Begin Robotics

Online Course

University of Reading

Future Learn

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Begin Robotics

What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
Cost, Certificate & Degree
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What is the course about?

Begin Robotics

The course Begin Robotics is an online class provided by University of Reading through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Learn robotics by exploring the history, anatomy and intelligence of robots and test drive robots using exciting simulations

Course description

Explore robot anatomy, control and behaviour through a set of simulated tasks
4 weeks

Robots today are roving Mars, hoovering our floors, building cars and entertaining us in films. You may even share Stephen Hawking’s world view that super-intelligent ones may one day bring about the end of the human race.
If you’d like to find out more, but don’t have Hawking’s brain or an advanced qualification in cybernetics, this course is for you. You won’t require a soldering iron, but you’ll explore the basics of robot design, control and behaviour through a series of simulations that will have you test driving an ERIC – our very own University of Reading mobile robot.

An introduction to robotics from a cybernetic perspective
Overview of different types of robots and their application
History of robotics
Introduction to the robot simulations used in the course
Problem solving: commanding a mobile robot to move
A description of the components of a robot – sensors, actuators, ’brain’ and power supply
An understanding of different sensors, their operation and application
A description of motors, and how their velocity is set, and other robotic actuators
Problem solving: commanding a robot to achieve tasks on the basis of sensor information
Feedback for control and human-machine interaction
An explanation of feedback control of steering and speed in robots and in other applications such as balance, temperature and damping oscillations
Simple mathematical modelling of robots and different forms of control strategies
Human-Computer Interaction: feedback, including haptics
Problem solving: commanding a robot to follow a path
Feedback for Learning and robot: robot interaction
An appreciation of neuron based brains through Braitenburg vehicles
Robot learning by trial and error
Multiple robots and artificial life, relating to biological processes
Problem solving: commanding a robot to traverse a maze

Describe different forms of robot and applications where they may be used
Determine the appropriate commands to allow a robot to achieve particular tasks using information from sensors
Appreciate how aspects of robotics can be applied in many different scenarios

The course is designed for anyone with an interest in robotics- you don’t need to own your own robot to take part!
Please be aware that this course contains video clips that include sequences of flickering/flashing lights which might affect learners who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

University of Reading
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Prerequisites & Facts

Begin Robotics

Course Topic

AI and Robotics, Coding & Programming, IT & Computer Science

University, College, Institution

University of Reading

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

Begin Robotics

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / University of Reading you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

University of Reading

Begin Robotics

provided by Future Learn

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