CY2C6-Systems and Robotics

Module Provider: Cybernetics
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level: I (Intermediate)
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring
Module Convenor: Dr JCA Ellick
Pre-requisites: SE1CA5
Co-requisites: CY2A7
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: j.c.a.ellick@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
The module aims to describe aspects of robotics, sensors and relevant principles of structures, materials and dynamics.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module the students will be able to analyse and design a mobile robot and assoicated sensors and actuators, select appropriate sensors, and understand the basic principles of structures, material science and dynamics. They should be able to apply these principles to solve simple engineering problems, with particular reference to robots.

Additional outcomes:
Key skills in problem solving. Development of basic skills and competences in the use of industry standard CAD software.
EA1 topics: Robot Sensors
EA2 topics: 3D Modelling CAD

Outline content:
Mobile robotics: forward/inverse kinematics for mobile platforms; sensors, including their imperfections; robot architectures for control.
Measurement: Phototransducers. Fibre optic sensors. Digital transducers. Measurement methods and instrumentation. Acceleration transducers. Force and Pressure transducers. Flow transducers;
Structures: Equilibrium. Forces and moments. Simple Frameworks. Bending: BM, shear force, stress and strain. Neutral axis. Second moment of area. Deflections. Torsion. Axial and hoop stresses in thin walled cylindrical vessels. Mohr's circle.
Computer aided design/finite element analysis: Basic design skills. An introduction to the principles of solids modelling, parametric design, creating drawings.
Material Science : Properties of materials: elasticity, hardness, yield stress, UTS, Poisson’s ratio, elongation. Classes of materials. Corrosion.
Dynamics : Forces, velocity and acceleration. Newton's Laws: Impulse and momentum, kinetic and potential energies. Rotational motion. Moments of inertia. Angular momentum and energy. Mixed motion. Simple Vibration.
Case studies Two engineering design case studies based on CAD and structural analysis.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises 2 lectures per week and some practical sessions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20	20
Tutorials/seminars	10		2
Practicals		9
Other contact (eg study visits)
Total hours	30	26	2
Number of essays or assignments
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework
The module is assessed by two case studies and laboratory practicals
Relative percentage of coursework : 25%
Examinations
One 3 hour paper
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August / September.

Last updated: 5 November 2008