Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/modernrobotics-course5
### Course Review: Modern Robotics, Course 5: Robot Manipulation and Wheeled Mobile Robots In the rapidly advancing field of robotics, understanding the mechanics of movement and manipulation is critical. Coursera's "Modern Robotics" specialization, particularly Course 5, titled "Robot Manipulation and Wheeled Mobile Robots," serves as an insightful journey into the complexities of robotic systems. Whether you are considering a career in robotics or simply have a passion for this cutting-edge technology, this course provides an excellent foundation for both theoretical knowledge and practical application. #### Course Overview The "Robot Manipulation and Wheeled Mobile Robots" course is part of the broader "Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control" specialization, which is comprised of six concise modules. It is designed for serious students who are eager to delve into the mathematical modeling techniques that are essential across various robotics disciplines. The course offers an engaging mix of technical content, dynamic concepts, and hands-on learning opportunities. Throughout the modules, learners will explore the intricacies of robot grasping and manipulation, as well as the mechanics of wheeled mobile robots. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course syllabus is well-structured and divided into two critical chapters, each detailing fundamental aspects of robotics. **Chapter 12: Grasping and Manipulation (Parts 1 and 2)** This chapter takes a comprehensive approach to understanding the kinematics involved in grasping and manipulation. In the first part, students are introduced to concepts such as contact types—rolling, sliding, and breaking—along with graphical methods for representing kinematic constraints. The focus on form-closure grasping provides an essential understanding of how robots can manipulate objects effectively while maintaining complete kinematic constraints. The second part builds on this foundation by introducing advanced topics like Coulomb friction and friction cones, which are pivotal in understanding how forces and torques interact during manipulation tasks. By breaking down force closure grasping and showcasing examples beyond simple grasping, students gain a rich context for applying these principles in real-world scenarios. **Chapter 13: Wheeled Mobile Robots (Parts 1 and 2)** As we transition into wheeled mobile robots, the course explores the kinematic models that underpin both omnidirectional and nonholonomic robots. From basic movement to advanced concepts such as controllability and motion planning, students acquire essential knowledge that informs how robots navigate space. The second part of this chapter highlights feedback control and odometry, which are crucial for mobile manipulation. By learning how to effectively plan and control a robot's movements, students can appreciate the complexities of real-world navigation and execution in robotics. #### Course Experience and Recommendations What sets this course apart is its focus on mathematically grounded principles, which provides a solid framework for understanding robotic systems. The instructors engage students with clear explanations, practical exercises, and relevant examples that enhance the learning experience. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application equips students with the tools they need to tackle real-world robotics challenges. This course is particularly beneficial for engineering students, robotics enthusiasts, or professionals looking to specialize in this field. The rigorous approach helps to prepare learners for advanced study or entry into the career of their choice in robotics. If you are eager to gain a deeper understanding of how robots work and are willing to invest the necessary effort in learning mathematical modeling techniques, I highly recommend the "Modern Robotics: Robot Manipulation and Wheeled Mobile Robots" course on Coursera. By enrolling, you will be taking an important step toward enriching your knowledge and potentially shaping your future career in robotics.
Chapter 12: Grasping and Manipulation (Part 1 of 2)
Kinematics of contact, contact types (rolling, sliding, and breaking), graphical methods for representing kinematic constraints in the plane, and form-closure grasping (complete kinematic constraint).
Chapter 12: Grasping and Manipulation (Part 2 of 2)Coulomb friction, friction cones, graphical methods for representing forces and torques in the plane, force closure grasping, and examples of manipulation other than grasping.
Chapter 13: Wheeled Mobile Robots (Part 1 of 2)Kinematic models of omnidirectional and nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots.
Chapter 13: Wheeled Mobile Robots (Part 2 of 2)Controllability, motion planning, and feedback control of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots; odometry for wheeled mobile robots; and mobile manipulation.
Do you want to know how robots work? Are you interested in robotics as a career? Are you willing to invest the effort to learn fundamental mathematical modeling techniques that are used in all subfields of robotics? If so, then the "Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control" specialization may be for you. This specialization, consisting of six short courses, is serious preparation for serious students who hope to work in the field of robotics or to undertake advanced study. It is n
I like this course and the way is presented. I think, however, that discussion forums could be better attended by the instructors and mentors.
It was a hard one , Yet very helpful and challenging