Welcome to Week 3
In the video above, Richard takes you through some key topics for Week 3. We know about the robot and its anatomy. It has sensors to perceive its environment. It …
Course: Begin Robotics
Welcome to Week 2
This week we focus on the robot itself; the constituent parts (its anatomy). This includes: the means to allow it to move and to sense its environment its ‘brain’ its …
Welcome to the course
This video will introduce you to the topics we’ll be covering over the next four weeks, and what you’ll need to do to get started. Transcripts are available for all …
Braitenberg robots
In the final exercise on the course, you will be able to define the robot speed to specify the value of the neurons in the vehicles. In this video, Richard …
Follow walls/maze
In the exercise in the next step you will have the chance to drive your robot around a maze. Before you get started, take a look at this video in …
What you should expect to see in the simulations
If, for whatever reason, you weren’t able to try the simulations for yourself this week or you’re curious to find out how others got on, take a look at this …
Student projects
In this video, Richard shows you three examples of final year project work from students at the University of Reading: Isaac Ashdown explored the probability of a robot choosing a …
Fractals
In this video, Richard explains fractals in more detail. He uses a simulation to explain how different fractals can be used to produce realistic looking models of artificial life. To …
Flocking and Boids
Another example of cooperative behaviour is ‘flocking’, where ‘animals’ move around in formation. Sheep provide a good example of this in nature, where there is one leader and the rest …
Meet the robots at Reading: a student’s perspective
Meet Maitreyee Wairagkar, who graduated from the University of Reading with a degree in Cybernetics. Maitreyee continued to study at Reading, and was awarded MEng in Artificial Intelligence and Cybernetics. …
Artificial life
We have described some simple examples of artificial life: Simple robots with built-in instincts Robots with the ability to learn. We have looked at multiple robots interacting: Predator, prey. But …
Rules for ants
Ants are following these simple rules: Condition Action Not carrying food and not on pheromone trail Walk randomly, laying pheromone Not carrying food but on pheromone trail Follow trail laying …
Cooperation in nature
There are numerous examples from nature of cooperation Insects pollinating plants Birds eating food between teeth of hippos Specifically relating to cooperating on a task via communication Bees dancing in …
Robot learning
In this video Richard explains how to make a robot with two sensors learn a task. Key concepts include: Setting the scene – how a robot avoids obstacles. Rules of …
Why simple instinctive behaviour is not enough
Instinctive behaviour is ‘hard wired’ into living things. Insects for example, automatically fly around. They have simple sensors that allow them to perceive their surroundings, detect food and avoid obstacles; …
Everything you need to know about blended learning
We take a closer look at blended learning, exploring what it is, the different models, …
What is imposter syndrome, and how can you deal with it?
Most people have experienced feeling like an imposter at some point in their lives, so …
Gratitude and happiness: the importance of being grateful
Discover how the simple practise of gratitude can bring a host of different benefits to …
What does sustainability mean?
Sustainability is a hot topic right now. But what does it really mean, and which …
