Robotics Software Engineer by Udacity: Fee, Duration, How to Apply

Quick Facts

particular	details
Medium of instructions English	Mode of learning Self study, Virtual Classroom	Mode of Delivery Video Based	Learning efforts 10-15 Hours Per Week

Course overview

The recent supply of professionals with advanced robotics acumen has a lot of catching up to do to the corresponding demand. Thus, an upskill program in this field is very likely to reap immense professional rewards. As a result of this discovery, the Nanodegree program in Robotics Software Engineering is a power-packed, focused engagement that ticks off all the boxes of an aspiring professional in this field.

The Robotics Software Engineer Nanodegree program revolves around 5 uniquely curated, industrial robotics projects that test the burning consulting assignments of this industry. Moreover, the curriculum design is such that it addresses the very grass-root level of details and the round of questioning that ensues in job interviews thereafter. This makes this program very well-rounded from a ROI perspective as well.

Past trends indicate that this program can be finished in 4 months by putting in 12 to 15 hours of work per week. Please consider the Introduction to Self-driven Cars program, if you feel you have limited background in comparison to what is required as a prerequisite for this course. It will provide you with a basic framework upon which you could extract the most out of this program.

Course and certificate fees

certificate availability

Yes

certificate providing authority

Udacity

Who it is for

Computer programmer

The Robotics Software Engineer Nanodegree program is recommended to professionals who want to enter afresh into the quickly emerging field of Robotics or advance their careers. Candidates with the following skill-sets will benefit the most from this Nanodegree program:

Average understanding of high-school Probability concepts
Familiarity with Linear Algebra
Working knowledge of an Object Oriented Programming such as C++
Calculus and its application from grade-12 perspective
Implementation of Linux command lines

Eligibility criteria

Work experience

No work experience is needed for this course.

Education

Familiarity with an Object Oriented Programming language such as C++ is recommended. Moreover, an understanding of linear algebra and calculus is also desired.

Certification qualifying details

To earn the Nanodegree, all 5 modules need to be cleared by the candidates. The module project submissions will be adjudicated by the faculty. In case it is not cleared, exhaustive feedback will be provided and the candidate will have to re-attempt the project.

What you will learn

Robotic skills

The following subjects are covered as part of the Robotics Software Engineer Nanodegree program:

Utilization of Gazebo to demonstrate your robotic environment as it is one of the most versatile simulation engines in the world
Get equipped with a flexible and coherent software environment with the aid of ROS. This helps in designing modular robots
Moreover, incorporate pre-defined ROS packages in your application in addition to creating ROS nodes indigenously in C++
Put the knowledge of the Gaussian filters to work while estimating unclear sensor outputs, as well as approximating the robot’s position on a map with Monte Carlo Localization, aka MC
Equip yourself with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) implementation with the help of mapping algorithms principles learnt in the localization module
Develop a strong foundation of Path Planning and Navigation algorithms. Also, a combination of SLAM and navigation will help you succeed on a home automation robotic application as an exciting project!

The syllabus

Gazebo World

Introduction to Gazebo
Course Project – Build My World: Use the tools that you’ve learned in Gazebo to build your first environment
Launching a Gazebo Environment
Designing in Gazebo

ROS Essentials

Introduction to ROS
Course Project – Go Chase It: Demonstrate your proficiency with ROS, C++, and Gazebo by building a ball-chasing robot. You will first design a robot inside Gazebo, house it in the world you have built in the Build My World project, and code a C++ node in ROS to chase yellow balls
Packages and Catkin Workspaces
Write ROS nodes in C++
Building Catkin Workspaces
ROS node communication
ROS node creation
Additional C++ practice
Using additional ROS packages
Gazebo world integration
RViz Integration

Localization

Introduction to Localization
Kalman Filters
Monte Carlo Localization
Lab: Kalman Filters
Course Project – Where Am I: You will interface your own mobile robot with the Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization algorithm in ROS to estimate your robot’s position as it travels through a predefined set of waypoints. You’ll also tune different parameters to increase the localization efficiency of the robot
Build MCL in C++
Implementation of Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization in ROS
Understanding of tuning parameters required

Mapping and SLAM

Introduction to Mapping and SLAM
Interface a turtlebot with a Grid-based FastSLAM package with ROS to map an environment
Occupancy Grid Mapping
Course Project – Map My World: Students will interface their robot with an RTAB Map ROS package to localize it and build 2D and 3D maps of their environment. Students must put all the pieces together properly to launch the robot and then teleop it to map its environment
Grid-based FastSLAM
GraphSLAM
SLAM implementation with ROS/Gazebo
ROS debugging tools: rqt, roswtf

Path Planning and Navigation

Intro to Path Planning and Navigation
Sample-Based and Probabilistic Path Planning
Lab: Path Planning
Course Project - Home Service Robot: This capstone project will help you know about the SLAM package to autonomously map an environment after which you can interface your robot with a path planning and navigation ROS package to move objects within an environment
Advanced ROS and Gazebo integration
ROS Navigation stack 7
Classic Path Planning
Path planning

Optional KUKA Path Planning

Project Introduction
Key Skills Demonstrated: • Path planning
Project Details: Learn the project specifications and how to get started
Using C++ and Python with external ROS API
Optional Course Project

Admission details

The following section summarizes the enrolment steps for this Nanodegree program:

Enrolment
The free trial can be begun from the home page of the program. A sign-in from Google or Facebook is the preferred and fast way to move forward. On the other hand, for first-time users, there is a generic provision of signing up upon providing with basic personal details such as Name, Email address, and a suitable password

Payment
The total tuition for this Nanodegree program is $1356 USD. To begin with, the standard 4-month access comes bundled in this scope. Also, please note that this amount will be debited after the free trial is exhausted. The trial lasts 7 days. Post the 4-month period, the course costs $399 USD per month. However, this is only applicable for those who are left with 1 or more modules to clear when the originally designated time runs out.

LMS
The Learning Management System’s view access is granted as soon as the payment is done. Thus, the student can begin their learning experience.

Filling the form

The above section illustrates all the relevant aspects associated with the enrolment process of this program.

Evaluation process

The assignment at the end of each module needs to be cleared by the participants in order to unlock the access to the subsequent module.

How it helps

The main benefits for this Nanodegree program comprise of the following elements::

The first principles of this course have resulted from an exhaustive primary research initiative with reputed global businesses in this space. Also, the line of learning and the subjects that have been included in the pedagogy is in complete sync with the technical skills that the recruiters are aspiring to hire.
Industry-grade case studies and use-cases form the Unique Selling Proposal for this pristine Nanodegree program. The 5 modules present a priceless learning experience that derives its conception from industry veterans. This ensures that the participants are fully abreast with the aspects that matter in this field to the depth that makes them a Subject Matter Expert.
We understand that our prospective students might have other full-time professional and/or personal commitments to honour. Moreover, as this an engineering-heavy program, relevant arrangements have been put in place for a self-paced learning environment to come into effect.

Instructors

Mr Sebastian Thrun
President
Udacity

Mr David Silver
Lead
Udacity

Other Bachelors, MBA

Mr Karim Chamaa
Instructor
Freelancer

B.E /B.Tech, Other Masters

Ms Julia Chernushevich
Instructor
Freelancer

FAQs

What are the designations of the course faculty?

Following are the course faculty:

Mr. Sebastian Thrun (Instructor)
Mr. Karim Chamaa (Developer)
Mr. David Silver (Curriculum Lead)
Miss. Julia Chernushevich (Course Developer)

Is the start date decided for this course yet?

Since this is an LMS-based program, the participants get access to the courseware as soon as the payment is received.

What is the duration of this course?

The normal duration is 4 months. With 12 to 15 hours of study per week, the program can be finished in the said duration. However, should you not be able to clear the projects for all the 5 modules, you will have the option to either quit the course at no extra cost or continue by paying the requisite monthly fee.

Is there a selection criteria?

This program can be accessed through an open application. It does not have a selection criteria. Thus, if the subject matter being covered makes sense to you, please proceed with your enrolment.

Are students provided with technical support during this program?

Yes, there are dedicated, experienced personnel to cater to any technical query you may face. They are available on all business days during standard working hours.

What support is imparted in terms of employment generation?

The Nanodegree program prides itself on incorporating one on one telephonic interview mocks as well as premium networking events which will help our students be in sync with the latest developments in this field.

What are common job descriptions that arise after graduating from this course?

They include implementing pick and place robots in heavy manufacturing, surgical robot design for a healthcare company, light package delivery robots, rescue robots, and robots for space missions.

Does this program have a demo?

Please visit the top of the home-page of the program to access the preview.

What are the recommended software for this program?

You need a laptop or desktop and Internet connection. The GPU-enabled Linux workspace will be provided to you by us. This is where you will code using C++. A virtual machine integration of a Linux image can also be arranged for.