Autonomous Robotic Systems
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| COMP4034 | Computer Science | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- COMP4034
- School
- Computer Science
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module introduces the main concepts of autonomous mobile robotics, providing an understanding of the hardware and software principles appropriate for control, spatial localisation and navigation. The module consists of theoretical concepts around robotic sensing and control in the lectures, together with a strong practical element for robot programming in the laboratory sessions.
Spending two hours each week in lectures and two hours in supervised labs, with an additional two-hour semi-supervised practical session, the students will work toward building a functional robotic solution in the form of a term-long project to demonstrate an understanding of the theory in a realistic application scenario.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and Level 4 students in the School of Computer Science. This module is not available to students not listed above without explicit approval from the module convenor(s). Prior knowledge in computer programming is required. This module is part of the Artificial Intelligence, Modelling and Optimisation theme in the School of Computer Science.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: Laboratory assignment and associated report and viva demonstration. Reassessment is 100% exam.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To provide a grounding in the basic principles and application of real-world sensors and actuators, and autonomous mobile robots, and to give experience in implementing robotic behaviour algorithms.To provide detailed knowledge of the problem of localisation of autonomous mobile robots and the ability to solve these problems in robot navigation.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Experience in implementing algorithms in a real-world robotic context (e.g. robotic control, sensor data handling).
- Understanding of current technologies and techniques in autonomous mobile robotics and an awareness of their limitations.
- Understanding of how to handle and interpret uncertain sources of information.
Intellectual Skills
- Apply knowledge of robotic control techniques to particular tasks.
- Apply knowledge of uncertain data sources such as sensors within applications.
- Evaluate and compare competing approaches to robotics and real-world sensor-driven applications.
Professional Skills
- Develop a working knowledge of real-world device programming (sensors and actuators) through implementing robotic behaviour architectures.
- Apply insights of hardware to developing software solutions.
- Develop advanced skills for multi-source data aggregation.
- Develop skills in peer programming.
Transferable Skills
- Apply knowledge of the methods and approaches presented to other problem domains, in particular knowledge gained about computing with real-world information gathered from sensors, e.g., to mobile device programming.
- Use the available resources (libraries, internet, etc.) to supplement the course material.
- Develop effective team-working strategies.