Robotics Essentials
Designing and building robotic systems.
Explore the Foundations of Robotic Systems
Converging technologies and global competition are driving the explosive growth of robotics development across a variety of industries. Companies today need talent with the right combination of technical and business skills to harness the massive power of automation and integrated robotics solutions.
Where can you get a richer understanding of robotics technology and its business applications to expand your career opportunities? MIT xPRO’s online learning programs, which leverage vetted content from world-renowned experts to make learning accessible anytime, anywhere.
USD 74 Billion
7%
Key Takeaways
Learn key concepts of robotic systems and human-robot interaction (HRI)
Determine how robotic automation is suitable for specific work tasks
Identify basic robotic subsystems and recognize how these subsystems work together to influence the function of greater robotic systems
Evaluate how automated technologies can be implemented and determine what barriers exist to prevent such implementation
Explore robotic systems and architecture
Identify the basics of sensing and control in robotic applications
Solve queries and strengthen your knowledge through live AMA sessions with faculty
Program Topics
You will gain access to the learning platform from the program start date, and have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the classroom environment and prepare for the program ahead.
Learn the fundamentals of robotic and automation systems to evaluate opportunities and barriers for adoption and implementation.
Identify robot subsystems and various architecture paradigms and articulate the roles that sensing, planning, and control play when considering a full robotic system.
Delve into the important roles that sensors play in robotic architecture to understand how robots accomplish tasks.
Explore robot task planning and how to use planning models and decision processes as tools to program robot decision-making actions.
Examine motion planning and its applications – manipulation planning and navigation planning – to understand how it can be successfully integrated into various robotic systems.
Learn the basics of function and movement of various parts of a robot system, including several fundamental techniques and characteristics that impact movement performance.
Discuss and evaluate how to manage challenges of robot concurrency, the tendency for things to happen at the same time in a robotic system, and how to use real-time scheduling and real-time requirements to order and sequence robot tasks within a constraint time frame.
Complete a thorough examination of human-robot interaction (HRI), including why it is needed, the challenges it presents in real-world deployments, and the connection between robot decision-making and robotic development.
Highlight approaches and automation characteristics that might benefit certain robotic systems and come full circle to the role of robots in society as you look towards the future.
Program Highlights
Earn a certificate and 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from MIT xPRO
Career-ready skills to position you in a growing market
Workbook to help you apply your learnings
Live faculty sessions
Technical workshops
Who Is This Program For?
The Robotics Essentials online program provides learners with knowledge and resources to identify basic robotic subsystems, evaluate human-robot interactions, and analyze challenges to the implementation of robotic systems. This program is an ideal launchpad for those who want to chart a path forward in full stack robotics, including:
Engineers looking to gain an end-to-end understanding of robotics and automation to expand their career opportunities.
Product Managers who want to learn the fundamentals of robotics to inform their product development decisions and offer more integrated solutions. Representative roles include:
Consultants looking to understand the range of robotic applications and stay up to date on cutting-edge robotic systems and subsystems. Representative roles include:
Professionals in robotics and related industries, including operations, technology, and business executives who need to understand how robotic applications can give their firm a competitive edge.
Program Faculty
Professor at MIT in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, leads Interactive Robotics Group in the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Julie Shah is Associate Dean of Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing at MIT, a professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Director of the Interactive Robotics ...
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, Class of 1957 Career Development Professor
Alberto Rodriguez is the Class of 1957 Associate Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT. Alberto graduated in mathematics ('05) and telecommunication engine...
Certificate
Get recognized! Upon successful completion of this program, you receive 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), a globally recognized measure of professional learning that reflects compliance with international quality standards, and a certificate of completion from MIT xPRO.
This program is graded as a pass or fail; participants must receive 75 percent to pass and obtain the certificate of completion.
After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you, at no additional cost, in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of MIT.
FAQs
How do I know if this program is right for me?
After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.
Are there any prerequisites for this program?
Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.
Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.
What is the typical class profile?
More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.
What other dates will this program be offered in the future?
Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.
How much time is required each week?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.
How will my time be spent?
We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:
Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
Completing your final project, if required
The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.
What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?
More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.
All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.
A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.
How do I interact with other program participants?
Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.
What is the relationship between Emeritus and MIT xPRO?
Emeritus and MIT xPRO collaborate to create and deliver educational programs. None of these programs are Title IV-eligible.
What are the requirements to earn the certificate?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.
This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.
Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?
No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?
No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.
How long will I have access to the learning materials?
You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 24 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.
What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?
Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.
Do I need to be online to access the program content?
Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.
Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?
Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.
What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?
The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.
Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.
What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.
I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?
Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.
How can I obtain an invoice for payment?
Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.
How can I obtain a W9 form?
Please connect with us via email for assistance.
Who will be collecting the payment for the program?
Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?
Program fees for Emeritus programs with MIT xPRO may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
What is the program refund and deferral policy?
For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
Financing Options
Climb Credit*
We offer financing options with our partner, Climb Credit*. Click here to learn more.
*Applicable for US Residents
Flexible Payment Options For All
Flexible payment options allow you to pay the program fee in installments. Click here to see payment schedule.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +1 401 443 9591 (US) / + 44 189 236 2347 (UK) / +65 3129 7174 (SG)
Flexible payment options available.
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