Robot Devices, Kinematics, Dynamics, and Control

4 Credits.

Graduate-level introduction to the mechanics of robotic systems with emphasis on the mathematical tools for kinematics and dynamics of robot arms and mobile robots. Topics include the geometry and mathematical representation of rigid body motion, forward and inverse kinematics of articulated mechanical arms, trajectory generation, manipulator dynamics, actuation, and design issues, manipulator control, and additional special topics. Recommended course background: multivariable integral and differential calculus, classical physics, linear algebra, ordinary differential equations. Programming: Knowledge of the Matlab programming language including data input/output, 1-D and 2-D arrays, and user-defined function calls. Students with experience with these language elements in other programming languages (C, C++, Python, Java, etc.) should be able to self-tutor themselves in the Matlab language as part of the programming exercises.