Site of last year (2025/26)

News

• The lesson of September 24 2026 @10:00 is moved on Sept 23 @ 11:00. This is valid only for this week.

• The course is planned to start on the week of September 21 2026

Abstract

This course aims at providing the students with skills to develop robotic software that is not covered directly in other courses.

We assume the students are familiar with structured programming languages, as we will focus on fundamental tools when it comes to develop fast, energy efficient and robust robotic software. In this edition of the course we will operate exclusively on the Linux operating system. 

We will introduce:

• C++, a fundamental language that is behind the core aspects of real-time and on-line software and firmware

• ROS, an operating environment for supporting the development of robotic modules. ROS is the de-facto standard  when it comes to robotic middlewares. 

• Concepts of Mobile Robot Navigation

The course is organized in frontal lessons and programming exercises.

IMPORTANT: For the communication concerning the course write an email to all teachers adding [RP] at the beginning of the email subject. Not doing so decreases the priority of the email.

Prior Knowledge

A reasonable knowledge of the C programming language, Calculus, and Linear Algebra.

We recommend a native installation of a Linux distro  (recommend: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS). As an alternative, you can use a less efficient virtual machine.

If you are using Windows, please set up a Linux environment using WSL

If you are using a MacBook (osx-arm64), you should be okay.  

Please contact the tutor Emanuele Giacomini if you face any compatibility problems.

Exam (3CFU, Pass/No Pass)

TBD

Next Written Tests

• TBD

Time and Location of the Lessons

The lessons are preferrably attended in presence. To help students that are prevented to partecipate to the class, will provide recordings on youtube, and link then in the lesson's page.

Preliminary Program

• On Programming languages

  • compilers/interpreters/virtual machines

  • build systems (cmake)

• C++

  • Basics and syntax

  • Classes

  • Metaprogramming

  • Concrete Cases

• ROS

  • Basics and build system

  • ROS-Robot Setup

  • ROS-Navigation

Extras: c++ Course By Igor

Link

We remind that the knowledge of C++ is not mandatory for the exam. Still, we believe that this programming skill might be useful for your career in Robotics. 

The banner image is from CyberneticZoo and illustrates Willie Vocalite