Module Details

Module Code: INTR6020
Title: Mobile Robotics
Long Title: Mobile Robotics
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: Mobile Robotics introduces the student to the fundamental concepts of autonomous mobile robot platforms. The goal of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of the principles that influence mobile robot design, the sensors and actuators that facilitate the robot’s interaction with the 'real' world and software architectures used to control such systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the operating principles of common sensors used in mobile robotics.
LO2 Process and interpret raw sensor output for navigation purposes.
LO3 Implement software to drive the actuator/effector elements of a typical mobile robot platform.
LO4 Discuss the attributes of software architectures suitable for autonomous mobile robot control.
LO5 Develop a sensor/software solution, using a dedicated robotic platform, for a basic autonomous robot problem.
LO6 Understand the ethical responsibilities that should be applied during robotic software development.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Basic Programming Concepts:
Introduction to program flow, variables, conditional statements.
Advanced Programming Concepts:
Control structures, data collection, state machines, multitasking.
Sensors:
Operating principles of selected sensors such as those for position, speed, touch, sonar and light detection.
High-level Control Strategies:
Dead-reckoning approaches, reactive, deliberative, subsumption and behaviour-based architectures.
Path Planning Algorithms:
Depth-first, breath-first searches, overview of hill-climbing approaches.
Ethical Considerations in Robotics:
Presentation and discussion of material considering topics such as the application of precautionary principles, artificial system autonomy and accountability, responsibilities for (possibly unintended) warfare applications and the nature and impact of human-machine cognitive and effective bonds on individuals and society.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Assessment of class material to date
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Short exercises in processing sensor data and the control of drive actuator elements
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 4,6
Assessment Description
Assessment of class material to date
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Develop a solution for a specified mobile robotic problem. A report should be submitted detailing the architectural design decisions taken and any practical implementation issues that arose during the implementation of the final solution. The report should be 7-9 pages in length including diagrams, code, descriptions and references.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Laboratory-delivered theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory-delivered practice Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of class material and project analysis and design Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Laboratory-delivered theory and practice Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of class material and project analysis and design Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Wei Lu. (2016), Beginning Robotics Programming in Java with LEGO Mindstorms, Apress, [ISBN: 1484220048].
  • Maja J. Mataric. (2007), The Robotics Primer, The MIT Press, p.328, [ISBN: 978026263354].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Alexander Schaub. (2017), Robust Perception from Optical Sensors for Reactive Behaviors in Autonomous Robotic Vehicles, Springer Vieweg, [ISBN: 978-365819086].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 3 Elective
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 3 Elective
CR_EELXE_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering 3 Elective