ECE 4160

Fast Robots

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

The course focus is on systems level design and implementation of fast and dynamic autonomous robots. With the recent DIY movement, design of kinematic robots is largely becoming a software challenge. In dynamic robots, however, any latency or noise can be detrimental. We will design a fast autonomous car, explore dynamic behaviors, acting forces, sensors, and reactive control on an embedded processor, as well as the benefit of partial off-board computation. Students will learn how to derive design specifications from abstract problem descriptions and gain familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques, system debugging, system evaluation, and online dissemination of work.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: Engineering juniors.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• Students will learn how to robustly integrate systems consisting of electronics, software, and mechanics operating in the real world.
• Students will learn how to translate probabilistic control and planning methods to practical robots with hardware and processing constraints.
• Students will learn how to disseminate their work to their peers and an engineering audience.
• Students will learn how to predict the likely social and environmental effects of their design.

View Enrollment Information