Please note that this subject is taught only in Spanish/Basque



The subject Introduction to Robotics is one of the mandatory subjects taught in the 3rd year of the Degree in Artificial Intelligence. This subject provides basic knowledge about mobile robotics and its application in the real world. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of robotics, including movement systems and the types of sensors currently used in robots, and will work on control architectures and basic navigation algorithms to show the intelligent behavior of the robot. Additionally, they will be taught how to program robots to perform specific tasks and how to integrate sensors and actuators into a robotic system.



The knowledge acquired in this subject will be necessary in several of the optional subjects offered in the 4th year of the degree, particularly for those in the robotics branch, as well as Social Robotics and Probabilistic Robotics.



No prior knowledge in the area of robotics is required, since the subject itself will introduce these concepts. However, it requires basic knowledge of the Python programming language.



This subject can be relevant for the professional field and the development of the exit profile of the students. Specifically, the subject can provide knowledge and skills in the design, construction and programming of robots, which can be useful in fields such as industrial automation, medical robotics or service robotics. In addition, the subject can also help develop transversal skills such as teamwork, problem solving and creativity.

1.- Analyze the capabilities of different movement systems using mathematical models, methods and tools, taking into account dynamic and kinematic restrictions.

2.- Unlike other artificial intelligence problems that do not involve interaction with the dynamic real environment, highlight the problems and difficulties presented by the control of mobile robots.

3.- Know the existing software tools for controlling mobile robots.

4.- Know the most common sensors that are mounted on robots and analyze their operation (such as contact sensors, ultrasounds, digital compasses, laser sensors and vision sensors), as well as implement various algorithms for processing sensor information .

5.- Formalize the most basic problems of autonomous robotics: localization, planning, movement, reactive control and learning.

6.- Acquire the ability to read and understand scientific texts related to mobile robotics.

1.- Introduction: brief history of mobile robotics

2.- Effectors and actuators

3.- Sensors

4.- Simultaneous use of sensors and actuators

5.- Control architectures

6.- Navigation

In this subject, various teaching methodologies are used that involve three types of activities:



Master Classes - These will present the theory of the subject and will be illustrated with simple examples. Student participation will be encouraged through small conceptual deepening exercises in theoretical topics.



Oral presentations – Students, in groups or individually, must carry out research on a current application of robotics and present it to the rest of the students. Student participation will be encouraged by generating a debate after each presentation.



Laboratory Group Practices – The students, in groups, will develop a final project in several phases. Incrementally, a mobile robot will be built and will be equipped with different capabilities, and in each of these phases the results obtained will be collected in a scientific document. The robotic platform created will be used to carry out a more elaborate end-of-subject practice, in which through a tournament they will be able to see and compare the intelligent behavior developed with the rest of the groups.



To facilitate and ensure student learning, laboratory practices will be monitored. Feedback will be provided based on previously established evaluation criteria, so that students have the opportunity to become aware of their learning, as well as ways to improve it.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • The percentages and types of evaluation are specified in the subsequent sections. (%): 100

The subject has two modes of evaluation: continuous evaluation and final evaluation.



Continuous evaluation, to which students may participate voluntarily, is offered exclusively to those students who can continuously monitor the subject within the established framework of dedication and attendance at face-to-face activities.



Preferably, students will follow the continuous evaluation system. Otherwise, students must notify in writing the renunciation of continuous evaluation on the dates established (between 60% and 80% of the course) and after verification of partial performance by the teaching staff.



In this subject, the Protocol in force at the UPV/EHU on academic ethics and prevention of dishonest or fraudulent practices in evaluation tests and in academic works at the UPV/EHU is applied.



CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT



- Oral presentation: 10%

- Laboratory practices: 50%

- Written test: 40%



The final grade will be obtained from the sum of the previous grades, but it is necessary to obtain a minimum of 4 out of 10 in each of the tests described above.





FINAL EVALUATION



- Written test: 100%



In both evaluation modes, the written test will be carried out on the dates indicated for the ordinary call. To resign from the call, it will be enough to not appear for the written test.

FINAL EVALUATION



- Written test: 100%



The written test will be carried out on the dates indicated for the extraordinary call

The required material will be published on eGela. It is recommended to consult at least the proposed basic bibliography.

Basic bibliography

A. Astigarraga, E. Lazkano. Robot Mugikorrak. Oinarriak. UEU, 2012

M. Mataric. The Robotics Primer. MIT Press, 2007

R. A. Brooks. Flesh and Machines. MIT Press, 2003

R. Siegwart, I. R. Nourbaksh. Introduction to Mobile Robotics. MIT Press, 2004

In-depth bibliography

H. Choset et al. Principles of Robot Motion. MIT Press, 2005
V. Braitenberg. Vehicles: expriments in synthetic psychology. MIT Press, 1984
U. Nehmzow. Scientific Methods in Mobile Robotics. Springer, 2005.
S. Thrun. Probabilistic Robotics. MIT Press, 2005

Journals

Robotics and Autonomous Systems
IEEE Transactions on Robotics
Autonomous Robots
International Journal of Robotics Research
Journal of Adaptive Behaviour

Web addresses

TED talks