Kickstart your robotics journey with an exploration of Locomotion and Sensors and usage of AI algorithms —the building blocks of all robots. Learn how robots move, calculate motion paths, and use kinematics to solve real-world challenges. For instance, you would be able to appreciate how rovers in space missions use differential kinematics to seamlessly navigate complex environments.

Did you know AI on the edge enables drones to make split-second decisions in rescue missions, even with limited computational resources? You can read further about scenarios of network centric multi-drone co-operation models in the website of one of the leading Global Drone Solution provider Skydio. Dive into the AI on the Edge module to uncover how advanced algorithms and deep learning frameworks, like TensorFlow Lite, empower robots to think and adapt in real-time.

Delve into Robot Operating System (ROS), the framework that powers millions of robots globally and also used in Space explorations. Through hands-on practice, you'll simulate robots in ROS environments like Gazebo and Rviz, building a deep understanding of ROS’s architecture and its pub-sub communication mechanism.

Space ROS is an open-source software framework, derived from ROS 2, is platform independent, portable, and project independent. Did you know, that the Space ROS project started with a joint agreement between Blue Origin and NASA. NASA has used ROS in its Robonaut 2 and Astrobee robots on the International Space Station, and was in preparatory stage for ROS2 usage at the ground node of the VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission. You can learn more here about Space ROS and find out about FAQs here

Step into the world of robotic perception by learning the fundamentals of Computer Vision. Understand how robots perceive the world using tools like OpenCV and TensorFlow.

Challenges in Computer Vision as perception for Robots is multi-dimensional. For the best design vision solutions and algorithms, comparison with human interpretation of images is been long held as gold standard. We can infer from images - depth and patterns instantaneously. Image representation in computers are however an array of numbers, and Robots face the constraints of limited compute power and memory, to be able to process visuals in real time. While Neural Networks such as CNN, provide a layered approach to identification of objects, there is no single silver bullet for Visual perception for Robots. By utilizing AI techniques (such as artificial neural networks) for object detection, you'll get a feel of the opportunities and challenges in relation to Machine Vision application in Robotics.

Ever wondered how delivery bots navigate crowded city streets or Robots in unknown Territories like Mars apply principles of autonomous navigation (while being assisted by humans) ?

Mars Perseverance Rover, designed and operated by NASA, and researchers at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech is one such robotic marvel example, with multiple successful explorations in the rugged terrain of Mars, by utilising stereo imaging, while being on self-drive mode. Here is a quick snippet about Self-Driving capabilities of Perseverance Mars Rover and more details can be found at NASA website .

Learn in this segment, how robots find their way with Autonomous Navigation. Not knowing the location or map of a place, while exploring unknown territories, such as undersea or remote terrains on earth, planets like Mars, presents a signficant challenge for a Robot. You will explore various techniques to tackle such scenarions for Autonomous Navigation in Robots. Explore mapping techniques like topological maps, occupancy grids, and Octomap-voxels. Understand localization methods like Markov and Global Localization to see how it all comes together.

In the final segment of your learning, step into the world of entrepreneurship with Tech Startup Know-How. Understand the challenges and opportunities of launching a tech startup, and equip yourself with the skills to design, pitch, and scale your ideas.

As we progress towards knowledge economy, critical and emerging technologies will become more dominant and replace the traditional value propositions and alter value chains in most disruptive ways, that we have experienced earlier.

Dive deep into startup strategies, leveraging funding options, and overcoming market entry barriers in a knowledge economy. Develop critical thinking and leadership skills to steer your innovative ideas toward success, and be able to manage Global Teams and Technology Value Chains successfully.