Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence MEng/BEng (Hons)

15 credits

This module aims to equip you with mathematical skills that are crucial for comprehending engineering subjects effectively. The topics covered in the module will serve as fundamental tools for studying various engineering subjects. You will be empowered to comprehend and utilise the language and techniques of mathematics in describing, analysing, and designing engineering systems. The primary focus is on utilising mathematical tools to resolve engineering problems, especially on mechanical systems, robotics, control systems, and signal processing.

15 credits

The module focuses on kinematics and dynamics, enabling you to map motion from joint to Cartesian space and offering you the tools useful to design model-based control algorithms with superior performance. Topics covered include direct and inverse kinematics, differential kinematics, Lagrangian and Newton-Euler dynamics, dynamic parameter identification, design of model-based (e.g. hybrid, impedance, adaptive) controllers.

15 credits

This is a core module for all Level 5 students on engineering programmes. You will demonstrate a developing awareness of the skills required to operate as a professional in their subject area. This module will scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply.

This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student's knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.

15 credits

This module is designed to enhance the concepts and apply the fundamental principles of control system engineering to solve real world control engineering problems. It enables you to develop skills to model, interpret and control dynamic behaviour of structures and systems with multi degree of freedom. MATLAB is used to reinforce the concepts learned in the module through simulation. This module is rich in technical content to enhance analytical as well as employability skills.

30 credits

This module is designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of computer vision and the role machine learning (ML) can play in optimising its functionality. You will gain insight into the principles of computer vision systems and the incorporation of ML into these systems. You will learn how to model and analyse the behaviour of dynamic computer vision systems. You will grasp the concepts of image analysis, pattern recognition and the effects of ML integration in a computer vision system. You will apply computer vision techniques to solve real-world image analysis problems, and you will learn the concepts of ML approaches used in computer vision systems. Python, along with libraries such as OpenCV and TensorFlow, is used to reinforce the concepts learned in the module through software simulations.

30 credits

This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of designing and building robots, with a focus on sensors, actuators, and modeling. You will learn essential concepts and industry-standard software necessary for designing complex robotic systems. Through a project-based assessment approach, you will collaborate in teams to develop technical reports that encompass the design, modeling, cost analysis, and manufacturing details of different robot subsystems. The module emphasises the application of technical drawing standards, British design practices, and design for manufacturing and assembly techniques to enhance students' employability in the engineering sector. Regular project reviews, a design report, and group presentations facilitate the development of innovative ideas and effective teamwork.

15 credits

You will demonstrate the ability to apply your developing professional skills competencies in your chosen area and will ensure you have a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop your technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment and prepare you for employment and entrepreneurship.

You will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where you will work in a team to develop a business idea of your group's choice. To do this you will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside the University.

15 credits

This module enables you to identify and develop skills in the solution of problems relating to the creation of mechatronic systems and robotic automation. You will be introduced to the techniques and knowledge required to design and embed microcontrollers, linked to a range of sensors and actuators, into a system to sense, process, control and display real world events, similar to those encountered within an industrial engineering, or commercial environment. The module covers topics such as advanced programming, state-of-the-art sensors and actuators, data logging, microcontroller selection and use of commercial shields (expansion boards) as building blocks to extend system functionality using a modular approach to the design process.

15 credits

This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of advanced signal processing techniques and their applications. Through lectures and seminars, you will learn about key concepts such as advanced digital signal analysis, filter design, and implementation, and digital signal processing algorithms. You can expect to gain knowledge in areas like Fourier analysis, spectral estimation, wavelet transforms, and time-frequency analysis. The module covers real-world applications of digital signal processing, such as audio, image and video processing, biomedical signal processing, communication systems, and control systems. You will also engage in practical implementation and simulation exercises, using software tools like MATLAB and Python. In addition to technical skills, the module fosters attributes such as digital competency, adaptability, collaboration, questioning mindset, and resilience.

15 credits

This module covers a comprehensive study of the design principles and computational modelling and simulation techniques for soft robotics which is a rapidly growing field that seeks to create robots that mimic biological organisms in flexibility, adaptability and complex motion. The module introduces you to the key aspects of this exciting field, including principles of soft robotics design, computational modelling and simulation techniques and their applications in biologically inspired designs. At its core, the module emphasises the importance of computational modelling and simulation in soft robotics. As soft robots are often composed of flexible and deformable materials, accurately modelling and simulating their behaviour under various conditions is critical. The module exposes you to a range of computational tools and methods, including finite element analysis and dynamic system simulation and machine learning techniques. You will gain hands-on experience in utilising these tools to model and simulate various aspects of soft robotics, from actuation mechanisms to control strategies.

30 credits

This module is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. The module covers a range of topics, including advanced robotics techniques, trajectory planning, planning in joint space with imposed conditions, planning in cartesian space, orientation trajectories, and the integration of computer vision and artificial intelligence in robotics applications. You will gain a deeper understanding of how to design and implement robotic systems that can perform complex tasks efficiently and intelligently. You will also explore current research and industry developments related to the deployment of intelligent robots. This technical as well as research-informed module will enhance your analytical and employability skills. Additionally, it provides you with the opportunity to enhance your research, interpersonal and presentation skills.

30 credits

In this module you will research and study in detail a topic in your chosen field of study which is of personal interest.

You'll be able to show high levels of responsibility and organisational capability (through arranging meetings with supervisors, setting project goals and meeting appropriate deadlines) as well as demonstrate effective communication with others. The module encourages you to recognise, question and deal with the ethical dilemmas that are likely to occur in research and professional practice. You can further enhance the independence and employability skills the industry is looking for in graduates, especially those seeking professional recognition as a chartered engineer.

30 credits

This module encompasses a range of related fields, such as control, advances electronics and embedded implementation for robotics, introducing classical design and tools for analysis of control systems. Time domain design methods are followed by frequency domain design methods. Although the module mainly deals with continuous-time systems, discrete-time systems are also discussed. Your learning is supported by practical exercises where you'll design and implement embedded control systems using computer-aided design tools and embedded microcontroller-based robotic platforms. In addition to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on implementation, providing you with a set of skills that will enhance your employability.

15 credits

This module delves into the kinematic and dynamic models of wheeled and aerial robots, starting with fundamental concepts like nonholonomic constraints for wheeled robotics. You'll learn about dynamic models, path planning, regulation and tracking, artificial potential fields for obstacle avoidance, and control techniques. Aerial robotics introduces different vehicle definitions, along with altitude, attitude, and position control strategies for efficient vehicle manipulation. The significance of visual servoing techniques in aerial robotics is also highlighted. Throughout the module, you'll engage in practical exercises, simulations and hands-on projects to reinforce your theoretical knowledge. You will be equipped with the skills necessary to design and implement control systems for unmanned vehicles, enabling you to contribute to the advancement of autonomous robotics in various industries.

15 credits

This module is designed to expand your knowledge and skills in the fields of artificial intelligence, in particular, deep learning applied to robotic applications. The module covers a range of topics, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). You will gain a deeper understanding of how to design and implement robotic systems that can perform complex tasks efficiently and intelligently such as responding to human behaviour and navigating autonomously in complex and dynamic environments.

15 credits

This module explores the synergy between robotics and bio-inspired design, deriving design principles from living systems to enhance understanding in key areas such as mechatronic systems and sensor/actuator technologies. You will engage with a comprehensive learning journey encompassing lectures, tutorials and hands-on lab exercises. These formats will facilitate a deep understanding of the adaptability and autonomy present in animal life, and how these principles can be applied to robotics. The module offers you a valuable opportunity to develop and showcase your innovative prowess in the creation, construction and critical assessment of new robotic applications. The focus is on surpassing existing designs in adaptability, manoeuvrability, resilience and energy efficiency. You can expect to bolster your problem-solving abilities as you deal with complex design challenges. You will also develop critical thinking skills as you evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of their designs. Communication skills will be honed during a team-based project and presentation.

15 credits

This module provides you with the knowledge of the basic principles of human-robot interaction (HRI), exploring the fundamentals of a new area of research related to robotics, focusing on the physical, cognitive, and social interaction between humans and robots. This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of HRI principles, theories, and practical applications. You will learn to design, evaluate, and implement effective HRI systems that enable seamless communication and collaboration between humans and robots.

30 credits

The MEng Team Project is a module which runs throughout the final year of the MEng programme. It provides a capstone element to the course by providing an opportunity for you to work on a major engineering design problem in a team in a way which closely parallels a real-world project. The groups are assigned to a particular project which has an outline project description, specification, or customer requirements provided by the teaching team. It is your group's job to develop the specification in detail, to convert it to a technical specification and then carry out the tasks necessary to complete the project. This module provides an opportunity for you to further develop academic skills delivered earlier in the programme. In order to successfully complete the module, you must establish a plan and work schedule, perform the technical tasks necessary to fulfil the plan, monitor progress, manage the team activities, hold and minute formal team design meetings, and resolve any problems that arise.