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263-5807-00L 8 Credits BSC , MSC , WBZ D-ITET , D-INFK , D-MAVT , D-MATH

Computational Models of Motion

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Bernhard Thomaszewski, Prof. Dr. Stelian Coros, Dr. Yijiang Huang

The deadline for deregistering expires on 10 April 2026. Students who are still registered after that date, but do not attend the course, will officially fail the course.

VVZ CR 4.67

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:10

Abstract

This course covers fundamentals of physics-based modelling and numerical optimization from the perspective of character animation and robotics applications. The methods discussed in class derive their theoretical underpinnings from applied mathematics, control theory and computational mechanics, and they will be richly illustrated with examples.

Objective

Students will learn how to represent, model and algorithmically control the behavior of animated characters and real-life robots. The lectures are accompanied by programming assignments (written in C++) and a capstone project.

Content

Optimal control and trajectory optimization; multibody systems; kinematics; forward and inverse dynamics; constrained and unconstrained numerical optimization; mass-spring models for crowd simulation; FEM; compliant systems; sim-to-real; robotic manipulation of elastically-deforming objects.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC , WBZ
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Computational Models of Motion	Thu 10:15-12:00 (ML E 12)	2 h weekly
exercise	Computational Models of Motion	Thu 14:15-16:00 (LFO C 13)	2 h weekly
independent project	Computational Models of Motion	No time listed	3 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed. All courses listed as core courses (not electives) for one of the following ETH MSc programmes, MSc Statistics, MSc Physics, MSc Computer Science, MSc (Applied) Mathematics, MSc Neural Systems and Computation, MSc Robotics, Systems, and Control, MSc Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, can be taken as an elective course in the MSc CSE without prior permission.)
Computer Science Master
- Majors
  - Major in Visual and Interactive Computing
    - Core Courses
- Minors
  - Minor in Computer Graphics
CAS in Computer Science
- Focus Courses and Electives
Robotics, Systems and Control Master
- Core Courses
Cyber Security Master
- Minor
  - Visual and Interactive Computing
    - Core Courses