EE 236
Principles of Robotics

Course description :

Definition of robots and manipulators.  Different transformations involve in the study of manipulators.  Discussion of the key areas concerning robotics : kinematics and dynamics.  Trajectory planning.

Course objectives :

Learn common terms found in robotic literature.  Kinematic and dynamic analysis of robotic manipulators.  Simple motion planning.  Appreciation for the science and art of robotics.

Text / References :

John J. Craig.  Introduction to Robotics, Mechanics and Control, 2nd edition.
Any book / text on robotics and manipulators.

Grading :

1 long exam                           30 %
Projects / Homeworks           70 %

Grading scale :

92 -  100    1.0
88 - < 92    1.25
84 - < 88    1.5
80 - < 84    1.75
76 - < 80    2.0
72 - < 76    2.25
68 - < 72    2.5
64 - < 68    2.75
60 - < 64    3.0
< 60           5.0

Course outline :

 I.  Introduction
    A. What is a robot?
    B. Application of robots
    C. Types of manipulators
    D. Parts and components of a robotic system
    E. Overview

II.  Spatial transformations
    A. Position, orientation and frames
    B. Mapping from frame to frame
    C. Translation, rotation and transformation
    D. Transform arithmetic and equations

III.  Manipulator kinematics
    A. What is kinematics?
    B. Link and joint description
    C.  Affixing coordinate frames
    D. Coordinate transformations
    E. Examples (Planar / Spatial)
    F. Standard frame names

IV.  Inverse kinematics
    A. Solvability issues
    B. Geometric solution
    C. Algebraic solution

V.  Generalized velocity and torque relations
    A. Velocity and acceleration in coordinate systems (optional)
    B. Velocity transformation
    C. Force transformation

VI.  Manipulator dynamics
    A. Euler-Lagrange equations
    B. Newton-Euler equations (optional)

VII.  Trajectory Planning
    A. Formulation of the planning problem
    B. Desired trajectory specifications

    Long exam

Tentative projects :
    A. Forward and inverse kinematics
    B. Dynamical equations and motion simulation
    C. End-effector positioning