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Unit of study_
MTRX5700: Experimental Robotics
2025 unit information
This unit aims to present a broad overview of the technologies associated with industrial and mobile robots. Major topics covered are sensing, mapping, navigation and control of mobile robots and kinematics and control of industrial robots. The subject consists of a series of lectures on robot fundamentals and case studies on practical robot systems. Material covered in lectures is illustrated through experimental laboratory assignments. The objective of the course is to provide students with the essential skills necessary to be able to develop robotic systems for practical applications. At the end of this unit students will: be familiar with sensor technologies relevant to robotic systems; understand conventions used in robot kinematics and dynamics; understand the dynamics of mobile robotic systems and how they are modeled; have implemented navigation, sensing and control algorithms on a practical robotic system; apply a systematic approach to the design process for robotic systems; understand the practical application of robotic systems in manufacturing, automobile systems and assembly systems; develop the capacity to think critically and independently about new design problems; undertake independent research and analysis and to think creatively about engineering problems. Course content will include: history and philosophy of robotics; hardware components and subsystems; robot kinematics and dynamics; sensors, measurements and perception; robotic architectures, multiple robot systems; localization, navigation and obstacle avoidance, robot planning; robot learning; robot vision and vision processing.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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(AMME3500 or AMME8501 or AMME9501) and (MTRX3700 or MTRX3760) or equivalent study at another institution |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Knowledge of statics and dynamics, rotation matrices, programming and some electronic and mechanical design experience is assumed |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. apply a systematic approach to the design process for robotic systems
- LO2. examine advanced topics in robotics including obstacle avoidance, path planning, robot architectures, multi-robot systems and learning as applied to robotic systems
- LO3. demonstrate familiarity with sensor technologies relevant to robotic systems, specifically working with laser and vision data and examining techniques for processing this data
- LO4. implement navigation, sensing and control algorithms on a practical robotic system
- LO5. understand conventions used in robot kinematics and dynamics
- LO6. express ideas both orally and written on technical material
- LO7. develop the capacity to think creatively and independently about new design problems
- LO8. undertake independent research and analysis and to think creatively about engineering problems.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
Additional advice
This unit requires departmental permission to ensure appropriate foundational knowledge is met. If the prerequisite unit/s were completed at the University of Sydney or if you are enrolled in the Master of Engineering, Master of Professional Engineering or Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated), your request does not require supporting documentation to be approved. If you have completed studies at another institution, you must include your transcript when submitting your permission request for review by the Faculty.
