Syllabus

• 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.

Who will you learn with?