Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution from Coursera

This course, which is the last and final course in the Introduction to Robotics with Webots specialization, will teach you basic approaches for planning robot trajectories and sequence their task execution. In "Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution", you will develop standard algorithms such as Breadth-First Search, Dijkstra's, A* and Rapidly Exploring Random Trees through guided exercises. You will implement Behavior Trees for task sequencing and experiment with a mobile manipulation robot "Tiago Steel".

It is recommended that you complete the first and second courses of this specialization, “Introduction to Robotics: Basic Behaviors” and "Robotic Mapping and Trajectory Generation" , before beginning this one.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s MS in Computer Science degrees offered on the Coursera platform. These fully accredited graduate degrees offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more:

MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

What's inside

Syllabus

Path Planning

The first week in this course provides an introduction to path planning and presents a series of optimal algorithms for finding the shortest path on a graph that increase in complexity and efficiency. You will be introduced to various algorithms, including Bread-First Search to Dijkstra's and A*.

Collision Checking and Randomized Algorithms

In this week, you will learn how to efficiently plan in non-grid worlds and in high-dimensional spaces.

Behavior Trees

This week introduces you to a new programming abstraction known as "Behavior Trees", which offers solutions to shortcomings of Finite State Machines and simple reactive controllers.

Basic Manipulation

This week you will learn how to extend a mobile base with a robotic arm and trigger the ability to grasp objects.

Final Project for This Specialization

In this last week, you will complete a final project to demonstrate your knowledge of both this course and the entire specialization. It consists of implementing a complete mobile manipulation solution.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

May help those with interest in engineering

Teaches algorithms that are standard in the robotics industry

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials

May require you to purchase additional items and goods

Explicitly advises to take other courses first

May accelerate path toward MS in Computer Science

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 Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution with these activities:

Create a study plan

Show steps

Creating a study plan will help you stay organized and make the most of your study time.

Show steps

Review the course syllabus and identify the key topics.
Set aside specific times for studying.
Identify resources that you will need.

Find a mentor

Show steps

Having a mentor can provide you with guidance, support, and advice throughout your learning journey.

Show steps

Identify potential mentors in your field.
Reach out to them and ask if they are willing to mentor you.
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and challenges.

Review the textbook

Show steps

Reading the assigned chapters will offer you an in-depth overview of the main topics that will be covered during this course.

Show steps

Read the chapters assigned for each week.
Take notes on the main concepts.
Complete any practice exercises or problems.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Watch video tutorials

Show steps

Watching video tutorials can provide you with a more interactive and visual understanding of the course concepts.

Show steps

Identify topics that you need additional clarification on.
Search for video tutorials on those topics.
Take notes and pause the videos to reinforce your understanding.

Practice programming exercises

Show steps

Solving programming exercises will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in the course and improve your programming skills.

Show steps

Complete the programming exercises assigned in each module.
Attempt additional programming challenges from online resources.
Review and understand the solutions to the exercises.

Join a study group

Show steps

Participating in a study group will allow you to collaborate with other students, share knowledge, and improve your understanding of the course material.

Show steps

Join an existing study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together on projects and assignments.

Create a project

Show steps

Completing a project will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to solve a real-world problem.

Show steps

Identify a problem or challenge that you want to solve.
Develop a plan for your project.
Implement your project.
Test and evaluate your project.

Participate in robotics competitions

Show steps

Participating in robotics competitions can help you apply your skills, collaborate with others, and learn from experts.

Show steps

Identify robotics competitions that are relevant to your interests.
Form a team and develop a project.
Compete in the competition and learn from the experience.

Attend industry events

Show steps

Attending industry events can help you connect with professionals in your field and learn about the latest developments.

Show steps

Identify industry events in your area.
Register for and attend the events.
Network with other attendees and learn about their work.

Career center

Learners who complete Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and test robots for a variety of purposes. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, would be very helpful for Robotics Engineers because it covers the basics of path planning and task execution for robots. This knowledge is essential for Robotics Engineers to be able to design and build robots that can navigate complex environments and perform tasks autonomously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Autonomous Vehicle Engineer

Autonomous Vehicle Engineers design and develop self-driving vehicles. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Autonomous Vehicle Engineers because it covers the basics of path planning for robots. This knowledge is helpful for Autonomous Vehicle Engineers to be able to design and develop self-driving vehicles that can navigate complex environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Autonomous Vehicle Engineer

Robotics Technician

Robotics Technicians maintain and repair robots. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Robotics Technicians because it covers the basics of path planning for robots. This knowledge is helpful for Robotics Technicians to be able to maintain and repair robots that are used in a variety of industries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Technician

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Manufacturing Engineers because it covers the basics of path planning for robots. This knowledge is helpful for Manufacturing Engineers to be able to design and develop manufacturing processes that use robots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Software Engineers who are interested in developing software for robots. This knowledge is helpful for Software Engineers to be able to develop software that enables robots to navigate complex environments and perform tasks autonomously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Mechanical Engineers who are interested in designing and developing robots. This knowledge is helpful for Mechanical Engineers to be able to design and develop robots that are able to navigate complex environments and perform tasks autonomously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Electrical Engineers who are interested in designing and developing robots. This knowledge is helpful for Electrical Engineers to be able to design and develop robots that are able to navigate complex environments and perform tasks autonomously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design and develop computer systems. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Computer Scientists who are interested in developing software for robots. This knowledge is helpful for Computer Scientists to be able to develop software that enables robots to navigate complex environments and perform tasks autonomously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Data Scientists who are interested in developing data-driven solutions for robots. This knowledge is helpful for Data Scientists to be able to develop solutions that enable robots to learn from data and adapt to changing environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design and develop complex systems. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Systems Engineers who are interested in designing and developing robotic systems. This knowledge is helpful for Systems Engineers to be able to design and develop robotic systems that are able to navigate complex environments and perform tasks autonomously.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Project Managers who are interested in managing robotics projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design and improve production systems. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Industrial Engineers who are interested in using robotics to improve production systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers ensure that products and services meet quality standards. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Quality Engineers who are interested in using robotics to improve quality control processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Engineer

Safety Engineer

Safety Engineers design and implement safety systems. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Safety Engineers who are interested in using robotics to improve safety systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Safety Engineer

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries. This course, Robotic Path Planning and Task Execution, may be helpful for Operations Research Analysts who are interested in using mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in the field of robotics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst