Autonomous Vehicles (H7122)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

This module introduces the concepts and operating principles along with challenges and technology of autonomous vehicles. The focus is on the planar vehicles.

Topics to be covered will include:

• vehicle dynamics focusing on kinematics and dynamics of unicycle robots for modelling, simulation and control of the longitudinal and lateral motions
• vision-based perception including sensors, image processing techniques to percept the surrounding environment, and different techniques to represent the precepted maps
• mapping and localisation algorithms including odometric and simultaneous mapping and localisation (SLAM)
• potential field and search-based motion planning algorithms to achieve a destination while avoiding obstacles
• advanced estimation and control techniques for autonomous vehicles.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) MEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics MEng
• Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering (with an industrial placement year) BEng
• Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering (with an industrial placement year) MEng
• Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering BEng
• Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering MEng