Robotics
Graduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Kinematics and modeling
- Robot configurations: serial, parallel, mobile
- Homogeneous transformations and DH parameters
- Forward kinematics for manipulators
- Inverse kinematics: geometric and algebraic methods
- Jacobian matrices and differential kinematics
- Singularities and manipulability ellipsoids
- Workspace analysis and reachability
- Mobile robot kinematics: differential drive
- Trajectory generation in joint and Cartesian space
- Path planning: visibility graphs and sampling methods
Dynamics and control
- Lagrange equations for robot dynamics
- Recursive Newton-Euler algorithm
- Inertia matrices and Coriolis terms
- Computed torque control
- PID control in joint space versus task space
- Impedance and admittance control intro
- Force control and hybrid position-force schemes
- Vision-based servoing overview
- Sensor integration: encoders, IMU, LiDAR
- Safety standards ISO 10218 awareness
STEM / applied
Perception, planning, and autonomy
- Occupancy grids and SLAM fundamentals
- Motion planning: RRT and A* in configuration space
- Grasp planning and end-effector design
- Machine learning for robot perception (survey)
- Human-robot collaboration and cobots
- ROS/ROS2 software architecture labs
- Simulation in Gazebo or Isaac Sim
- Multi-robot coordination basics
- Field robotics: drones and legged platforms
- Capstone robot integration project
Research and industry trends
- Soft robotics and compliant mechanisms
- Surgical and rehabilitation robots
- Warehouse automation and AMRs
- Autonomous vehicles as robotic systems
- Learning from demonstration
- Sim-to-real transfer challenges
- Ethics and liability for autonomous robots
- Startup and IP landscape in robotics
- Guest lectures from robotics industry
- Qualifying exam robotics topic prep
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Kinematics and modeling
Robot configurations: serial, parallel, mobile
Coming soon - Dynamics and control
Lagrange equations for robot dynamics
Coming soon - Perception, planning, and autonomy
Occupancy grids and SLAM fundamentals
Coming soon - Research and industry trends
Soft robotics and compliant mechanisms
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.