Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MECH5460M Aerial Robotics

15 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Professor Robert Richardson
Email: R.C.Richardson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

Pre-requisite qualifications

Undergraduate expertise in basic electronics, mechanical design, mechanics and dynamics. Experience of using 3D modeling software such as Solidworks. Experience of simulation and analysis software such as Labview or Matlab

Module replaces

MECH 5090M Mechatronics and Robotics Applications

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Aerial robotics is an emerging discipline that uses aerial robots to perform robotic tasks such as picking, placing and manipulating objects. The technology is set to have a profound impact up to society from delivering packages, watering crops, inspecting and repairing building structures. This module will introduce the topic of aerial robotics and provide the foundations to be skilled in the design, control, and operation, ethical & legal aspects.

Objectives

Aerial robotics is an emerging discipline that uses aerial robots to perform robotic tasks such as picking, placing and manipulating objects. The technology is set to have a profound impact up to society from delivering packages, watering crops, inspecting and repairing building structures. This module will introduce the topic of aerial robotics and provide the foundations to be skilled in the design, control, operation, ethical & legal aspects.

Aim:
To provide an introduction and detailed instruction on all aspects of aerial robotics.

At the end of the module you will:
- have a broad understanding of the challenges when developing aerial robots;
- have experimental experience of the use of drones
- be practiced in creating feasible concepts for new engineering devices;
- be practiced in modelling the interaction of system components;
- be practiced in designing controllers for systems;
- be practiced in the analysis of systems through simulation;
- be experienced reading and critically analysing research publications;
- be experienced in writing in the style of research publications.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module students will have acquired the following skills:

- analytical,
- experimental methods
- problem solving,
- mathematical derivations and solutions specifically related to mechatronics, robotics and control thereof.

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module the following UK-SPEC learning outcome descriptors are satisfied:
Awareness of developing technologies related to mechanical engineering (SM4m)
Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques EA2
Understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex engineering problems (EA4m)
Ability both to apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations (EA6m, EA6M)
Investigate and define the problem, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical health, safety, security and risk issues; intellectual property; codes of practice and standards and disposal (D2)
Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance (D4)
Communicate their work to technical and non-technical audiences (D5)
Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations (D7m, D10M)
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs (D8m, D11M)
Awareness of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering (EL1m, EL8M)
Awareness that engineers need to take account of the commercial and social contexts in which they operate (EL2, EL9M)
Awareness of relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of the particular specialisation (EL5m, EL12M)
Awareness of and ability to make general evaluations of risk issues in the context of the particular specialisation, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk (EL6m, EL13M)
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components (P2m, P12M)
Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1)


Skills outcomes
Design, Analysis, Experimental methods, Simulation, research literature analysis


Syllabus

1. Intro to Kinematics, Dynamics and modelling
2. Sensors and actuators
3. Structures
4. Control design
5. Simulation
6. Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Structures, Loads, Weights (Including Payload)
7. Stability, Control and Handling Qualities
8. Performance and Flight Mechanics
9. Sizing and Trade Studies
10. Autonomy, Path Planning and Motion Planning
11. Design Procedures
12. CAA Rules, Drone rules, Governing Laws, Drone Operation Procedures
13. The Ethics of aerial robotic design & Environmental Impact
14. The impact of UAVs and their application on the environment, economy and society

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Presentation13.003.00
Group learning22.004.00
Lecture161.0016.00
Practical13.003.00
Practical23.006.00
Private study hours118.00
Total Contact hours32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

Independent research, design, and analysis assignment worth 33% of module mark. Requires extensive reading of research papers, use of software and simulation methods. Students will read background ethical, legal and societal issues. They will prepare for team working project and exams.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

An online discussion board will be monitored during specified times each week.
Top Hat quiz after each topic.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Group Project.40.00
ReportProject Report60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

An individual assignment will be offered as a coursework resit which will cover the group element of the learning outcomes of the module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 15/09/2022 14:28:45

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019