What will I learn on this module?
This module will give you a deep understanding of the implementation and programming of robot technologie as autonomous systems. You will have practical experience with using the math underlying robot programming and design, including kinematics, probability and geometry. You will be taught about the components, sensor arrays and programming frameworks that make up a modern robotic system. You will research and develop a small robot that is designed for a specific industrial application, for example a warehouse stock and material transport robot, a localisation and mapping robot or a driverless vehicle. Each implementation of a robotic system will use main control architecture, state of the art sensor fusion techniques that enable localisation, obstacle avoidance, vision algorithms, path planning or navigation. The module will also cover emergent ethical and safety issues related to robotics and automation.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn the core material from a series of lectures and lab sessions that cover the fundamentals of robotic systems and how they are programmed using current industrial practices. The labs will provide you with progressive hands-on experience of developing and programming robotic systems. The taught material provides you with the foundation, so that you can supplement this with your own research and development of a robot that solves a specific problem.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by formal lectures and interactive lab sessions as well as supplementary material and reading lists from the University’s e-learning platform.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
ML01. Demonstrate a deep and critical knowledge and understanding of robotics systems and robotics software engineering principles and frameworks.
ML02. Demonstrate critical understanding of ethical, social, and economic issues and risks surrounding the design, development, implementation and operation of Robotic systems.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
ML03. Compare contrast and justify the design and development of real-world, cutting-edge robotics systems and applications.
ML04. Analyse the effectiveness of appropriate robotic sensors and algorithms for the solution of specific problems.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
ML05 – Practise and develop independent enquiry and research skills as well as articulating critical thinking evidenced by demonstrating and reporting on an advanced robotic system implementation.
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessment will be a research report (65%) that brings together all the new skills you have learned from a combination of taught material and your own research. The word limit of the report will be 3500 words.
This will be supplemented by a demonstration of your working Robot (35%) You will receive both informative and confirmatory feedback on your assessments.
This assessment addresses Module Learning Outcomes – ML01, ML02, ML03, ML04 and ML05
On an on-going basis you will also receive formative feedback on exercises you are required to complete in lab sessions.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will teach you the theory, principles and practice behind the development of robotic systems. Indicative topics include: Principles of robotic systems and applications, sensors and actuators, perception, sensor fusion, robot programming frameworks as well as the ethical issues concerning robotics and automation. The taught theory will be complimented by research rich learning as well as physical system development but, the primary focus of the module is on robotics programming where you will use the state of the art in robotics software development frameworks. You will apply what you have learned in the lectures, labs and your own research to an assessed piece of work where you will build a robot application that is able to navigate autonomously using intelligent obstacle detection and avoidance as well as path finding technologies. The module aims to provide you with some experience of Robotics system development as used in industry and so enhance your employability in that field. The module will also cover emergent ethical and safety issues related to robotics and automation.
Course info
UCAS Code G411
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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