The module will provide an overview of the core areas in robotics and a focus on Cognitive Robotics, such as the following indicative topics: motion planning; state estimation, localisation, and mapping; vision and language for robotics; robotics platforms and the Robotic Operating system (ROS). Furthermore, different applications of robotics will be introduced such as industrial robots and collaborative robots (Cobots), Neuro-robotics, Social robotics and human-robot interaction. The module will explore the role of the Embodiment in Socially Interactive Robots and their interaction with humans and why should embodied robots be used instead of simpler and more economical virtual agents.
Private Study: 120
Contact Hours:30
Total: 150
50% Practical assignment 1 (individual/group; approximately 40 hours)
25% Video presentation (demo) (individual; 1 hour with 10 hours revision)
25% Time constrained test (individual; 1 hour with 10 hours revision)
Behavioural and Cognitive Robotics: An Adaptive Perspective. Roma, Italy: Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CNR-ISTC). ISBN 9791220082372 - Nolfi Stefano (2021). free online https://bacrobotics.com/Chapter1.html
Handbook of Robotics – Bruno Siciliano and Oussama Khatib, Springer, 2016.
Robotic Systems and Autonomous Platforms: Advances in Materials and Manufacturing – Shawn M. Walsh, Michael S. Strano, Elsevier, 2019.
Artificial Intelligence for Robotics: Build intelligent robots that perform human tasks using AI techniques – Francis X. Govers, Packt Publishing, 2018.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Conceptual understanding to describe and comment on the benefits of socially Interactive Robots in the human robot interaction.
2 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of theory and implementation of robotics, for both physical and simulated robots.
3 Critically evaluate the differences between the various branches of robotics.
4 Demonstrate a critical awareness of computational and practical challenges existing in robotics.
5 Understand the software/hardware integration requirements in robot architectures for critically advanced research tasks and industrial applications.
6 Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanism to program robots using the Robot Operating System (ROS).
7 Competently write software to solve practical problems with robots.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
2 Communicate with other professionals using appropriate technical vocabulary.
3 Construct reasoned arguments about pros and cons of algorithms and their implementations
4 Exercise initiative and personal responsibility to manage their time and resources within a task.
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