Begin Robotics

Explore the history and evolution of robotics

Robots today are roving Mars, hoovering our floors, building cars and entertaining us in films. But how do robots achieve particular tasks? And how is our relationship with them evolving?

On this four-week robotics course from the University of Reading, you’ll gain a solid introduction to robotics to answer these questions and more.

You’ll delve into the different applications of robots, human-robot interaction, and robot cooperation that mimics living systems.

Understand how sensors, actuators, and controllers bring robots to life

As you discover the basics of robot anatomy, you’ll explore the key components of robot design, control, and behaviour.

Through a series of practical simulations, you’ll test drive an ERIC – University of Reading’s very own mobile robot.

You’ll command ERIC to explore its environment as it avoids obstacles, follows a line, and acts like a Braitenberg vehicle.

Gain an understanding of cybernetics

Next, you’ll delve into cybernetics and the importance of control systems, feedback loops, and human-machine interactions.

You’ll discover the systems behind robotic perception and decision-making, before commanding ERIC to track a moving object and be introduced to virtual reality, interaction, and haptic technology.

Build and control robots through interactive simulations

Finally, you’ll examine robot instincts and learning and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of robots adapting their behaviour.

Learning from the experts at the University of Reading, you’ll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills as you’re guided through simulations to help you practise what you have learned.

By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to move on to more advanced robotics topics.

The course is designed for anyone interested in robotics. You don’t need to own your own robot to take part nor have any prior experience working with robots.

Please be aware that this course contains video clips that include sequences of flickering/flashing lights, which might affect learners who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

The course is designed for anyone interested in robotics. You don’t need to own your own robot to take part nor have any prior experience working with robots.

Please be aware that this course contains video clips that include sequences of flickering/flashing lights, which might affect learners who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

• Reflect on the wide variety of robots and their applications.
• Explain how a robot moves, senses and responds to its environment using motors, sensors and actuators.
• Demonstrate the various ways robots are controlled by humans through automation, haptic technologies and virtual reality.
• Compare robot behaviour, cooperation and learning with that of living systems.
• Practise the skills developed on the course through simulations that allow you to experiment, explore and test your knowledge.