Courses
RBE 500. Foundations of Robotics
Mathematical foundations and principles of processing sensor information in robotic systems. Topics include an introduction to probabilistic concepts related to sensors, sensor signal processing, multi-sensor control systems and optimal estimation. The material presented will focus on the types of control problems encountered when a robot must operate in an environment where sensor noise and/or tracking errors are significant. Techniques for assessing the stability, controllability and expected accuracy of multi-sensor control and tracking systems will be presented. Lab projects will involve processing live and synthetic data, robot simulation, and projects involving the control of robot platforms.
Prerequisites: Differential Equations (MA 2051 or equivalent), Linear Algebra (MA 2071 or equivalent) and the ability to program in a high-level language.
ME/RBE 501. Robot Dynamics
Foundations and principles of robotic manipulation. Topics include computational models of objects and motion, the mechanics of robotic manipulators, the structure of manipulator control systems, planning and programming of robot actions. The focus of this class is on the kinematics and programming of robotic mechanisms. Important topics also include the dynamics, control, sensor and effector design, and automatic planning methods for robots. The fundamental techniques apply to arms, mobile robots, active sensor platforms, and all other computer-controlled kinematic linkages. The primary applications include robotic arms and mobile robots and lab projects would involve programming of representative robots. An end of term team project would allow students to program robots to participate in challenges or competitions.
Prerequisite: RBE 500 or equivalent.
RBE 595. Special Topics
Arranged by individual faculty with special expertise, these courses survey fundamentals in areas that are not covered by the regular Robotics Engineering course offerings. Exact course descriptions are disseminated by the Robotics Engineering Program well in advance of the offering.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
RBE 596. Robotics Engineering Practicum
This practicum provides an opportunity to put into practice the principles studied in previous courses. It will generally be conducted off campus and will involve real-world robotics engineering. Overall conduct of the practicum will be supervised by a WPI RBE faculty member; an on-site liaison will direct day-to-day activity. For a student from industry, an internship may be sponsored by his or her employer. The project must include substantial analysis and/or design related to Robotics Engineering and will conclude with a substantial written report. A public oral presentation must also be made, to both the host organization and a committee consisting of the supervising faculty member, the on-site liaison and one additional WPI faculty member. This committee will verify successful completion of the internship.
Prerequisite: Consent of practicum faculty advisor.
RBE 597. Independent Study
Approved study of a special subject or topics selected by the student to meet his or her particular requirements or interests.
Prerequisite: B.S. in CS, ECE, ME, RBE or equivalent and consent of advisor.
RBE 598. Directed Research
For M.S. or Ph.D. students wishing to gain research experience peripheral to their thesis topic, M.S. students undertaking a capstone design project, or doctoral students wishing to obtain research credit prior to admission to candidacy.
Prerequisite: Consent of research advisor.
RBE 599. Thesis Research
For master’s students wishing to obtain research credit toward the thesis.
Prerequisite: Consent of thesis advisor.
Last modified: March 12, 2009 15:14:03