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TEL310 Probabilistic Robotics

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Antonio Candea Leite

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:Lectures, computer exercises, lab exercises and homework, approximately 250-300 hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in the autumn parallel. This course has teaching and evaluation during the autumn parallel.

About this course

This course provides a comprehensive overview of probabilistic algorithms for robotics at the Master's level and focuses on a critical element of robotics: uncertainty in robot perception and action. The key idea of probabilistic robotics is to represent uncertainty explicitly, using the calculus of probability theory. It includes basic concepts of Probability, Bayes Filters, Gaussian and Non-parametric Filters, Robot Motion, Perception, Mobile Robot Localization, Grid and Monte Carlo Localization, Occupancy Grid Mapping, SLAM and Markov Decision Processes. The course also addresses the main sources of uncertainty in robotics: environments, sensors, actuators, robot models, and computational algorithms.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the students have acquired knowledge about and skills in designing, analyzing, and applying probabilistic approaches for robotic systems. This includes the combination of practical work and programming, with algorithms for filtering, planning, localization, and so on. The students should also have basic knowledge about, and skills in, applying the most used methods in probabilistic robotics for a wide variety of robotic applications.
  • Learning activities

    The course consists of lectures and exercises, problem-based learning from industry partners, and computer exercises, with the use of programs in the analysis and design of probabilistic algorithms. The course is complemented with laboratory work (lab exercises), a set of practical implementation instructions in simulation using Matlab/Simulink software and Python language, and fieldwork (if any) on real mobile robots using the ROS framework.

    Lectures and Exercises: concepts are presented and problems analyzed.

    Computer Exercises: presented concepts are practiced through tutorials and exercises.

    Lab Exercises: presented concepts are tested on simulated and real robots.

  • Teaching support
    • The teacher is available for consultation in the lecturing period and otherwise available by e-mail or appointment.
    • Assistant teachers will guide and support students during exercises, practice classes and labs.
    • Course room on Canvas.
    • Licenses for the The Construct Platform will be provided at the start of the course.
  • Syllabus
    • Thrun, S., Burgard, W. & Fox, D., "Probabilistic Robotics," The MIT Press, 2005.
    • Choset, H., Lynch, K. M., Hutchinson, S., Kantor, G. A., Burgard, W., Kavraki, L. E. & Thrun, S., "Principles of Robot Motion: Theory, Algorithms, and Implementations", The MIT Press, 2005.
    • Video Classes: Youtube (Cyrill Stachniss), MATLAB Tech Talks.
  • Prerequisites
    • INF120 Programming and Data Processing, ECTS 10.
    • TEL240 Control and Engineering and Automation, ECTS 10.
    • TEL200 Introduction to Robotics, ECTS 10.
    • TEL211 Robot Programming, ECTS 10.
  • Recommended prerequisites
    • TEL280 Mobile Robots and Navigation, ECTS 10.
  • Assessment method
    Continuous exam: All mandatory exercises, laboratory work and oral presentation must be approved. A Technical Report about the laboratory work and fieldwork (if any) will count 100% towards the final grade (A-E/F).

    Portfolio Karakterregel: Letter grades
  • About use of AI

    K2 - specified use of AI:

    In this course, students are encouraged to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance their coding skills. However, there are specific guidelines regarding the appropriate use of AI assistance.

    Permitted Use of AI Tools:

    • Debugging Assistance: AI may be used to identify and correct errors in code that the student has written.
    • Code Optimization: Students can use AI tools to improve the efficiency and readability of their own code.
    • Learning and Concept Clarification: AI-generated explanations of programming concepts, algorithms, and coding best practices are allowed.
    • Documentation and Style Guidance: AI may be utilized to refine documentation, comments, and adherence to coding standards.
    • Restructuring Support: Students can use AI to suggest improvements for restructuring existing code while ensuring it remains their original work.

    Prohibited Use of AI Tools:

    • Code Generation: AI must not be used to produce entire solutions or significant portions of a coding assignment.
    • Automated Completion of Assignments: Students should not rely on AI tools to complete problems, projects, or coursework on their behalf.
    • Plagiarism or Direct Copying: Any AI-generated content that is copied and submitted without meaningful modifications is not allowed.
    • Bypassing Learning Objectives: The intent of this course is to develop programming skills; using AI in a way that circumvents the learning process is strictly prohibited.

    Academic Integrity and Accountability:

    • Disclosure: If AI tools are used for debugging or improving code, students must indicate how and where they utilized AI assistance in their submission.
    • Originality: All submitted code must be the student’s own work, with AI acting as a support tool rather than a replacement for personal effort.
    • Consequences of Misuse: Any violation of this policy may result in penalties, including reduced grades, assignment re-submission requirements, or disciplinary action according to the university’s academic integrity policies.

    By adhering to these guidelines, students can take advantage of AI-driven learning while ensuring they develop strong programming skills independently. If there are any questions regarding the use of AI, students should consult those responsible for the course for clarification.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme
    The external examiner will control the quality of the syllabus, the questions for the final exam (if any), and the principles for evaluating the exam answers.
  • Mandatory activity
    Mandatory work: laboratory work, fieldwork (if any), oral presentation and written technical report.
  • Preferential right
    Applied Robotics
  • Admission requirements
    Science and Technology