ADA526 Applied robot prototyping

Contents and structure

Robots are becoming a more and more important factor in making processes more effective and versatile, across industry, agriculture, health, and other applications. In these complex environments there is a need to combine artificial intelligence and control with vision and sensors, but also have a suitable structural and mechanical design for the intended tasks. 

The course covers the most important aspects of designing, building and closing the sensing loop for robots that can solve real-life practical problems. That is, prototyping a complete robotic system in the early stages of a robot design process. The course covers an introduction to robot mechanisms, structures, materials, actuators and statics, robot design and construction, robot sensors and vision, and uses the Robot Operating System (ROS). 

The programming language used in the course will predominantly be Python.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge: 

The student…

• Has the theoretical and practical knowledge to design, build and test robot prototypes that includes sensors, actuators, and a control unit
• Understands how to design and 3D-print robot components
• Has acquired practical robot programming skills to program robots using ROS
• Can apply robot prototyping knowledge to solve real-life problems of medium complexity

Skills:

The student…

• Has the practical skills to design, build, test and demonstrate a working robot prototype that solves a real-world problem
• Can reflect on good engineering choices based on task requirements
• Can use relevant methods and theories within robot prototyping
• Can choose between relevant sensor technologies to solve a robot task
• Can work independently to solve real-life robot tasks of medium complexity

General competency: 

The student…

• Can analyze real-life robot problems to identify task requirements
• Can take charge of real-life robot prototyping problems of medium complexity
• Can participate in teams solving complex robot problems
• Can communicate with robotic scientists using the relevant terminology
• Can propose new and innovative robot solutions for real-life problems.

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Lectures (both physical and digital), laboratory exercises, mandatory assignments, and a semester project.

Compulsory learning activities

3 approved mandatory assignments

3 approved laboratory exercises

In order to take the examination all the course requirements must be approved.

Assessment

The exam has two parts:

1. The semester project report (in groups), counts for 50% of the final grade
2. The written exam, 2 hours, counts for 50% of the final grade

The grading scale is A to F, where F is a failing grade. Both parts of the exam must result in a passing grade in order to get a final grade for the course. If a students fails one of the parts, that part can be re-taken separately.

Examination support material

All support materials are permitted.

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