The module covers a wide range of concepts related to industrial robot and its components. Starting from coordinate transformation, kinematics and dynamics of robot manipulators will be covered in relation to their corresponding applications. Complex computation techniques such as Lagrange mechanics, Jacobian matrix calculation will be studied to uncover characteristics of a robot manipulator. Trajectory generation and optimisation as well as advanced control techniques will be considered. Advances in actuators that enable effective operation of modern robots along with their operating principles will also be discussed.

A 2500-word individual report weighted at 50%, assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M7

A 2-hour examination weighted at 50%, assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2. Several questions to be answered covering topics included in the module to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the area. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M3

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 40% unless otherwise stated.

To enable students gain deep knowledge and understanding of the topics and to equip them with the ability to analyse and apply concepts related to modern robotic systems following learning strategies are used:

Problem Based Lectures

Tutorials/Laboratories

Independent study (including reading, information gathering, discussion and debate, exploring digital resources, practice questions and coursework preparation)

1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of advanced concepts related to modern robotic systems and critically assess their suitability for different application domains. (AHEP 4: M1)

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate ability to compute kinematics and dynamics of a range of robotic systems, model these systems in a simulation tool and complete performance evaluation. (AHEP 4: M3)

Analysis,

Application

3. Critically evaluate current research on modern robotic systems and apply analytical techniques for solving the kinematics of a robot manipulator. (AHEP 4: M1)

Problem Solving,

Application

4. Critically analyse social and environmental impact of robotics and automation, including ethical considerations, and security risks. (AHEP 4: M7)

Enquiry,

Analysis,

Blackboard, Software tools to simulate and analyse robotic systems.

Corke, P. (2023). Robotics, Vision and Control: Fundamental Algorithms in Python (Vol. 146). Springer Nature.

Corke, P. I., Jachimczyk, W., & Pillat, R. (2011). Robotics, vision and control: fundamental algorithms in MATLAB (Vol. 73, p. 2). Berlin: Springer.

Craig, J. J. (2005), Introduction to Robotics, Mechanics and Control, 3rd edn. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Dorf, R. C and Bishop, R. H. (2021) Modern Control Systems. 14th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Niku, S. B. (2020). Introduction to robotics: analysis, control, applications. John Wiley & Sons.

Nise, N. S. (2020) Control Systems Engineering. 6th Ed. Asia: John Wiley & Sons.

This module will cover some exciting applications of modern robotic systems and principles that are applied at different design stages of modern robots. It will also discuss complex computation methods and tools required to perform these computations in a systematic manner. It will also allow participants to explore recent research and be informed of latest actuation methods and be able to evaluate performance of modern actuators.