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151-0641-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-INFK , D-ITET , D-ERDW

Introduction to Robotics and Mechatronics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Bradley Nelson, Prof. Dr. Quentin Boehler
Number of participants limited to 45. Enrollment is only valid through registration on the MSRL website ( ). Registrations per e-mail is not accepted!
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:03

Abstract

The aim of this lecture is to expose students to the fundamentals of mechatronic and robotic systems. Over the course of these lectures, topics will include how to interface a computer with the real world, different types of sensors and their use, different types of actuators and their use.

Objective

An ever-increasing number of mechatronic systems are finding their way into our daily lives. Mechatronic systems synergistically combine computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Robotics systems can be viewed as a subset of mechatronics that focuses on sophisticated control of moving devices. The aim of this course is to practically and theoretically expose students to the fundamentals of mechatronic and robotic systems. Over the course of the semester, the lecture topics will include an overview of robotics, an introduction to different types of sensors and their use, the programming of microcontrollers and interfacing these embedded computers with the real world, signal filtering and processing, an introduction to different types of actuators and their use, an overview of computer vision, and forward and inverse kinematics. Throughout the course, students will periodically attend laboratory sessions and implement lessons learned during lectures on real mechatronic systems. By the end of the course, you will be able to independently choose, design and integrate these different building blocks into a working mechatronic system.

Content

The course consists of weekly lectures and lab sessions. The weekly topics are the following: 0. Course Introduction 1. C Programming 2. Sensors 3. Data Acquisition 4. Signal Processing 5. Digital Filtering 6. Actuators 7. Computer Vision and Kinematics 8. Modeling and Control 9. Review and Outlook The lecture schedule can be found on our course page on the MSRL website ( www.msrl.ethz.ch )

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
- Lab reports are collected and graded throughout the semester.- Exam: computer-based examination of 90 minutes duration held at the end of the semester.- Written aids for exam: 1 page (single-sided) summary allowed (no copies).- Final Grade: Lab reports account for 60% of the course grade and the final examination accounts for 40%.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Introduction to Robotics and Mechatronics
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
  • Mon 16:15-18:00 (ML F 38)
2 h weekly
exercise Introduction to Robotics and Mechatronics
Permission from lecturers required for all students. The students will be informed about the choice of time slots for the exercise session during the enrollment process. The time slots will be two hours on Monday from 10:15-12:00, 12:15-14:00 & 14:15-16:00.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In