The University of Sheffield
School of Computer Science

COM3009 Robotics

Summary This module is concerned with the design and implementation of the technology underpinning contemporary robotics. The course has a multidisciplinary content spanning psychology, computer science and robotics.
Session Spring 2025/26
Credits 20
Assessment
  • Formal exam (45%) and laboratory work (55%)
Lecturer(s) Professor Roger Moore, Dr Tom Howard, Mr Alex Lucas & Miss Ayesha Sana
Resources
Aims

This unit aims to:

  • Provide an understanding of the principles and practices underlying contemporary robotics;
  • Provide practical experience of implementing and evaluating such principles and practices in a collaborative laboratory environment.
Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, a candidate will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices underlying contemporary robotics;
  • Apply such principles and practices in a real-world robotics task using ROS.
  • Demonstrate the application of certain principles of robotics in an advanced challenge problem. 
Content
  • Robot Programming, ROS
  • Sensing, Actuation & Control
  • Autonomous Systems, Control Theory & PID Control
  • Reaching & Grasping
  • Local Guidance Strategies
  • Localisation, Path Planning & Maps
  • Sensor Fusion & SLAM
  • Robot Learning
  • Cognitive & Interactive Systems
  • Human-Robot Interaction
  • Swarm Robotics
Restrictions

This module cannot be taken with or after COM2009 or ELE434.

Optional modules within the school have limited capacity. We will always try to accommodate all students but cannot guarantee a place.  

Teaching Method
  • The course will be delivered using a mix of lectures and laboratory sessions. The lectures will convey the principles and the laboratory sessions will deliver the associated practical skills.
  • 20 hours of Lectures
  • 24 hours of Laboratory Sessions
Feedback Assignments marked using published criteria, submission commented and returned by Blackboard within 3 weeks.