This module covers a range of topics in robotics, designed to prepare students for state-of-the-art advancements in robotics and motion control. It uses clear and straightforward language to introduce foundational principles in the field. 

The module focuses on walking and rolling locomotion. It emphasises the design, modeling, and control of locomotive robotic mechanisms, including legged and wheeled robots. Key topics also include the fundamentals of motion planning and navigation for mobile robots. Additionally, the course briefly explores essential control theory and state estimation within the robotics context. Together, these topics provide a comprehensive and well-rounded foundation in advanced robotics. 

• Evaluate the technologies of mobile robots, walking machines, and advanced locomotion robotic mechanisms. 

• LO 1 : Derive the model of walking, rolling and wheeled systems and determine the locomotion stability  

• LO 2: Determine and critically assess the potential applications of mobile wheeled and legged robots, as well as other advanced robotic mechanisms. 

• LO2 : Describe the structure and function of controllers for mobile robot locomotion and actuation dynamics. 

• LO 3 : Display the software techniques used in mobile robots for path planning, navigation and interpretation of sensor data.  

The module will be delivered through a blend of on-campus face-to-face classes ( including any required tutorials or lab sessions), online learning material, and guided study. These are used to explain the principles of locomotion, wheeled robots and walking machines, and to develop the students' understanding of the material and its engineering relevance.  There might be some lab sessions to expose students to advanced robot platforms and simulation programs. Moreover, there will be one lecture from the industry or academia to show the potential applications of robots and career opportunities in the field of robotics, control and automation.  

Skills that will be practised and developed 

• Understanding the principles of robot locomotion 

• Ability to derive the robot locomotion models and check the stability 

• Able to do conceptual design in locomotion with respect to different factors 

• Understanding the navigation and motion planning concepts in mobile robots 

• Learning how to determine the potential application of different robots in industry and other sectors 

• Having a certain level of development in interest for a future career in engineering 

• Ability to comprehend complex robotic problems from both technical and application point-of-view 

The module is assessed through a two-hour formal examination conducted during the Spring Semester Examination Period. 

Students are required to answer two mandatory questions, which address the core learning outcomes. Additionally, they must choose and answer one optional question from the remaining two, making a total of three questions attempted out of four. This structure ensures that students can effectively demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes (LO1–LO5) under inclusive way of assessment and learning.   

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

There is a potential for re-assessment in this module which may result in a 100% written assessment during the August Resit period. 

Robot technology and applications, principles of locomotion, mechanics modeling (Euler–Lagrange formulas), legged systems, SLIP and LIPE models, stability analysis, obstacle detection and avoidance, navigation, path planning, static/dynamic stability, foot placement, motion planning, robot actuators and sensors, actuator design, variable impedance/stiffness, wheeled and rolling robots, hopping robots, cost of transport, degrees of freedom, sensor estimation, novel robotic mechanisms, full/under-actuation, multi-bodies dynamics