The students acquire knowledge and experience in how to build a robot with state-of-the-art technologies. They learn the basic scheme of a robotic system and the fundamental approaches to build and integrate the different components. They include fundamentals of kinematics and control, main proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensors, architectures for robot behavior, basics of humanoid robotics and of robot navigation. They then learn how bioinspired approaches can be applied alternatively to the same problems and acquire knowledge on neurocontrollers, bioinspired sensing, embodied intelligence and neuromorphic computing. When appropriate, focused glimpses on cutting-edge research are also given to the students.

The knowledge acquired by the students is assessed through an oral exam. A written test may replace the oral exam, once, at the end of classes.

The students also have the opportunity to challenge themselves in building and/or programming a robot, during hands-on and projectual lessons, usually in small groups, in a robotic lab. In this way they acquire additional skills in design and development, in robot programming, in lab work and in experimental activity, as well as in teamwork. This projectual work is accompanied by a presentation, which provides an opportunity to improve the scientific/technical communication skills.

The skills acquired are assessed through a presentation with a demonstration of the projectual work done by the students.

Especially through the projectual work, the students will acquire ability of team working and experimental activities.

This course exposes the students to lateral thinking about the implications of robotics, on the ethical or social side at large.

The behaviors acquired are not assessed directly, but indirectly through the presentation of the projectual work.