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Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization

A comprehensive and advanced robotics specialization offering hands-on learning, suitable for those looking to deepen their expertise in robotic mechanics, motion planning, and control systems.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What you will learn in Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization Course

  • Robot Motion Fundamentals: Learn the core concepts of robot configurations, degrees of freedom, and the configuration space (C-space) for motion analysis.

  • Kinematics: Understand forward and inverse kinematics, using the product-of-exponentials formula to solve for robot positions and velocities.

  • Dynamics: Study forward and inverse dynamics to understand the forces required for motion and control in robotic systems.

  • Motion Planning: Master techniques like trajectory planning, obstacle avoidance, and real-time feedback control for robotics.

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  • Robot Manipulation: Explore the key techniques in robot manipulation, including grasping, handling, and using mobile manipulators.

  • System-on-Chip Design: Learn to design, program, and optimize robotic systems, including integration of soft-core processors and memory management.

  • Capstone Project: Apply the knowledge gained to develop a mobile manipulation task, combining both hardware and software in a real-world scenario.​

Program Overview

Foundations of Robot Motion
⏳  24 hours

  • Understand robot motion fundamentals and how robots interact with their environment.

  • Gain practical skills using Modern Robotics software and the CoppeliaSim robot simulator.

Robot Kinematics
⏳  30 hours

  • Learn about forward kinematics, the product-of-exponentials formula, and spatial Jacobians used for robot arm configurations.

Robot Dynamics
⏳  30 hours

  • Study forward and inverse dynamics and how they contribute to robot acceleration and force analysis.

Robot Motion Planning and Control
⏳  31 hours

  • Explore motion planning in C-space, using graph search algorithms and feedback control techniques to optimize robot behavior.

Robot Manipulation and Wheeled Mobile Robots
⏳  35 hours

  • Study manipulation techniques, grippers, and wheeled mobile robots to enhance system mobility and interaction with the environment.

Capstone Project – Mobile Manipulation
⏳  20 hours

  • Develop a mobile manipulation solution that combines the theory and techniques learned in the previous courses. Use a simulator to complete real-world robotic tasks.

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Job Outlook

  • Proficiency in robotics is valuable for roles such as:

    • Robotics Engineer

    • Embedded Systems Engineer

    • Control Systems Engineer

    • Robotics Software Developer

  • Skills acquired in this course are highly applicable in industries such as automation, healthcare robotics, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.

  • Completing this specialization enhances your qualifications for advanced roles in robotics and automation, providing a pathway to a career in cutting-edge industries.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
The "Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control" specialization provides a rigorous yet accessible introduction to key robotics concepts. The blend of theory and hands-on learning ensures you gain practical skills that are immediately applicable in the robotics field.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.6
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Taught by experienced instructors from Northwestern University.
  • Strong focus on both theoretical concepts and practical skills.
  • Includes a hands-on capstone project to solidify learning.
CONS
  • Some advanced topics in robotics may require prior knowledge of mathematics and programming.
  • Requires a commitment to complete all modules for certification.

Specification: Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization
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