Introduction to Robotics

Nanodegree Program

In this program, you will delve into essential control techniques, explore the intricacies of DC motors and encoders, and focus on enhancing motor control skills. Through hands-on learning experiences, you will gain a thorough understanding of control methodologies, learn to effectively work with DC motors and encoders, and hone your motor control abilities. By the end of the program, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and optimize motor control systems efficiently.

Beginner

1 month

Real-world Projects

Completion Certificate

Last Updated May 13, 2024

Skills you'll learn:

Motors • Serial Terminal Processing • Encoders • Actuators

Prerequisites:

No experience required

Courses In This Program

Course 1 • 1 day

Welcome to the Nanodegree Program!

Welcome to Udacity! We're excited to share more about your Nanodegree program and start this journey with you!

Lesson 1

Welcome!

Welcome to Udacity. Takes 5 minutes to get familiar with Udacity courses and gain some tips to succeed in courses.

Lesson 2

Getting Help

You are starting a challenging but rewarding journey! Take 5 minutes to read how to get help with projects and content.

Lesson 1

Welcome!

Welcome to Udacity. Takes 5 minutes to get familiar with Udacity courses and gain some tips to succeed in courses.

Lesson 2

Getting Help

You are starting a challenging but rewarding journey! Take 5 minutes to read how to get help with projects and content.

Course 2 • 2 weeks

Essential Control Techniques

In this course, you will delve into Embedded Systems, focusing on actuators, analog outputs, pulse width modulation, and utilizing logic analyzers. You will gain practical insights into controlling devices, generating analog signals, mastering pulse modulation techniques, and effectively analyzing system behavior.

Lesson 1

Actuators

In this lesson, you will learn about actuators like linear actuators, rotary actuators and other kind of actuators, how they work, different types, importance and some of their applications.

Lesson 2

Analog Outputs

In this lesson you will learn all about analog outputs, more specific about Digital to Analog converters, different types, their limitations and how to build them.

Lesson 3

Pulse Width Modulation

In this lesson you will learn about Pulse Width Modulation and why this is a very good technique to control some analog devices instead of using DACs, it's applications and how to generate it.

Lesson 4

Logic Analyzers

In this lesson you will learn to use logic analyzers to read PWM digital signal and analyze it, checking in real time all their properties, like the period, frequency, duty cycle and amplitude.

Lesson 1

Actuators

In this lesson, you will learn about actuators like linear actuators, rotary actuators and other kind of actuators, how they work, different types, importance and some of their applications.

Lesson 2

Analog Outputs

In this lesson you will learn all about analog outputs, more specific about Digital to Analog converters, different types, their limitations and how to build them.

Lesson 3

Pulse Width Modulation

In this lesson you will learn about Pulse Width Modulation and why this is a very good technique to control some analog devices instead of using DACs, it's applications and how to generate it.

Lesson 4

Logic Analyzers

In this lesson you will learn to use logic analyzers to read PWM digital signal and analyze it, checking in real time all their properties, like the period, frequency, duty cycle and amplitude.

Course 3 • 2 weeks

DC Motors & Encoders

In this course, you will explore Embedded Systems, delving into direct current motors, encoders, reading rotary encoders, and mastering servo motors. You will also gain practical knowledge in controlling motors, understanding encoder feedback, interpreting rotary encoder signals, and effectively utilizing servo motors.

Lesson 1

Direct Current Motors

In this lesson you will learn everything about DC motors, working principles, applications and how to control their direction and speed.

Lesson 2

Encoders

In this lesson you will learn about encoders, how they work using photodetectors and some of their applications. Also you will learn about gray code which helps on error correction when using encoders

Lesson 3

Reading Rotary Encoders

In this lesson you will learn about the process to read rotary encoders, explore how to read one of the most common rotary encoders and the difference between manual and interrupt readings.

Lesson 4

Servo Motors

In this lesson you will learn all about servo motors, starting from the internals, checking the difference between DC and Servo motors, importance, overview on how to control them and applications.

Lesson 1

Direct Current Motors

In this lesson you will learn everything about DC motors, working principles, applications and how to control their direction and speed.

Lesson 2

Encoders

Lesson 3

Reading Rotary Encoders

In this lesson you will learn about the process to read rotary encoders, explore how to read one of the most common rotary encoders and the difference between manual and interrupt readings.

Lesson 4

Servo Motors

In this lesson you will learn all about servo motors, starting from the internals, checking the difference between DC and Servo motors, importance, overview on how to control them and applications.

Course 4 • 1 week

Enhancing Motor Control Skills

In this course, you will engage with Embedded Systems, focusing on controlling servo motors, advanced analog input techniques, and serial terminal processing. You will also explore advanced servo motor control, intricate analog input methods, and efficient serial terminal communication for embedded system applications.

Lesson 1

Controlling Servo Motors

In this lesson you will be diving into the world of robot movement where servo motors play a critical role. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to control servo motors using PWM.

Lesson 2

Advanced Analog Input

In this lesson you will learn about advanced analog input reading and how to configure and use the Analog to Digital converter to read rotary and slide potentiometers and other analog devices.

Lesson 3

Serial Terminal Processing

In this lesson you will learn all about serial terminal processing in microcontrollers, how to process inputs coming from the serial port and how to create a Serial Terminal application on the ESP32.

Lesson 1

Controlling Servo Motors

In this lesson you will be diving into the world of robot movement where servo motors play a critical role. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to control servo motors using PWM.

Lesson 2

Advanced Analog Input

In this lesson you will learn about advanced analog input reading and how to configure and use the Analog to Digital converter to read rotary and slide potentiometers and other analog devices.

Lesson 3

Serial Terminal Processing

In this lesson you will learn all about serial terminal processing in microcontrollers, how to process inputs coming from the serial port and how to create a Serial Terminal application on the ESP32.

Taught By The Best

José Cano

Software Developer at Globant

José Cano is a software developer at Globant, where he works for a gaming company. He previously worked as an IoT developer focusing on creating embedded devices for monitor and remote controlling applications. He is very passionate about DIY projects and creating his own devices to perform different tasks.

The Udacity Difference

Combine technology training for employees with industry experts, mentors, and projects, for critical thinking that pushes innovation. Our proven upskilling system goes after success—relentlessly.

Demonstrate proficiency with practical projects

Projects are based on real-world scenarios and challenges, allowing you to apply the skills you learn to practical situations, while giving you real hands-on experience.

Gain proven experience
Retain knowledge longer
Apply new skills immediately

Top-tier services to ensure learner success

Reviewers provide timely and constructive feedback on your project submissions, highlighting areas of improvement and offering practical tips to enhance your work.