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Unit information: Robotic Fundamentals (UWE) in 2013/14

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Robotic Fundamentals (UWE)
Unit code MENGM0008
Credit points 15
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is provided by UWE

  • Kinematic models for robot arms and common mobile robot designs.
  • learning and evolution for the automatic generation of robot controllers
  • Architectures; reactive, deliberative and hybrid

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module a student will typically be able to:-

Show a detailed knowledge and understanding of

  • principles and techniques used in robot kinematics, learning and architectures

Demonstrate subject specific skills with respect to

  • the use of techniques such as genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks on robotic platforms
  • the implementation of a range of robotic architectures
  • forward and reverse kinematics of jointed arms and mobile platforms

Show cognitive skills with respect to

  • critical analysis of theories and techniques.
  • the comprehension, synthesis and communication of selected peer-reviewed papers
  • planning, performing and interpreting experiments.

Demonstrate key transferable skills in

  • IT skills in context
  • problem formulation and decision making
  • awareness of professional literature

Teaching Information

The module will be delivered through a combination of lecture, workshops and directed self-study. Wherever possible, work in simulation will be followed by a simple implementation of the same principles on a physical robot. Lab exercises will include exploration of robot kinematics in a simulation environment and on a real robot arm to perform some simple tasks. Other topics in the module will be supported through practical work in less depth, in order that the students gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of robot movement and a platform for further investigation in the topics of architectures and learning.

Assessment Information

Weighting between components A and B A: 60% B: 40%

First Assessment Opportunity Element Description Element Type % of Component % of Assessment Component A (Controlled Conditions) Examination (120mins) Examination 100% 60% Component B Coursework Lab report. 100% 40%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required) Element Description Element Type % of Component % of Assessment Component A (Controlled Conditions) Examination (120 mins) Examination 100% 60% Component B Coursework Essay based on peer-reviewed papers and demonstrating knowledge synthesis in application of theory. 100% 40%

Reading and References

Basic essential reading will be provided electronically using Blackboard or in printed form. Additionally, students are required to learn more about the theory and practice of robotics topics from suitable investigation of a wide range of different sources. Students will identify additional relevant reading for themselves, through use of the library and electronic sources. It will be expected that assignment bibliographies and reference lists will reflect the range of reading carried out. Sources of written information for this module include:

  • Peer-reviewed published texts (printed books and academic journals)
  • Hardware and software manuals and guidance notes
  • Robotics and related journals
  • Internet sites specialising in the subject area
  • Electronic materials accessible via the library

Where appropriate, staff will guide students by detailing expectations for reading and suggesting particular resources to examine, and aid the development of students' information skills.

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

It is anticipated that the majority of the required reading for the course will be drawn from current or recent journal and conference papers. Thus the following list must be seen as obsolescent. A current list of subject-specific sources of information will be provided to students via Blackboard or in printed form. This will cover written, aural, and other sources where appropriate.

  • Reza N. Jazar (2010) Theory of Applied Robotics: Kinematics, Dynamics, and Control (2nd Edition) Publisher: Springer. ISBN-10: 1441917497
  • Robin R. Murphy (2001). Introduction to AI Robotics. MIT Press ISBN-10: 0262133830
  • Michael Negnevitsky (2004). Artificial Intelligence: A Guide to Intelligent Systems, Addison Wesley. ISBN-10: 0321204662
  • Stefano Nolfi and Dario Floreano (2004). Evolutionary Robotics - The Biology, Intelligence, and Technology of Self-Organizing Machines, MIT Press ISBN-10: 0262640562
  • Roland Y. Siegwart and Illah Reza Nourbakhsh (2004). Introduction to Autonomous Mobile Robots. MIT Press ISBN-10: 0262015358
  • Bruno Siciliano (Editor), Oussama Khatib (Editor) (2008) Springer Handbook of Robotics, Publisher: Springer. ISBN-10: 354023957X

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