Modern Robotics, Course 1 Foundations of Robot Motion
Do you want to know how robots work? Are you interested in robotics as a career? Are you willing to invest the effort to learn fundamental mathematical modeling techniques that are used in all subfields of robotics?If so, then the “Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control” specialization may be for you. This specialization, consisting of six short courses, is serious preparation for serious students who hope to work in the field of robotics or to undertake advanced study. It is not a sampler.
In Course 1 of the specialization, Foundations of Robot Motion, you will learn fundamental material regarding robot configurations, for both serial robot mechanisms and robots with closed chains. You will learn about configuration space (C-space), degrees of freedom, C-space topology, implicit and explicit representations of configurations, and holonomic and nonholonomic constraints. You will also learn how to represent spatial velocities and forces as twists and wrenches. This material is at the core of the study of anything that moves (e.g., robots).
This course follows the textbook “Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control” (Lynch and Park, Cambridge University Press 2017). You can purchase the book or use the free preprint pdf. You will build on a library of robotics software in the language of your choice (among Python, Mathematica, and MATLAB) and use the free cross-platform robot simulator V-REP, which allows you to work with state-of-the-art robots in the comfort of your own home and with zero financial investment.
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Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Introduction to Modern Robotics
Chapter 2: Configuration Space (Part 1 of 2)
Week 2
Chapter 2: Configuration Space (Part 2 of 2)
Week 3
Chapter 3: Rigid-Body Motions (Part 1 of 2)
Week 4
Chapter 3: Rigid-Body Motions (Part 2 of 2)
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
One of the best courses I have ever taken. The textbook really helps with understanding concepts.
Can't wait to finish the remaining courses and get my specialization
it was good intro to the field of robotics. this course has intrigued my interest to learn further in the area of robotics. I would recommend this course for aspiring roboticist
Excellent introduction to the course, for someone who has been 4 years out of academic life I found it challenging yet satisfying to retake linear algebra concepts
Very well structured and amazing team of tutors! Loved the way the course was designed and carried out! Much thanks to Coursera and Professor Kevin Lynch! Thank you!
