Unit information: Robotics Research Training Workshops in 2020/21

Unit name	Robotics Research Training Workshops
Unit code	AENGM0072
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Richards
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

Provide students with an awareness and basic training on technical tools that can be used in robotics and autonomous systems research, introduce the concept of responsible innovation in relation to RAS research and provide relevant examples of RAS challenges from end users. The unit will also provide refresher training on core foundational skills for robotics, especially mathematics and computing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Use fundamental mathematical methods to solve simple robotics problems, e.g. design and interpretation of experiments using statistics and analysis of kinematics and reference frames using linear algebra
2. Solve computer programming challenges using appropriate tools, including the Robotics Operating System (ROS) and good structure and style in Python or C++
3. Use Computer-Aided Design and Rapid Prototyping techniques to manufacture simple robot components
4. State the principles of Responsible Innovation (RI), including the AREA framework, and examples of the importance of RI in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Teaching Information

10 x 1-day training sessions organized as 5 x 2-day workshops on relevant topics (60 hours)

Reading and self-study preparatory assignments (e.g. online programming tutorials or homework problem sheets) will be set in advance, totalling approx. 6 hours per workshop (90 hours).

Online reflective account assignment sized to require 10 hours total.

Assessment Information

30%: In-workshop exercises [ILOs 1,2]

20%: Participation in workshops [ILOs 3,4]

50%: individual reflective account of training experience, including critical review of the tools encountered and frameworks introduced, assessed through an structured set of online questions demanding text responses [ILOs 1,2,3,4]

Reading and References

Kernighan & Plauger, “Elements of Programming Style”, 1978, ISBN 978-0070342071

ROS Tutorials, online at http://wiki.ros.org/ROS/Tutorials