INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
Leeds International Summer School (Block One)
Module Leader: Ali Zaidi
Module Summary
This module gives students an introduction to robotics, covering the fundamentals of mechanical design, electronics
and programming. The four lectures will include; an introduction to the applications of robotics and autonomous
systems; a lecture on computer-aided mechanical design and prototyping techniques (such as 3D printing); a lecture
describing the core electronic components (Sensors, actuators, drives, embedded microcontrollers); and a lecture
explaining the key principles of programming. The lectures give the background to the extensive hands-on practical
work using the excellent laboratories in the Faculty of Engineering. Students will learn the principles of 3D
mechanical design, how to assemble basic electronic circuits, and then integrate the electronics, motors, etc. with
the mechanical parts to construct a simple robot. Using a high level programming language, the robot will then be
programmed to perform a range of simple tasks. As well as building their own robot in a team, students will also be
able to see demonstrations of a very wide range of industrial and research robots within the Faculty.
Learning Outcomes
This module gives students an introduction to robotics, covering the fundamentals of mechanical design, electronics
and programming. On completing this module, students will:Understand the principles of 3D computer-aided mechanical design and prototyping systems
Know how to assemble basic electronic circuits
Be able to integrate electronics, motors, etc. with the mechanical parts of a simple robot
Have demonstrated proficiency with a high level programming language, through application to a simple
robot task
Syllabus
Applications of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS)
Sensors, actuators, drives, embedded systems
3D mechanical computer-aided design using a contemporary commercial software package (e.g. SolidWorks)
Rapid prototyping & manufacturing
Printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and test
Introduction to programming (Arduino, LabVIEW)
Delivery
10 hours preparatory work on VLE
Four x 1 hour lectures
Eight x 3 hour laboratories
One x 10 hour field trip
One x 10 hour cultural trip
Private study
Assessment
VLE-based log of lab progress, for each of 8 sessions: 40%, to be completed after each lab session
Robot demonstrated performing set tasks: 20%, completed during the final laboratory session of the module
Project report: 40%, due on the Sunday after the module finishes (tbc)
Outline Schedule
VLE Preparatory Work: Watching video tutorials on the software packages
Week One
Monday
9.30-10.45 Lecture 1: Applications of Robotics and Autonomous Systems
11.15-12.30 Lecture 2: Fundamentals of Robotics
Tuesday
9.30-12.30 Laboratory Class 1: Kinematics of Robotic Arms
16.00-17.00 Tour of the National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems
Wednesday
9.30-12.30 Laboratory Class 1 (continued): Kinematics of Robotic Arms
14.00-16.00 Laboratory Class 2: Prototyping
Thursday
9.30-10.45 Lecture 3: Electronic Components
11.15-12.30 Laboratory Class 2 (continued): Prototyping
14.00-16.00 Laboratory Class 3: Printed Circuit Board Soldering Lab
Friday
Module Field Trip to Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (tbc)
Week Two
Monday
9.30-10.45 Lecture 4: Introduction to robot programming exercises
11.15-12.30 and 14.00-16.00 Laboratory Class 4: Robot construction & test
Tuesday
9.30-12.30 and 14.00-16.00 Laboratory Class 5: Programming exercises 1
Wednesday
9.30-12.00 Laboratory Class 6: Programming exercises 2
Thursday
9.30-12.30 Laboratory Class 7: Robot programming
14.00-16.00 Laboratory Class 8: Robot testing and competition