Term 1
Coding 1: Advanced creative robotics coding
This unit introduces you to advanced programming languages most commonly use in robotics, such as C++ and Python.
You will explore programming fundamentals such as object-oriented programming, fundamental logical structures and geometry. This will allow you to implement and experiment with basic algorithms for working with images, audio and electro-mechanical systems.
This unit has the explicit aim of equipping you with an advanced programming foundation to tackle creative robotics programming and the rest of the course.
Critical robotics: Studies and research methods
This unit introduces the key aspects of the research process and interdisciplinary methodologies for creative robotics research.
You will approach qualitative, quantitative, visual and applied methods from the fields of computer science, critical and speculative design. You will explore the history of robotics and human-robot interaction.
Taking a design thinking approach, you will also engage with critical thinking and coherent robotics proposals.
Creative making: Advanced physical computing
The unit will explain and demonstrate how the environment can be seen as data measured by sensors.
You will explore the intersection of the interface with the body by building systems. This unit encompasses the fundamentals of mechanics and electronics, and how they connect through programming and software engineering.
Practical exercises and workshops will equip you with the skills needed for designing and building interactive physical devices and the electronic parts of creative robotics.
Term 2
Coding 2: Advanced frameworks
In this process-based unit, you will explore advanced techniques for robotic interactivity and creativity.
Through experiment driven iterations, you will examine how algorithms are used to make robots interact with humans and the world. You will also learn how they are used to create novel art and music.
Advanced topics in creative robotics such as computer vision, natural language processing, generative drawing and composition are also covered in this unit.
Critical robotics: Studies and research methods
Continuation from term 1.
Creative making: Advanced creative robotics
This practical class introduces students to innovative approaches to designing, executing, and implementing robotic interventions.
Students will explore advanced physical computing techniques such as advanced mechanical principles, digital fabrication, 3D printing, advanced mechanics, soft robotics and sensors and actuators integration into the development of robotic proposals for creative applications.
Term 3
Coding 3: Machine intelligence and social robots
This advanced unit introduces machine learning approaches, concepts and methods through direct examples and core technical training for robotics applications.
Fundamental concepts such as classification, clustering and regression are developed through practical problem-solving exercises. This includes data driven approaches to computer vision, gesture recognition and tracking, natural language processing for human-robot interaction and designing personalities.
Creative making: Advanced creative robotics
Continuation from term 2.
Term 4
Creative robotics: MSc advanced project
This unit gives you the opportunity to develop an advanced creative robotics project and write an associated thesis.
This project is expected to be an advanced application of robotics approaches to creative practice and an exposition in writing of both the technical development of the project and its creative aims.
Prior to the summer break, you will undertake a project proposal phase which includes agreeing the creative ambitions and the technical scope of the project. Significant waypoints and demo stages will support you throughout the process. This can be an individual or group project.
Research option
You may have the opportunity to complete your advanced project as a research assistant for an Institute professor/researcher on a specific project.
The submission requirement will be the same and the proposal stage will need to outline the proposed activity at a similar level of detail.
Due to the availability of suitable research projects this option will be subject to a competitive process if demand outstrips supply.
