CT7158 - Robotic Systems (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Robotic Systems | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||||
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of robotics, equipping you with the essential principles, methods, and tools used to model, design, and control robotic systems. You will explore the historical evolution of robotics, examine the classification of robots by structure and function, and develop a solid understanding of the mathematical and engineering concepts that underpin modern robotic technologies.
Through a balanced approach that combines analytical study with hands-on experience, you will learn how to model robotic systems using forward and inverse kinematics, and how to implement algorithms for trajectory planning and control. Practical sessions using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB and/or the Robot Operating System (ROS) will allow you to design, test, and evaluate robotic behaviours in both simulated and physical environments.
By the end of this module, you will:
• Understand the history, terminology, and classification of robotic systems.
• Apply mathematical and practical foundations to robotic modelling and analysis.
• Analyse the structural behaviour of robot manipulators and mobile robots.
• Develop and implement forward and inverse kinematics.
• Design and test control algorithms for robotic systems using relevant software.
• Evaluate the social, economic, environmental, and ethical considerations related to robotics, including relevant laws and regulations.
Prior learning requirements
Same as the entry requirement of MSc Robotics with Artificial Intelligence course.
Available for Study Abroad? (YES)
Syllabus
Terminology, history of robotics and most common robot design and applications. [LO1]
Classification of robots (industrial/fixed vs mobile); Classification of the most common manipulator mechanical structures; robot manipulator (links, joints, arms, wrist and end-effector). [LO1, LO2, LO3]
Modelling and control of robot manipulators; Robot degrees of freedom (DOF);
Position and orientation of a rigid body; Geometry of movement of a robot (Kinematics, both forward and Inverse), examples and applications; Rotational motion of a robotic arm; Statics and dynamics control of serial-link manipulator arm; Manipulator and robot grippers; Trajectory and path planning. [LO2, LO3]
Mobile robotics, local navigation; Obstacle avoidance; Localization, mapping and mapping-based navigation; Intelligent robotics. [LO3, LO4]
Current techniques in software architectures, programming tools / platforms and environments for robotic systems. [LO3]
Ethics for robotics and social, economic, and environmental issues. [LO1]
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module will be delivered by a mixture of lectures, tutorials/workshops, synchronous/asynchronous e-Learning/ blended learning. Students will be expected to carry out directed independent background study to familiarise themselves with the platforms and tools that will be used during the module.
All required learning material for the module (lectures/ tutorials/ workshops/ recordings / links etc) will be available to students on University VLE (Weblearn). The module page on VLE will be continuously updated with announcements and need based additional information to ensure appropriate support for students’ learning.
Students will be encouraged to keep logbook for reflective learning and regular feedback.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, you should be able to demonstrate:
LO1. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanical structure of various robotic systems, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights. In addition to having a critical awareness of the current laws and regulation relevant to robotics, including the social, economic, environmental and ethical issues.
LO2. Detailed knowledge of the mathematical description of the mechanical structure of a robot manipulator.
LO3. Advanced level knowledge and understanding concerning the motion of robots in the environment from modelling, simultaneous localization and mapping, motion planning and obstacle avoidance. In order to expand knowledge of established and new techniques in software architectures, programming tools / platforms and environments for robotic systems.
LO4. Motion, position and orientation of the bodies in a robotic mechanism using Kinematics to compute the workspace.
Bibliography
Reading list link: https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/19518BBB-66A3-6B4D-8775-F07B585B924E.html
Journals:
• IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b2112633~S1)
• IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics (http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b2047807~S1)
• IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1710899~S1)
• The International Journal of Robotics Research (https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ijr)
• IEEE Transactions on Robotics (http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b2050836~S1)