Introduction to Robotics

Code:

IR01

Acronym:

IR

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Engineering and related techniques

Instance: 2021/2022 - 2S (of 02-03-2022 to 15-07-2022)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Introduction to Robotics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
IR	0	Syllabus	1	-	1,5	12	40,5
L.BIO	10	Syllabus	2	-	1,5	12	40,5
L.EEC	18	Syllabus	2	-	1,5	12	40,5
L.EM	6	Syllabus	2	-	1,5	12	40,5
L.EMG	1	Plano de estudos oficial a partir de 2008/09	2	-	1,5	12	40,5
L.EQ	3	Syllabus	2	-	1,5	12	40,5
M.EA	0	Syllabus	1	-	1,5	12	40,5
M.EC	1	Syllabus	1	-	1,5	12	40,5
M.EMAT	0	Syllabus	1	-	1,5	12	40,5
M.EMG	0	Plano de estudos oficial a partir de 2008/09	1	-	1,5	12	40,5
M.EQ	1	Syllabus	1	-	1,5	12	40,5

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Robotics is a privileged means of applying engineering where knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, Electronics, Programming, etc. is combined; thus complementing the technical-scientific skills that are learned in the study programs that students of this training attend.

The introduction to Robotics aims to allow the development of skills for the development and integration of different knowledge in a very attractive way and based on practical work with real equipment. Understanding the working principle of various sensors and actuators and their application in real systems will broaden the understanding and attractiveness of Physics and Mathematics.

The introduction to programming languages ​​is something relevant in any engineering, technologies and exact sciences course. Students, by acquiring basic programming skills applied to robotics, will increase their potential to develop applications involving hardware and software/firmware; thus, this training in TC is transversal to several areas of study.

It is also the objective of this training to promote the development of soft skills. Thus, it will be through group work to be developed on the subject taught and for the application of learning that students will have the opportunity to develop soft-skills such as the ability to work in a team and develop various roles, cooperation between team members.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

- basic programming skills applied to robotics
- development of applications involving hardware and software/firmware
- selection of different sensors and actuators for application in real robotic systems
- cooperation and teamwork
- preparation of scientific reports
- communication and oral presentations
- defense of ideas and arguments

Working method

Presencial

Program

- Introduction to robotic systems programming. Introduction to programming languages ​​that allow the development of small programs for microcontroller-based boards 
- Introduction to the simulation of robotic systems. 
- Basic operating principles of sensors used in robotics. 
- Basic operating principles of actuators used in robotics. 
- Implementation and testing of systems developed using small robots (mobile and manipulators). 
At the end there will be a demonstration/internal presentation of the work developed.

Mandatory literature

Austin Hughes; Electric motors and drives. ISBN: 0-7506-4718-3
H.R. Everett; Sensor for Mobile Robots, Theory and Applications. ISBN: 1-56881-048-2

Teaching methods and learning activities

The classes will be simultaneously theoretical-practical, jumping from theoretical concepts to practical examples of application, whenever necessary. They will also serve to support the development of a practical work proposed to students. In this work, through group work, they will have the possibility to apply and test the acquired knowledge. 

It will be through group work to be developed on the subject taught and for the application of learning that students will have the opportunity to develop soft-skills such as the ability to work in a team and develop various roles, cooperation between team members. 

The depth of approach to microcontroller or computer programming will be low so as not to require great previous skills in programming languages; so that any student in the areas of engineering, technologies and exact sciences will be able to attend this training in CT (thus being transversal, complementing the training given in the degree awarding programs).

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	28,50
Frequência das aulas	12,00
Total:	40,50

Eligibility for exams

active participation in classes

Calculation formula of final grade

Three components will be considered:

• In the middle of the semester, an individual assessment (mini-test) will be carried out with questions about the contents taught.


• Final exam/report on the work carried out.


• Oral presentation of the work developed and results obtained

Final grade calculation formula = 25% mini-test + 50% final exam/report + 25% oral presentation

Classification improvement

Through an appeal examination.