Undergraduate Certificate in Autonomy and Robotics

Program Overview

The Undergraduate Certificate in Autonomy and Robotics (UCAR) provides you with a strong foundation in autonomous systems, robotics, and/or artificial intelligence. You will complement your coursework in these areas with experiential learning in our teaching labs. Completion of the program certifies to employers your readiness to begin your career in engineering positions focused on autonomous systems and robotics. 

Key technology sectors include manufacturing (e.g. enhanced production processes and improved precision), transportation (e.g. autonomous vehicles and enhanced traffic control), healthcare (e.g. robotic surgeries and patient care), agriculture (e.g. precision farming and agricultural robotics), defense (e.g. swarms and guidance systems), and energy (e.g. autonomous power systems). In this context, “autonomy” refers to the capability of an engineered system to operate autonomously. Achieving this involves algorithm and software design, which in turn involves concepts from signals and systems, control theory, and artificial intelligence. “Robotics” in this context refers to the design, construction, and operation of robots and machinery to perform tasks, and involves mechanical design, actuator/sensor design, mathematical modeling, and embedded programming.

Local companies with expanding needs in these areas include: Beta Technologies, GlobalFoundries, Green Mountain Power, Dynapower, Hazelett, Husky, and Rigorous Technology.

Curriculum

The Undergraduate Certificate in Autonomy and Robotics (UCAR) provides students with a strong foundation in autonomous systems, robotics, embedded systems programming, and artificial intelligence. Students will complete 2 required core courses, 6 credits of elective coursework, and 3 credits of experiential learning coursework as approved by the UCAR faculty coordinator. Completion of the program certifies to employers preparation for entry-level engineering positions in autonomous systems and robotics.

Core Requirements

Students complete 2 required core courses

Preapproved Electives

Choose 2 of the following (6 Credits)

Credit Bearing Experience

Choose 1 of the following (3 Credits) ¹

¹ Topic must be relevant to the field of Autonomy and Robotics.

² By petition only.

Admissions

Pre- or Co-Required Courses (NOT officially part of the certificate)

Outcomes

The learning objectives of the Undergraduate Certificate in Autonomy and Robotics (UCAR) are as follows:

• Design and assemble circuits with sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers to build, program, and test autonomous systems, including robots.

• Explain and classify robots and robotic systems.

• Mathematically model, and design autonomy algorithms for, a wide range of practical systems including DC motors, smart grids, ground and aerial vehicles, and robot manipulators.

• Use programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and simulation tools (e.g., ROS, Gazebo) to model, control, and simulate the behavior of autonomous systems.

• Program microcontrollers to implement and deploy autonomy algorithms.

Completion of the UCAR program will equip students with the best practices and actionable knowledge and experience needed:

• To make a powerful impact on their current or future employer's innovation, design, and automation efforts

• To pursue graduate studies in the fields relevant to autonomy and robotics