CSC 375/475: Introduction to Robotics

Course Logistics

Time and Location:

• Lecture: W 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM
• Format: Online Sync

Instructor:

• Dr. Umer Huzaifa (mhuzaifa@depaul.edu)
• Please include “[CSE 375]” in your email subject line.
• Office Hours: M 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Required Software:

• The course relies on the simulation bundle Robot Virtual Worlds + ROBOTC for LEGO Mindstorms EV3 available for purchase on https://www.robotc.net/
• As noted on the website, the software can only run on computers running Windows operating systems. It is strongly recommended to use this on Windows. If you are using Mac, please follow the instructions on this page for using a virtual image: https://www.robotvirtualworlds.com/getting-started.html
• The license information will be provided in the first couple of weeks. Please wait for the instructor to provide more information about it.

Online Resources:

• The open-source textbook is: Elements of Robotics by Mordechai Ben-Ari and Francesco Mondada, Springer Open, 2018. link
• D2L CSC 375/475 page
• Discord group link
• For this simulation based course, the following link is useful for learning about ROBOTC API: https://www.robotc.net/WebHelpMindstorms/index.htm#Resources/topics/ROBOTC_Interface/Overview.htm

Catalog Description:

This course presents an overview of robotics in practice and research with topics including basic kinematics, localization, motion planning, and sensors. During the course, students assemble robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot kit. The LEGO robot will be programmed by a variant of C language (RobotC) that provides a rich set of methods to interact with the robot sensor and actuators. These hands-on projects aim to reinforce the basic principles developed in course material. Because of the online nature of the course, all the tasks will instead be performed in the simulation environment. This course will also expose students to some of the contemporary happenings in robotics, including current robotics research, applications, and robot contests (via assignments, reports, and discussions).

By the end of this course you will be able to understand:

• robot motion (kinematics)
• robot sensing (perception)
• modeling of the environment
• programming for a robot task

Prerequisites: You must have taken CSC 373 and CSC 374. In addition, for CSC 475 students: CSC 407.

Lecture Format:

The class will follow a flipped format where the students will be expected to read through the reading material for the week and the respective chapter before coming to the class. The lecture will go over the key points, and then will be dedicated to hands-on programming exercises on the robot simulation.

Evaluation and Grading

Attendance:

Mandatory. In case of an event that prohibits you to join the class, you must inform the instructor in advance.

Course Components:

Course elements contribute to the overall course grade as follows:

For CSC-475, all course modalities will have extra questions for the graduate students.

Competitions:

There will be at least three or more challenges where the simulation tasks will be performed by all the students.

Homework:

Homework will be posted on D2L and have to be submitted on Gradescope. No late submissions will be accepted. It is recommended to start the homework early and communicate with the instructor as soon as you face difficulties.

Programming Exercises:

In each class, nearly half or more time will be dedicated to solving a few programming exercises focusing on the content covered in that week.

Course Evaluation Tools – Gradescope and D2L:

Gradescope will be used for grading and feedback. This platform allows to provide fast and accurate feedback on your work. As soon as grades are posted, you will be notified immediately so that you can log in and see your feedback. You may also submit regrade requests if you feel we have made a mistake. You will be enrolled in this tool by the first lecture.

D2L will be used for providing all the necessary course content, communicating the course information, and grading. You are automatically enrolled in this tool as you register for the course.

If you are not enrolled in any of the above online tools by the first lecture, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.

Policies

Academic Integrity:

• This course adheres to the DePaul University’s policy on Academic Integrity. For complete information, please see: http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/
• Cheating is any action that violates university norms or instructor’s guidelines for the preparation and submission of assignments. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Unauthorized access to examination materials prior to the examination itself.
  • Use or possession of unauthorized materials during the examination or quiz.
  • Having someone take an examination in one’s place.
  • Copying from another student.
  • Unauthorized assistance to another student; or acceptance of such assistance.
• Plagiarism involves the presentation of the work of another as one’s own.
• Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to the following:
  • The direct copying of any source, such as written and verbal material, computer files, audio disks, video programs or musical scores, whether published or unpublished, in whole or part, without proper acknowledgment that it is someone else’s.
  • Submitting as one’s own work a report, examination paper, computer file, lab report or other assignment that has been prepared by someone else (including research papers purchased from any other person or agency).
  • The paraphrasing of another’s work or ideas without proper acknowledgment.
  • Working so closely with another person so as to produce identical code.
• Avoid any form of or the appearance of any form of academic misconduct, which will result in a minimum penalty of zero credit for the work in question, and may result in a maximum penalty of a failing course grade.

Important: All of the course content is copyright protected by the instructor or relevant individuals/organizations. No part of the course content can be uploaded or shared to any entity. One specific example of this violation would be Chegg and Coursehero. In case this violation is discovered, strict action will be taken against the perpetrator.

Changes to Syllabus:

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Academic Calendar:

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. For more information, visit http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx

Students with Disabilities:

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me in private as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), to discuss their specific needs, and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). All discussions will remain confidential.