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Introduction to Tools for Robotics

Explore the different tools and software to design, test, and prototype custom robot parts and robust robot behaviour.

491 enrolled on this course

A robot working in industry

Introduction to Tools for Robotics

491 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Learn to use robotics software and 3D models for robot design and development

In recent years, industries around the world have been getting creative when it comes to incorporating robotics into their workflows.

This three-week course offers a fascinating introduction to software and tools currently used in robotics.

You’ll build basic knowledge of robotics tools and learn how they can be adapted for different industries.

Familiarise yourself with Ubuntu operating system and Gazebo framework

You’ll start by discovering the open-source Ubuntu operating system which provides stability and flexibility for app development.

Using case studies and examples, you’ll learn how Ubuntu incorporates the Gazebo framework for testing robots in simulation.

As you explore its open-source collection of tools, libraries, and conventions that simplify the task of creating complex robot behaviour, you’ll see how the framework can be used to create everything from low-level interfaces with sensors and actuators to high-level capability designs.

Gain hands-on experience using 3D robotics models in simulation

You’ll also learn about the Gazebo simulator, which allows for fast prototyping of application scenarios, robot design, and sensor interfacing.

To understand the application of robotics in different industries, you’ll be introduced to 3D modelling and CAD designing, and how they can be used in developing custom robot parts and sensor models.

Learn from the experts at the cutting edge of control engineering, robotics, and AI

You’ll learn with specialists at the Luleå University of Technology who are experienced in bringing robotics into people’s everyday life.

Through this course, they’ll help you build an in-depth understanding of using Ubuntu, 3D modeling and manufacturing, and the Gazebo simulator for robot design and prototyping application scenarios.

Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds Today, more than ever, we’re deploying robotic platforms to undertake a variety of tasks. Robots can address complex tasks efficiently without the need for human presence in, for example, dangerous or unsuitable conditions. We are seeing robotic applications in fields from infrastructure, surveillance and environmental monitoring, agriculture and logistics to search and rescue and even household assistance.

Skip to 0 minutes and 36 seconds Luleå University of Technology invites you to the course introduction to tools for Robotics. This course is offered online and contains lectures, articles, discussions, quizzes and reflective tasks. Learn more about the fascinating world of robotics with a focus on early-stage prototyping of robotic concepts. The course is designed to give you basic knowledge about software tools that are currently used in robotics and their adaptation to different industries. You will learn about the open source Ubuntu operating system, which provides stability and flexibility in terms of application development. You will be introduced to 3D modeling and CAD designing, which will be helpful in developing custom robot parts.

Skip to 1 minute and 22 seconds Not only that, but you will also learn about the Gazebo simulator, which allows for fast prototyping of application scenarios, custom robot deployment and sensor interfacing. Introduction to Gazebo simulator will provide learners with adequate knowledge to start simulating robot or autonomy solutions in realistic environments. With years of experience in deploying robots in real environments, our top robotics team is waiting to guide you through this journey. We can’t wait to get started.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to robotic tools

    • Course introduction

      Welcome to the course, Introduction to Tools for Robotics!

    • Introduction to Ubuntu and Linux OS

      In this activity, you will learn more about Ubuntu and Linux. You will also learn why Ubuntu is an important tool for robotics.

    • Installing Ubuntu

      In this activity, detailed instructions on how to get Ubuntu running on your computer will be presented.

    • Ubuntu GUI

      In this activity, you will learn more about Ubuntu GUI and useful shortcuts.

    • Command Line Interface

      In this activity, you will learn more about the most useful command-line interface within Ubuntu.

  • Week 2

    3D Modelling and CAD for robotics

    • Introduction to 3D Models

      In this activity, we will learn about what is a 3D model, different types of 3D models, use cases of 3D models in robotics, and more importantly why 3D modelling is a tool for robotics.

    • Basic overview of 3D modelling tools

      In this activity, we will learn about basic 3D modelling tools and an overview of the software and its functionalities.

    • Manufacturing process and 3D printing

      This activity will give a basic overview of the 3D printing principle, 3D printing technologies, and the manufacturing process to apply these concepts in robotics.

    • Summary of activity

      In this activity, a summary of the introduction to 3D modelling and tools for robotics is presented.

  • Week 3

    GAZEBO simulations environment

    • Introduction to simulation in robotics

      This activity touches upon the topic of robotic simulation.

    • GAZEBO Graphical User Interface

      This activity presents functionalities of the GAZEBO simulation platform.

    • Virtual models and environments in GAZEBO

      This activity presents the use of GAZEBO simulation environment for using existing or custom made robotic platforms and environments.

    • Course end and summary

      This activity concludes the course and summarises the outcomes.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore and learn about the initial interface with Ubuntu.
  • Experiment with and understand the ROS framework and Gazebo Simulator.
  • Describe how to work with 3D models.
  • Apply hands-on experience with 3D models in simulation environment for tourism sector.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in using robotic solutions in their role and who wants to learn the basics of robotics frameworks.

Who will you learn with?

I am Akash Patel, a robotics enthusiast and Ph.D. student at the Lulea University of Technology. My research interest focus on the deployment of autonomous robots in exploration-mapping scenarios.

I am an Associate Senior Lecturer at the Robotics and AI Group at Luleå University of Technology. My main research interests are in perception, learning and guidance capabilities of field robotics.

Who developed the course?

Luleå University of Technology

The Luleå University of Technology mission is to shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results. Located in the arctic region, the university creates global societal benefit.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$349.99 for one year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 18 May 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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