Robotic Systems

Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including kinematics and dynamics as applied to manipulators and mobile robots. To support many application sensors are required, the module will discuss tactile and vision sensing as applied to both fixed and mobile robots. The design and control of multi-fingered end effectors will be considered in detail. The module will conclude with a study on how biological systems have influenced the development of current and future robotic systems, including swarms and humanoid robotic systems.

---

Data Management

This module aims to explain the role of database systems in information management, introduce students to standard UNIX tools and techniques (e.g., vi editor, ed, sed and awk), develop the student’s skills in the effective use of Unix tools for document preparation, software development and system administration. It also introduces students to command line working and to help develop their appreciation of its strengths/weaknesses relative to GUIs.

---

Intelligent Systems

This module provides a broad introduction to the field of artificial intelligence, and covers the mathematical techniques used in advanced AI modules in the computer science curriculum.