Mechatronics and Robotics Course

Mechatronics and robotics systems are at the heart of physical automation, computer vision, automotive engineering, and act as a vector for engineers to develop solutions for the future. This reliance on mechatronics for such crucial infrastructure and core industrial areas leads to a demand for engineers with the relevant knowledge and expertise. This introductory online course teaches how to program Arm-based microcontrollers and utilise optical sensors. Learners will gain a basic understanding of autonomous control, power supply and sensor technology, and control theory.

Course Aim

Learn core concepts of mechatronics and robotics systems design, as well as microcontroller programming using powerful Arm-based platforms. Use industry standard IDEs to program and control a variety of peripherals, including laser distance detectors, optical sensors and smart actuators. Furthermore, gain experience using the Robot Operating System (ROS) on the onboard computer to perform SLAM operations, autonomous navigation and robot simulation.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of C, Microcontrollers and the Linux OS.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of

Arm-based microcontrollers for autonomous control
Control of motors and steering
Power supply and sensor technology
Line tracking and Obstacle detection
Robot Operating System (ROS)
Robot simulation environment
Control theory

Intellectual

Ability to choose between different implementation methods to control motors, power supply and sensors
Ability to evaluate implementation results (e.g. speed, cost, power) and correlate them with a corresponding system

Practical

Ability to develop mechatronic components, from design to manufacture, using industry standard tools
Ability to program Arm-based microcontrollers for robotic applications
Ability to demonstrate systems in real-time applications such as line-tracking robots

Syllabus

Introduction to Mechatronic Systems Design
Arm Cortex – M7 Processor Architecture – Part 1
Arm Cortex – M7 Processor Architecture – Part 2
Interrupts and Low Power Features
Power Supply for Autonomous Cars
DC Motors and Motor Controllers
PWM and Servo Control
Optical Sensing in Robotics
Robot Operating System
Mapping and Navigation
Control for Autonomous Cars

This section describes the hardware and software requirements when using the OpenCR1.0 board in the labs, as well as how to set up the Keil MDK and the Arduino IDE for the OpenCR1.0 board.

Software requirements

Software	Website	Version *	OS
Keil MDK	https://developer.arm.com/Tools%20and%20Software/Keil%20MDK	V5.25.2.0	Windows OS (to-date)
Arduino IDE	https://www.arduino.cc/	1.8.7	Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Linux Arm
* The software versions listed here are versions that we have verified to be working with our labs. You can use the latest available (and most stable) versions of the software, if backward and forward compatibility is supported.

Hardware requirements

No.	Hardware	Additional Information
1.	TurtleBot3 Burger	Comes with Raspberry Pi and OpenCr1.0 Microcontroller
2.	ULINK-ME debugger	JTAG (20-pin) header and Mini B USB port
3.	Cortex SWD 10-pin Adapter	JTAG (20-pin) port and 10-pin SWD port
4.	10-pin 2x5 Socket-Socket SWD Cable	Connects the OpenCR board and the Cortex SWD 10-pin Adapter
5.	Micro A to Micro B USB cable	Connects the OpenCR board to the computer (needed for programming with Arduino)
6.	Micro A to Mini B USB cable	Connects the debugger to the computer (needed for programming and debugging when using Keil)

Access

We have a range of subscription options, from 90, 180 and 360 days, along with lifetime access. Pricing options and the button to purchase access are below.

90 days: USD 16.00
180 days: USD 27.00
360 days: USD 49.00
Lifetime access: USD 93.00

Purchase

Please note you will be taken to the Vitalsource ecommerce store to complete this transaction.