Begin Robotics
Learn robotics by exploring the history, anatomy and intelligence of robots and test drive robots using exciting simulations
- Duration4 weeks
- Weekly study3 hours
Begin Robotics
Other courses you might like
This course isn't running right now. We can email you when it starts again, or check out these other courses you might like.
Browse more in IT & Computer Science
Explore our introduction to robotics
Robots today are roving Mars, hoovering our floors, building cars and entertaining us in films. You may even share Stephen Hawking’s world view that super-intelligent ones may one day bring about the end of the human race.
But what are the different forms of robots today? And how do they achieve particular tasks? In this introduction to robotics course, you’ll explore these answers and more.
Discover the history of robots and their modern application
You’ll kick things off by taking a look at the basics of robotics. By exploring the history of robots, you’ll learn about some of the uses of these fascinating machines.
Next, you’ll explore some of the modern applications of robotics and our relationship with them, helping you gain context for what’s to follow.
Learn about the basics of robot design
On this robotics for beginners course, you’ll discover some of the fundamentals of how robots are made. As well as looking at some of the key components of robot design, you’ll also examine how they operate.
Examine robot anatomy, control and behaviour through a set of simulated tasks
If you’d like to find out more, but don’t have Hawking’s brain or an advanced qualification in cybernetics, this course is for you. You won’t require a soldering iron, but you’ll explore the basics of robot design, control and behaviour through a series of simulations that will have you test driving an ERIC – our very own University of Reading mobile robot.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to Robotics
Welcome to Begin Robotics
Here you will find out what we have in store for you over the next few weeks and how you can use the platform to make the most out of your learning experience.
Robots an introduction and brief history
Let's get started by looking at the definition and history of robotics.
Robot applications
In this section, we'll look at how robots are used and our relationship with them. We'll also introduce some of the robots here at the University of Reading.
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 week two's 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
What will we be covering this week on control and why is it 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.
When would you like to start?
Date to be announced
Add to Wishlist to be emailed when new dates are announced
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe different forms of robot and applications where they may be used
- Determine the appropriate commands to allow a robot to achieve particular tasks using information from sensors
- Appreciate how aspects of robotics can be applied in many different scenarios
Who is the course for?
The course is designed for anyone interested in robotics- you don’t need to own your own robot to take part! If you’ve always wanted to learn about robotics, robot design, or the history of robots, this is the course for you.
Please be aware that this course contains video clips that include sequences of flickering/flashing lights which might affect learners who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.
Who will you learn with?
I am Professor of Cybernetics in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Reading. My interests include Education, Computing, Control, Robotics, AI Gaia Theory and Programming.
Professor of Interactive & Human Systems at the University of Reading.
Who developed the course?
University of Reading
The University of Reading has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps, but you can complete them as quickly or slowly as you like
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
Learner reviews
Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.
Get a taste of this course
Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
You can use the hashtag #FLrobotics to talk about this course on social media.