Fundamentals of Robotics for Bioscientists

Discover the practical applications of robotics for plant phenotyping

This five-week course from the University of Nottingham and the University of Lincoln will introduce you to the practical applications of robotics for plant phenotyping. On completion of this course, you’ll have an understanding of how robotics is revolutionising the field of plant phenotyping through automation, substituting time-consuming, manual work prone to human error, with highly efficient technological solutions.

Understand the fundamental concepts of robots, such as agency and memory

This course will take an in-depth look into the types of robots used in plant phenotyping and unpack their design in order to analyse robotic functionality within plant phenotyping.

You’ll explore the fundamental concepts of robot brains, such as agency, memory, and knowledge representation. You’ll also explore the concepts related to robot bodies, such as mobile robot design, degrees of freedom, and stability.

Learn the electrical and mechanical components of automated plant phenotyping

In the fourth week of the course, you’ll take a deeper dive into the electrical and mechanical components that are involved in robotic platforms.

You’ll learn about thermal and imaging sensors, kinematics, motor drives, and microcontrollers to understand how robots are able to use these elements to sense and operate within different environments and collect data.

Study with the University of Nottingham and the University of Lincoln

The University of Nottingham along with the University of Lincoln are world experts in the domain of robotic phenotyping.

With their knowledge and experience, you’ll expand your understanding of robotics and its applications in plant phenotyping, and analyse the performance of automated phenotyping within controlled and uncontrolled environments.

This course is designed for researchers and professionals who work in, or are curious about plant phenotyping.

This course is designed for researchers and professionals who work in, or are curious about plant phenotyping.

• Demonstrate understanding of robotics concepts
• Discuss different technologies and where/when to apply them
• Identify differences between robotic platforms in controlled and uncontrolled environments
• Reflect on robotics history and background