. By following lectures and tutorials you will explore concepts in automation and algorithmic design. In advancing your knowledge of the Rhino modeling software and Grasshopper visual programming environment, you will learn to leverage parametric approaches to robotic control, building workflows for design, simulation, visualization and optimization. This course is focused on the KUKA|prc software for parametric robot control, an accessible tool for increasing access to automated production. KUKA|prc, built by the Association for Robots in Architecture, is used around the world in academic and industrial settings to enable new approaches to digital production.

The goal is to enable you to build design to production workflows so that robotic fabrication can be integrated into AEC projects at the earliest design stages. By learning about the potential of robots in construction and the constraints of automated processes we aim to enable you to work closely with robots to build projects in innovative new ways.

No previous knowledge in Rhino and Grasshopper needed. Join us as you start your exciting journey in robot programming.

What you'll learn

- Applied understanding of the KUKA|prc parametric robot control software
- Understanding of the Rhino and Grasshopper interface
- Digital modeling, from simple geometry to complex parametric structures
- Moving a robotic arm in a digital environment with collision detection
- Picking and placing single and multiple elements
- Programming assembly sequence iterations
- Visualization of dynamic processes
- Animation for automated assembly
- Introduction to Structural analysis and optimization
- KUKA|prc for subtracting manufacturing
- Evolutionary optimization for process improvement
- Working with external axis
- & more!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in parametric design, an important area of study for AEC workflows

Taught by renowned experts in the field, Ethan Kerber and Sigrid Brell-Cokcan

Builds a strong foundation in robotic fabrication, a rapidly growing field in AEC

Highly relevant to industry, as it teaches skills and tools used in automated production for AEC

Focuses on KUKA|prc software, an accessible tool for robotic control, making it suitable for a wide range of learners

Requires previous experience in Rhino and Grasshopper, which may be a barrier for beginners

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 Introduction to Robotic Programming with these activities:

Review basic concepts of 3D modeling and geometry

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Strengthen your foundation for robotic fabrication by reviewing the fundamental concepts of 3D modeling and geometry, ensuring a solid understanding for more advanced topics.

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Review tutorials or textbooks on 3D modeling software.
Practice creating simple 3D models to reinforce your understanding of geometry.
Explore online resources or attend workshops to refresh your knowledge of geometry concepts.
Apply your refreshed knowledge to your robotic fabrication projects.

Compile a collection of resources on robotic fabrication

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Expand your knowledge by gathering and organizing a collection of online resources, articles, and videos on robotic fabrication, providing you with a valuable reference for future learning.

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Conduct research to identify relevant resources.
Organize the resources into categories or themes.
Create a digital or physical compilation of the resources.
Share the compilation with other students or interested individuals.

Connect with professionals in the field of robotic fabrication

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Enhance your learning experience by seeking guidance and insights from experienced professionals in the field of robotic fabrication, broadening your perspectives and gaining valuable knowledge.

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Identify potential mentors through professional organizations or online platforms.
Reach out to mentors and express your interest in connecting.
Set up regular meetings or communication channels to engage with your mentors.
Seek advice and feedback from your mentors on your projects and career aspirations.

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Follow online tutorials on KUKA|prc

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Enhance your understanding of KUKA|prc by following structured tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance.

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Search for online tutorials on KUKA|prc.
Select a tutorial that aligns with your skill level.
Follow the tutorial instructions carefully.
Experiment with the code to explore different possibilities.

Practice writing Grasshopper definitions

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Reinforce your understanding of Grasshopper's visual programming environment by creating your own definitions and testing them out.

Browse courses on Grasshopper

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Create a new Grasshopper definition.
Add components to the definition to create a simple geometric shape.
Preview the definition to see the shape.
Modify the definition to change the shape.

Design and build a small-scale robotic assembly

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Apply your knowledge and skills to a practical project by designing and building a small-scale robotic assembly, solidifying your understanding of robotic fabrication.

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Define the design requirements and specifications for the assembly.
Create a 3D model of the assembly.
Generate the robot control code using KUKA|prc.
Set up the robotic system and materials.
Execute the robotic assembly process.

Contribute to open-source projects related to robotic fabrication

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Deepen your understanding of robotic fabrication by actively engaging in open-source projects, contributing to the development and advancement of the field while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

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Identify open-source projects related to robotic fabrication on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills or knowledge.
Submit pull requests or create issues to the project repository.
Collaborate with other contributors to enhance the project.

Attend workshops on advanced topics in robotic fabrication

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Expand your knowledge and skills by attending workshops that delve into specialized aspects of robotic fabrication, exposing you to cutting-edge techniques and industry best practices.

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Research and identify relevant workshops on advanced topics in robotic fabrication.
Register for and attend the workshops.
Actively participate in the workshops, taking notes and asking questions.
Engage with the workshop instructors and other attendees to exchange ideas and knowledge.
Apply the knowledge gained from the workshops to your robotic fabrication projects.

Career center

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

Robotic Design Engineer

A Robotic Design Engineer designs and develops robotic systems. This course can be highly beneficial for someone in this role as it provides hands-on experience with robotic programming. This experience can be applied directly to developing new robotic systems or improving existing ones.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotic Design Engineer

Automation Engineer

An Automation Engineer designs and builds automated systems. This course provides a solid foundation in robotic programming that is essential for success as an Automation Engineer. The course will help you develop the skills needed to program robots to perform complex tasks efficiently and accurately.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, builds, and maintains production systems. This course can be beneficial for a Manufacturing Engineer as it provides a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing and building automated production systems, as well as developing programs for robots to perform specific tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Robotics Technician

A Robotics Technician installs, maintains, and repairs robots. This course can be useful for a Robotics Technician by providing a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to troubleshooting and repairing robotic systems, as well as developing new programs for robots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Technician

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course can be beneficial for a Software Engineer by providing a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to developing software for robots, as well as developing programs for robots to perform specific tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and builds electrical systems. This course can be beneficial for an Electrical Engineer by providing a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing and building robots, as well as developing programs for robots to perform specific tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Industrial Engineer

An Industrial Engineer designs and builds industrial systems. This course can be beneficial for an Industrial Engineer by providing a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing and building automated production systems, as well as developing programs for robots to perform specific tasks.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs and builds systems. This course can be beneficial for a Systems Engineer by providing a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing and building robotic systems, as well as developing programs for robots to perform specific tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer designs and builds computer systems. This course can be beneficial for a Computer Engineer by providing a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing and building robots, as well as developing programs for robots to perform specific tasks.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs and builds mechanical systems. This course can be beneficial for a Mechanical Engineer by providing a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing and building robots, as well as developing programs for robots to perform specific tasks.

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Architectural Technologist

An Architectural Technologist helps develop the design and form of buildings. This course may be useful for an Architectural Technologist as it helps build a foundation in robotic fabrication and design. This could open up opportunities for incorporating robotics into architectural projects, leading to more efficient and innovative building processes.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects. This course may be useful for a Project Manager as it provides a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to managing projects that involve robotics, such as the development of new robotic systems or the implementation of robotic systems in manufacturing or other industries.

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Construction Manager

A Construction Manager plans and executes construction projects. This course may be useful for a Construction Manager as it provides a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to managing construction projects that involve robotics, such as the use of robots for automated construction tasks or the use of robots for construction inspection.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure. This course may be useful for a Civil Engineer as it provides a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing and building infrastructure that can be constructed using robots, or to designing and building infrastructure that can be used for robotic applications.

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Architect

An Architect designs buildings. This course may be useful for an Architect as it provides a foundation in robotic programming. This knowledge can be applied to designing buildings that can be constructed using robots, or to designing buildings that can be used for robotic applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect