B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices (MH306)

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

What is an “intelligent device” ?

Med techHealth trackers,

Pacemakers, diagnostics, baby

monitors (eg SIDS),

Home systemsSmart ovens,

adaptive heating, security systems, apps controlling

music, TVs, kettles

Gizmos & ToysTalking toys, robo-fish, phones, alarm clocks, projectors, anything

with a battery

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

What types of robots ?

WalkersHuman interactive systems, emotion,

healthcare applications

FlyersHighly mobile,Sensor fusionControl issues

RollersUnstructured

environments, includes industrial

robotics, home use, window

cleaners, self-driving cars

SailingWater based

systems, includes underwater, larger systems, shipping,

offshore maintenance,

security.

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

and not….

the heavy industrial robotic systems

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

and not….

the crazy killer robots

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Programme Objectives

We want our graduates to be able to

• add intelligence to everyday objects• enable mobile devices to operate in an un-planned,

changing environment• provide safe, friendly, easy interactions with humans

The application range includes

• intelligent home systems (eg Nest, auto-cooking ovens)• wearable systems (health monitors, go-pro cameras)• industrial mobile robotics (warehouse deliveries)• home based robotics (home cleaning)• human interactive robotics (healthcare, meet & greet)

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Educational Aspects

A 4-year programme, combining Computer Science and Electronic Engineering – software and hardware

Core areas: • strong programming skills (C,C++, Python, Java)• electronics and hardware design• merging software and hardware• intelligence, decision making, if-then-else..• human-machine interactions (fears, trust, cultural issues)

There will also be a heavy emphasis on projects. Each year students will build and use a variety of robots and technologies

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Degree Structure

Electronic Engineering

Computer Science Project

Electronic Engineering Computer Science Project

Maths and Physics

Electronic Engineering Computer Science Work Placement

Electronic Engineering Computer Science Final Year Project

A 4 year programme leading to a B.Sc, blending Computer Science and Electronic Engineering with specialist modules on Robotics and Intelligence in each year

1st Year

2nd Year

3rd Year

4th Year

Transfer to Electronic Engineering is possible after Year 1

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Who would this suit?

Students who are:

• Interested in making things – combining electronics and programming• Students who like creating solutions, solving problems, inventing –

especially those focussed on human helpers• Interested in how technology and people emotionally and physically

interact • Candidates for the Technology section of the Young Scientist• Adventurous and curious

Students would benefit (not required):• Strong maths skills (beyond the HD3/OB3 requirement)• Physics• Interested in programming

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Maths – what is really needed ?

The maths requirement is an OB3/HD3 (or equivalent in the new system).

• Students will take 2 modules of engineering maths each year for 2 years.

• This is maths for solving problems, like applied maths, not abstract mathematics. It makes it more accessible to students.

• The important thing is for students to be NOT AFRAID of mathematics. We need mathematical literacy – an ability to understand things written in numbers, rather than solving complex equations (we have a bit of that too).

• Most students can work their way through the maths aspects, but it is much easier if they are confident and have done the higher level maths programme.

• Key topics are: statistics and probability (strand 1), geometry (strand 2), functions (strand 5)

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Why Ireland, Why Now

A strong local industry interested in this broad areaSignificant demand for graduates

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Gaining Early Access to New Areas

Assisted Living in the homeHelping the elderly and the sick, home-help, medicines, cleaning. A huge problem with a globally aging population.

Prosthetics and Med TechArtificial Limbs, exoskeletons, embedded medical devices

Technology in our homesEverything is getting smarter… connected to our phones, helping us do things faster and better.. smart

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Gaining Early Access to New Areas

Making DeliveriesDoing the heavy lifting in factories and deliveries by land and air. Already in use today by Intel, Amazon, HP. Challenge is to moving around people, safely and rapidly

The Retail SectorAutomated retail outlets, robots as sales assistants. Fast food restaurants in the US, bank managers in Japan. The key is to be easy-to-engage, friendly, and helpful.

Self-Driving VehiclesAuto-parking cars, driverless cars, understanding how they perceive their world and make decisions.

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Jobs and more jobs…

Graduates will be have both computer science and electronic engineering and get jobs in both areas.

The intelligent devices is really hardware and electronics mash up and is the heart of the electronic engineering industry. It is more mature and bigger. Several new job announcements (UTRC) in this area in recent weeks.

The robotics sector is smaller and growing…

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Embedded Systems – in demand

Sectors

Salaries

Career Builder U

K

Job search

05 Sept 2015

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Robotics – small but growing

Sectors

Salaries

Career Builder U

K

Job search

05 Sept 2015

B.Sc in Robotics and Intelligent Devices

Summary

A new combination of electronics and software

Exciting career opportunities in non-traditional areas,

Could suit people who think “tech” is boring and cold – this area will change the world we live in

Strong, in-demand, well-paid career opportunities – in Ireland and globally