Robotics: Capstone

University of Pennsylvania via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/robotics-capstone

Introduction

### Course Review: Robotics: Capstone on Coursera If you’re passionate about robotics and ready to apply your knowledge to tackle real-world challenges, the **Robotics: Capstone** course on Coursera is an exceptional choice. Offered by a leading institution, this six-week course serves as the culmination of a comprehensive robotics specialization, allowing students to synthesize their learning through hands-on projects. #### Course Overview Robotics is an expansive field that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. The **Robotics: Capstone** course specifically focuses on giving students a chance to implement practical solutions using mathematical principles and programming techniques typical in robotics laboratories. The course entails choosing between two exciting tracks: a simulation track using MATLAB or an augmented reality (AR) track with a rover simulator. #### Week-by-Week Breakdown - **Week 1: Welcome and Track Selection** - The course kicks off with a warm welcome and an important decision. Students will need to choose between the Mobile Inverted Pendulum (MIP) track, where they will use MATLAB for simulations, or the AR track, which involves working with a rover simulator and implementing Dijkstra's algorithm using Python. - **Week 2: Hands-On Experience** - Depending on the chosen track, students will undertake various tasks, such as soldering and flashing the rover kit components for the AR track. This week prepares participants for the assembly process, ensuring they grasp the critical skills needed for their projects. - **Weeks 3-5: Deepening Knowledge** - Each subsequent week expands on the chosen path, providing guided instructions, additional resources, and tools to help implement solutions to the selected problem. Students actively engage with course materials through assignments and tutorials tailored to their track. - **Week 6: Final Project Presentation** - The course culminates in a final project, where students are encouraged to present their solutions, reflecting on the techniques learned throughout the course. This week is dedicated to showcasing creativity, problem-solving skills, and the technical abilities developed during the capstone. #### What I Loved About the Course 1. **Hands-on Application**: The primary strength of the **Robotics: Capstone** course lies in its hands-on approach. Students get to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios, which enhances understanding and retention of complex robotics principles. 2. **Versatile Learning Tracks**: Offering two distinct paths caters to diverse learning preferences. Whether students are inclined toward programming or more hands-on physical robotics, they can choose a track that aligns with their strengths. 3. **Real-World Problem Solving**: The opportunity to tackle tangible problems makes the learning experience relevant and fulfilling. It equips students with applicable skills that can be showcased on resumes or in job interviews. 4. **Community and Support**: With a robust online community of learners, participants have the chance to engage with peers, share ideas, and receive valuable feedback. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of camaraderie essential for online learning. #### Recommendations I highly recommend the **Robotics: Capstone** course for anyone interested in furthering their expertise in the field of robotics. It is ideal for: - **Engineering Students**: Those looking to apply their studies in a practical setting. - **Programming Enthusiasts**: Individuals who want to deepen their coding skills, specifically in Python and MATLAB. - **Professionals Seeking Upskilling**: Robotics professionals or hobbyists eager to stay current with technology and methodologies. - **Job Seekers**: Those wishing to augment their resumes with a hands-on project that demonstrates both technical skills and creative problem-solving. #### Final Thoughts Overall, the **Robotics: Capstone** course on Coursera stands out as a fantastic opportunity to bring theory into practice. Its blend of practical application, community support, and the flexibility of learning pathways make it a compelling choice for anyone keen to dive into the realm of robotics sincerely. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and engage in innovative problem-solving, this capstone will not disappoint you!

Syllabus

Week 1

Welcome to Robotics Capstone! This week you will choose between two tracks available to you for your capstone. Please make sure you watch the videos carefully to make the choice. In the MIP track, you will learn how to use MATLAB (your numerical tool for this capstone track) to simulate dynamical systems numerically.In the AR track, you will learn to use the rover simulator, purchase the kit and implement Dijkstra's algorithm in python.

Week 1: Lesson Choices

Week 2: Lesson Choices

Choice 2: Please make sure you complete the soldering and flashing before assembly.

Week 3: Lesson Choices

Week 4: Lesson Choices

Week 5: Lesson Choices

Week 6: Lesson Choices

Overview

In our 6 week Robotics Capstone, we will give you a chance to implement a solution for a real world problem based on the content you learnt from the courses in your robotics specialization. It will also give you a chance to use mathematical and programming methods that researchers use in robotics labs. You will choose from two tracks - In the simulation track, you will use Matlab to simulate a mobile inverted pendulum or MIP. The material required for this capstone track is based on courses

Skills

Python Programming Robotics Raspberry Pi Matlab

Reviews

The capstone is really good.\n\nToo bad it means the end of this specialization... I liked it here.\n\nBut it is also the beginning of playing more with ROS, simulation tools and real robots.

Excellent course i completed too earlier only bcos of this LOCKDOWN i really thank CORONA to make this course fast and clear

Very challenging, yet more interesting. I like these capstones, learned way more than I expected. Great course, recommend strongly.

Controller tuning is the hard part in the MIP track. All rest is manageable. But It teaches you how real projects can become challenging.

AR track is interesting.\n\nStudent should be advised to get the robot earlier before course starts.\n\nIt would also be nice to get some introduction to ROS...