onlincourse

Begin Robotics

Learn robotics as you explore their history, anatomy, and intelligence before test driving robots using exciting simulations with this online robotics course from the University of Reading.

Duration

4 weeks

Weekly study

3 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

Learn more

Gain an introduction to robotics

Robots today are roving Mars, hoovering our floors, building cars and entertaining us in films. But how do robots achieve particular tasks? And is our relationship with them evolving?

On this four-week course, you’ll gain a solid introduction to robotics to answer these questions and more.

You’ll delve into the different applications of robots, human-robot interaction, and robot cooperation that mimics living systems.

Robot anatomy

As you discover the basics of robot anatomy, you’ll explore the key components of robot design, control, and behaviour.

Through a series of practical simulations, you’ll test drive an ERIC – our very own University of Reading mobile robot.

You’ll command ERIC to explore its environment avoiding obstacles, follow a line, and act like a Braitenberg vehicle.

Gain an understanding of cybernetics

Next, you’ll delve into cybernetics and the importance of control, feedback and interaction.

You’ll command ERIC to track a moving object and be introduced to virtual reality, interaction, and haptics.

Learn robotics with the University of Reading

Finally, you’ll examine robot instincts and learning, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of robots adapting their behaviour.

Learning from the experts at the University of Reading, you’ll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills as you’re guided through simulations to help you practise what you have learned.

By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to move onto more advanced robotics topics.

Week 1
Introduction to Robotics
- Welcome
  Welcome to the course. Find out what we have in store for you over the next few weeks.
- Introducing robots
  Let's get started by looking at the definition and history of robotics. We'll also introduce you to some of the robots here at the University of Reading.
- Robot applications
  In this section, we'll look at how robots are used and our relationship with them.
- Robot simulations
  In the first two of a series of simulations throughout the course, you will be able to test drive an ERIC. This week you will be able to set the speed of ERIC to determine movement.
- Review and reflect
  Review and reflect on what you've learnt this week and test your knowledge with a quiz.
Week 2
Robot anatomy
- Welcome to Week 2
  Have a look at what will be covered this week - robot anatomy.
- Sensors and Actuators
  Let's look in detail at sensors and actuators and how these allow a robot to move, measure quantities and achieve certain tasks.
- Moving a robot
  Now we'll look at how a robot moves. In particular, types of motors, power supplies and the 'brain'.
- Week 2 simulations
  Check out these simulations, where you will get the chance to navigate an ERIC around a racetrack.
- Anatomy of the robots at the University of Reading
  Let's look at the anatomy of some of our very own robots at Reading including ERIC and the rover robots. Then we'll meet R2-D2.
- Review and reflect
  Review and reflect on the week and then test your knowledge with a short quiz.
Week 3
Cybernetics and control
- Welcome to Week 3
  This week we'll be looking at feedback control and why it's so important in robotics.
- Control
  Let's take a closer look at how we can control a robot and also how it can be done automatically.
- Feedback and interaction with robots at the University of Reading
  We'll show you some of the ways you can interact with the robots here at the University.
- Haptic technology
  Find out about what haptic technology is and why it plays such an important part in psychology research at the University of Reading.
- Week 3 simulations
  In this week's simulations, command a robot to do specific actions and to track a moving object.
- Review and reflect
  Review what we've covered this week, before testing yourself with a short quiz.
Week 4
Robot behaviours
- Welcome to Week 4
  Find out what you will be learning in this final week.
- Living systems
  What features do robots have in common with living systems?
- Lights and Robot Behaviour
  Check out robot 'eyes', simple 'neurons' and responding to light.
- Robot-to-robot interaction
  Explore how light and light sensors can be used to control robot-to-robot interaction and mimic examples of behaviour found in nature.
- Instinct and learning
  Find out about the relationship between instinct and learning in nature and why it can be useful to devise a way for some robots to 'learn'.
- Cooperation
  Ants, flocking and Craig Reynolds boids; this is where you'll look at examples of robot cooperation that mimic cooperative behaviour in living systems.
- Simulations
  In this Week's simulations; define motor speeds to help ERIC navigate along the walls of a maze and define neurons for Braitenberg-type robots.
- Time to Reflect
  Take some time to think about what you've learnt, what you've achieved and what's next.