In this class I teach students how to translate theoretical knowledge from kinematics and controls into the design and building of an autonomous robot. The course teaches analysis and synthesis of motions of mechanisms in order to design robotic systems. Throughout the course, design ideas and motion analysis for robotic systems are discussed for a wide range of applications including spatial, industrial, and medical robotics. The students simulate and analyze motions of multi-link mechanisms in the MATLAB programming environment. Students design and develop robot mechanisms as part of the group projects. The class is cross-listed as an undergraduate elective and a graduate-level class. The class follows the philosophy of project-based learning, and given the interdisciplinary nature of robotics fields, the students are exposed to wide ranging topics, including design, mechatronics, controls, programming and biomechanics. Students design and build complete robotic systems as part of their projects, and over the last two iterations students have successfully built prototypes for prosthetic devices, rehabilitation robots, and walking machines.
