Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations from edX

Welcome to the first course in the Robotics MicroMasters series. This is an advanced course designed for learners who have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar field.

Learners will succeed in this course if they have familiarity with basic operations on matrices and vectors, as well as exposure to derivatives and partial derivatives.

The fundamental challenge this course addresses is how one can create robots that operate well in the real world.

What you'll learn

How to describe, analyze and think critically about fundamental problems in robotics, such as how to change the position or configuration of a robot
The role of mathematics in describing robotic arms, mobile robots and other robotic platforms
How to use the industry standard programming environment, MATLAB

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to describe, analyze and think critically about fundamental problems in robotics, such as how to change the position or configuration of a robot
The role of mathematics in describing robotic arms, mobile robots and other robotic platforms

How to use the industry standard programming environment, matlab

How to describe, analyze and think critically about fundamental problems in robotics, such as how to change the position or configuration of a robot
The role of mathematics in describing robotic arms, mobile robots and other robotic platforms
How to use the industry standard programming environment, matlab

Syllabus

Math FundamentalsWeek 1: Vector spaces, inner products, vector norms, orthogonalityWeek 2: Linear transformations, matrix multiplication, matrix groupsWeek 3: Coordinate transformations, rigid transformations, rotation matrices quaternions, Matrix groups SE(2) and SE(3)Week 4: Project

Robot KinematicsWeek 5: Kinematic chains, forward kinematics,Week 6: Inverse kinematicsWeek 7: Parallel mechanismsWeek 8: Project

_ Kinematic Path Planning _Week 9: Graph based methods, Dijkstra’s method, A*StarWeek 10: RRT, configuration spaceWeek 11: Artificial potential fieldsWeek 12: Project

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores mathematical models and programming in robotics

Suitable for learners with a background in engineering or a related field

Taught by Camillo J. Taylor and Mark Yim, experts in robotics

Covers the fundamental principles of robotics, including kinematics and path planning

Uses MATLAB, an industry-standard programming environment in robotics

Requires familiarity with matrix and vector operations, as well as derivatives and partial derivatives

Reviews summary

Frustrating maze of poor lectures and homework

Learners say that this course is disappointing. Lectures are filled with incorrect videos and confusing explanations. Homework assignments test concepts that have not been covered and require a strong background in advanced math not mentioned in the course description.

Incorrect videos and confusing explanations.

"initial part on how to represent rotation etc was good, but second part on forward kinematics impossible to understand."

"Professor Yim draws all the axis on top of each other, loses his point a couple of times, very confusing"

"most videos were incorrect"

Difficult homework assignments without proper instruction.

"Concepts are tested before they formally introduced"

"difficulty is way beyond anything presented in the short video segments"

"Prerequisites are just false."

Career center

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

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of robots. Robotics Engineers leverage math fundamentals like vector calculus to tackle the most challenging problems in robotics. They are responsible for analyzing how math fundamentals influence the motion, dynamics, and control of robots. Having a strong foundation in math fundamentals will give you a strong advantage in the field of robotics. This course in Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations can help you build that very foundation.

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Systems Engineer

Working as a Systems Engineer means you are bringing several systems together to make one complete system. Typically, this is done to create a system that is highly functional and provides new levels of performance. To succeed in this role, you must think very critically about how systems come together. Additionally, you must have a thorough understanding of how different systems work. This course in Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations can help you become that critical thinker. You will master vector calculus, a method for describing the dynamics of complex systems and the forces that act upon them.

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Statistician

Statisticians use math fundamentals to collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use this information to help businesses and governments make informed decisions.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to ensure that the software they develop is efficient, reliable, and secure. This course in Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations can help you build a strong foundation in math fundamentals, which will be essential for your success as a Software Engineer.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use math fundamentals to analyze and interpret financial data. They use this information to make recommendations to businesses and investors. This course in Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations can help you build a strong foundation in math fundamentals, which will be essential for your success as a Financial Analyst.

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Product Manager

Product Managers use math fundamentals to develop and manage products. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to help businesses make informed decisions about product development and marketing.

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Consultant

Consultants use math fundamentals to solve problems for businesses and organizations. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to help businesses improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to develop statistical models and machine learning algorithms. This course in Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations can help you build a strong foundation in math fundamentals, which will be essential for your success as a Data Scientist.

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Actuary

Actuaries use math fundamentals to assess the financial risks associated with insurance policies. They use this information to help insurance companies set premiums and make decisions about which policies to offer.

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Mathematician

Mathematicians use math fundamentals to develop new mathematical theories and solve complex problems. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to push the boundaries of human knowledge.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers use math fundamentals to write clear and concise technical documentation. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to help readers understand complex technical concepts.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers use math fundamentals to collect, analyze, and interpret data about consumers and markets. They use this information to help businesses make informed decisions about product development and marketing.

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Teacher

Teachers use math fundamentals to teach students about mathematics. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to help students develop their problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use math fundamentals to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to help investors make informed decisions about which investments to make.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use math fundamentals to solve complex problems in business and industry. They use their knowledge of math fundamentals to develop and implement mathematical models that help businesses make better decisions.

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Robotics

Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations

What you'll learn

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Frustrating maze of poor lectures and homework

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Career center

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