This course focuses on how robot control and decision processes are informed through sensors. The course covers the operation and integration of simple and complex sensors, including signal transduction, interface circuitry, and physical integration. Themes include how functionality guides sensor selection; how decision-making is affected by uncertainty, and how performance can be improved through signal conditioning, digital filtering, calibration, parameter selection, and sensor fusion. The course will address how sensor inputs can be used to generate representations of the environment, and how a robot uses information to achieve goals within its environment. Laboratory sessions consist of hands-on exercises and team projects where students specify and test a variety of sensors to accomplish specific tasks.
Knowledge of Embedded Systems, such as covered in ECE 2049.