This course aims to deliver fundamental and advanced concepts of utilizing potential features of soft robots and functional sensors with intelligence in creation of novel robotic mechanisms. Through this course, students are expected to understand design and control of intelligent robotic systems that can be constructed by soft sensors, soft actuators, molecular information, functional materials. In addition, students are aimed to understand the unique properties and principles of such robots' dynamics, sensing mechanism, functions and applications of various robotic systems.
Course content
Nowadays, robotics is a multi-disciplinary research field that requires not only sole knowledge on mechanics/electronics, but also a harmonic integration of mechatronics and intelligence at various scale of application. Thus, this course covers a wide range of content, from environmental sensing and molecular information, and their integration methodologies, toward creation of intelligent robotic systems. Lectures will be given with both fundamental insights and advanced application of related topics. In addition, this course will bring students with actual experience on developed robots, and related devices for making robotic systems, through commanding practical robotics research at laboratories in JAIST. This course also designs a project so that students can actually design intelligent robotic systems.
Textbook
Handouts will be distributed in the lecture.
References
Handouts will be distributed in the lecture.
Related courses
M273EJ Mechatronics
M274 Mechanics of Materials
M425E Analytical Mechanics
M618E Materials Design
I484F Robotics
I427 System Control Theory
I615E Robotics and Computer Vision
Prerequisites
Student has good background of any field in mechanics, materials, informatics is welcomed. Basic knowledge in calculus, logics is required.
Schedule
1. Basics of environmental mapping using unmanned robot equipped with sensors
2. LiDAR-based sensing and environmental mapping
3. Vision-based sensing and object recognition
4. Sonar-based underwater sensing
5. Introduction of soft robotics
6. Methods for design of soft robotic mechanisms
7. Practical robotics research in laboratories
8. Methods for integration and control of soft robots
9. Paper review (1)
10. Basics of robots built by molecular information
11. Developments of nano-microrobots towards disease
12. Design and synthesis of artificial living organisms as innovative robots
13. Paper review (2)
14. Design competition and presentation of intelligent robotic systems
How to prepare for this course Be well prepared for the course, taking it into consideration that one credit is awarded for 45 study hours including self-study time in addition to that of in total 15-hour lectures.
Students who will attend this course should review basic knowledge in physics, materials, or programing
Viewpoint of evaluation
Students should understand basic knowledge and technical role of each field in the multidisciplinary material robotics, and how to define problems and solution in practical applications. Especially, even students have different backgrounds, they will assess how their own specialty may contribute to the development of material robots in answering society's needs.
Evaluation method
Paper Review, Report, and Demonstration
Evaluation criteria
Paper Review (40%), Demonstration and Reports (60%)
Abilities/traits that can be acquired
・Social competencies: broad interests, logical thinking, leadership, excellent communication, diversity mindset, broad perspective, initiative and perseverance
・Creative abilities: ambition for expertise and skills, ideation, planning skills, expressiveness
・Practical abilities: information gathering, insight into future or potential needs, exploratory propulsion, openness to criticism or feedback, problem definition
Lecture Archive
What to record: No record
How to broadcast: Undisclosed