Robotics Masters Curriculum

Phase 1: Blended Program (First 18 Months)

The first 18 months provide students with foundational skills in robotics, AI, data science, coding, cloud computing, and leadership, giving them a well-rounded understanding before they specialize in robotics. This phase blends learning across various technical disciplines with hands-on projects.

Year 1: Robotics Foundations + Cross-Disciplinary Learning (Months 1–12)

Months 1–6: Introduction to Robotics, Coding, and AI

• LeetCode and Interview Preparation:

  • Weekly coding challenges focusing on data structures, algorithms, and system design problems from Google, Tesla, and other top tech companies.

  • Robotics-related challenges such as pathfinding algorithms (A*, Dijkstra), sensor fusion, and robot navigation problems.

• Introduction to Robotics:

  • Core concepts: Sensors, actuators, control systems, and kinematics.

  • Robotic components: Motors, microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), and sensors (LIDAR, cameras, infrared).

  • Real-world project: Build and program a simple robotic arm or wheeled robot that can sense and navigate around obstacles.

• Blending with AI, Data Science, and Cloud Masters:

  • AI for Robotics: Introduction to AI techniques for robotics, such as computer vision, object detection, and path planning.

  • Cloud Robotics: Basics of cloud-based robotic systems, using cloud computing to offload computation-heavy tasks.

  • Real-world project: Develop a cloud-connected robot that uses AI to detect objects and move autonomously.

Months 7–12: Advanced Robotics, Control Systems, and Cloud Computing

• Advanced Robotics and Control Systems:

  • Introduction to robot control: PID controllers, feedback systems, and dynamic modeling.

  • Robotics operating systems (ROS): Setting up and using ROS for robotic applications.

  • Real-world project: Program a robotic arm or wheeled robot using ROS to navigate a predefined course, with obstacle avoidance and dynamic path planning.

• Computer Vision for Robotics:

  • Basics of computer vision: Image processing, object detection, and feature extraction.

  • Using computer vision libraries: OpenCV and TensorFlow for robotics applications.

  • Real-world project: Build a vision-based system that enables a robot to detect objects or track movement.

• Blending with Leadership, Virtual Reality, and Game Design:

  • Leadership in Robotics: Managing multidisciplinary teams working on robotics projects.

  • Virtual Reality in Robotics: Using VR to simulate robotic environments for testing and training.

  • Real-world project: Create a VR environment to test a simulated robot and implement remote control functionality for a physical robot using VR interfaces.

Year 2: Specialization in Robotics (Months 13–18)

Months 13–18: Robotics Specialization and Advanced Applications

• Autonomous Robots:

  • Advanced techniques in autonomous systems: SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), real-time decision-making, and multi-agent systems.

  • Autonomous vehicles and drones: Motion planning, sensor fusion, and obstacle avoidance in complex environments.

  • Real-world project: Design and build an autonomous robot capable of navigating an unknown environment using SLAM techniques and LIDAR.

• Robotics and AI Integration:

  • Deep learning for robotics: Reinforcement learning, neural networks, and behavior cloning for robotic tasks.

  • Integrating AI with robotic control systems for real-time decision-making.

  • Real-world project: Build a robot that learns to perform tasks through reinforcement learning (e.g., picking and placing objects, sorting items).

• Industrial and Collaborative Robots:

  • Introduction to industrial robots: Robotic arms, manipulators, and automation in manufacturing.

  • Human-robot collaboration (Cobots): Safety and interaction design for robots working alongside humans.

  • Real-world project: Program a collaborative robot to assist in a repetitive task, ensuring safety features and interactive functionalities are in place.

• Blending with AI, Cloud, and Leadership:

  • Cloud Robotics: Deploying robots on cloud-based platforms for collaborative, scalable robotic solutions.

  • Leadership in Robotics Startups: Leading teams in developing robotics solutions for industry or consumer applications.

  • Real-world project: Lead a team to build a cloud-connected fleet of robots that collaborate to complete complex tasks, such as warehouse management or autonomous delivery.

Phase 2: Specialization and Real-World Applications (Months 19–36)

Months 19–30: Advanced Specialization in Robotics

Students choose a specific focus area within robotics based on their interests and career goals. Each specialization focuses on real-world applications and large-scale projects.

Specialization Option 1: Advanced Autonomous Systems

• Advanced autonomous systems: Self-driving cars, drones, and robotic delivery systems.

• Deep learning and computer vision for autonomous decision-making.

• Real-world project: Build and deploy an autonomous vehicle or drone, incorporating real-time object detection, navigation, and decision-making.

Specialization Option 2: Human-Robot Interaction and Assistive Robotics

• Designing robots for human interaction: Speech recognition, gesture control, and emotion recognition.

• Developing assistive robots for healthcare, education, or rehabilitation.

• Real-world project: Design and build a robot capable of assisting users in a healthcare setting, integrating natural language processing (NLP) and user interaction features.

Specialization Option 3: Industrial Robotics and Automation

• Advanced industrial automation: Robotics in manufacturing, assembly, and logistics.

• Programming and controlling robotic arms for precision tasks in industrial environments.

• Real-world project: Program an industrial robotic arm to automate a complex task, such as assembly line production or precision welding.

Specialization Option 4: Swarm Robotics and Multi-Agent Systems

• Multi-robot systems: Communication, coordination, and collective behavior in robot swarms.

• Applications in search and rescue, exploration, and agriculture.

• Real-world project: Build and deploy a swarm of robots to collaborate on a large-scale task, such as mapping a large area or performing environmental monitoring.

Phase 3: 6-Month Live Project (Months 31–36)

Live Capstone Project (6 Months)

• Real-World Robotics Project: Students will work on a live project, either developing their own robotics solution or partnering with industry to solve a real-world problem using robotics.

• Team Collaboration: Students will lead or collaborate on teams to design, develop, and deploy a working robotic system.

• Project Examples:

  • Building an autonomous robot for warehouse logistics, capable of navigating and transporting goods.

  • Developing a collaborative robot for use in manufacturing, focused on safety, precision, and efficiency.

  • Creating a fleet of drones for agricultural monitoring, using AI to analyze crop health and optimize resource distribution.

• Project Phases:

  • Phase 1 (Months 31–32): Research, concept development, and project planning.

  • Phase 2 (Months 33–34): Building, testing, and iterative improvements on the robotic system.

  • Phase 3 (Months 35–36): Final deployment, validation, and presentation of the robotic solution to industry stakeholders or potential investors.

Program Outcomes:

• Mastery in robotics, from basic sensor integration to advanced autonomous systems and AI-driven decision-making.

• Proficiency in real-world robotics applications, including industrial automation, collaborative robotics, and autonomous vehicles.

• Ability to lead and collaborate on large-scale robotics projects, integrating AI, cloud computing, and human-robot interaction.

• Experience in building, deploying, and scaling robotic systems for various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

• Completion of a live project, demonstrating the ability to design and implement a complex robotic solution for real-world use.ollaboration and mentorship.