Module overview
Autonomous and intelligent systems are transforming the maritime sector, enabling new approaches to ocean exploration, environmental monitoring, offshore inspection and marine operations. Maritime robotics is one of the fastest-growing areas of modern engineering, combining mechanical, electrical, computational and control engineering.
In this module, you will develop an understanding of the principles behind autonomous underwater and surface vehicles. You will learn how engineers use modelling, simulation, guidance, navigation and control techniques to create effective robotic systems. Through practical and design-based activities, you will gain experience in developing, testing and evaluating robotic solutions for real maritime applications.
By the end of the module, you will be able to apply engineering methods to the design and analysis of maritime robotic systems and understand the opportunities and challenges associated with autonomy at sea. The module provides excellent preparation for careers in robotics, autonomous systems and advanced maritime technologies.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Conduct independent study and self-evaluation. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: G4)
- Communicate findings accurately in a range of ways (written and orally). (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: G1)
- Critically evaluate literature, analyse data and interpret information. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: P4)
- Work within a team collaboratively, encouraging peer tutoring and peer learning. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: G4)
Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- In the coursework, students must find and critically evaluate literature on the control of robotic systems identifying strengths and weaknesses of the methods introduced in the module.
- The simulation assignment is comprised of a series of 3 parts, developing robotic control, guidance and navigation systems. This is then realised experimentally.
- Coursework for the development of the physical robotic system is a group coursework of 3-5 students
- The coursework assignment is supported by a formative laboratory where students observe the performance of robotic systems in the tank and a tutorial processing the data. During the coursework assignment the students design their experiments, collect data, and process the data for comparison with their simulations.
- Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science, and engineering principles to the solution of maritime robotic problems. This is assessed in the coursework assignments, where the students simulate and then apply Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) systems on a physical robot.
- Students compare theoretical (simulations) to experimentally collected data using appropriate response metrics (e.g., step responses). The students use this data to refine and improve their robotic guidance, navigation and control systems, which is assessed in the coursework.
- The course work is a challenge which sets functional milestones e.g., logging data, open and closed loop control, way-point guidance and navigation using data fusion techniques, e.g. Extended Karman Filter (EKF), with some coverage of industry standards and codes of practice.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Formulate and model maritime robotic system dynamics, control and operations in realistic environments with sensor uncertainty. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: EA1, D3, D9, D10, P8)
- Evaluate and use typical maritime robotic system sensors, signal processing and data analysis techniques. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: EA3, P12)
- Calculate and explain operational requirements, vehicle parameters and performance metrics used to design maritime robotics systems. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: SM1, SM2 SM5)
- Identify and describe the types and applications of maritime robotic systems, including the ethics and responsibilities of operation. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: EL8, P6)
- Explain the use of payloads and their impact on control and localisation requirements. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: EA2)
- Design, implement and analyse guidance, navigation and control systems for maritime robotic systems. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: EA2, EA6, EA7, EA6M, D11, P1)
- Summarise typical maritime robotics system architectures and demonstrate (low level) control system design. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: SM1, SM4, SM8, SM9, P9)
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Design, develop and build, as a team, a demonstrator maritime robotic system for testing and evaluation. (Contributing to EAB accreditation LOs: D8, D11, P3, G1, G4, P12)
Syllabus
SYSTEM TYPES AND APPLICATIONS: An introduction to the types, applications and practical considerations of deploying and operating Maritime Robotic Systems, for example AUVs, ASVs, ROVs, underwater gliders and Argo floats.
SYSTEM DESIGN: Design of maritime robotic systems and calculation of vehicle parameters and performance metrics, for example power, speed, range and cost of transport (COT).
SYSTEM NAVIGATION: Sensors and navigational strategies for maritime robotic systems, for example localisation using dead-reckoning and principles of SLAM and uncertainty/probabilistic approaches.
SYSTEM GUIDANCE: Path planning algorithms and path following strategies, for example artificial potential field methods, Dijkstra’s, A* star algorithms and line of sight guidance strategies.
SYSTEM CONTROL: Modelling and control of maritime robotic systems, for example PID controllers, system architectures, actuator and vehicle dynamics.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
•Lectures: A series of lectures on maritime robotic system types and applications, design, control, guidance, navigation and operation, supported by directed self-study, major coursework assignments and the module notes with illustrated case studies.
•Tutorials: A series of tutorials to support the coursework assignments, providing the opportunity for students to discuss their designs and simulation with members of academic staff.
•Laboratories: A series of practical laboratories on autonomous control of a maritime robotic vehicle and using microcontroller and interfacing with hardware e.g. controlling a DC motor, reading and logging/analysing sensor data.
Learning activities include:
• Individual coursework’s with directed reading and independent learning requiring the use of modelling software and academic technical writing.
• Group coursework involving the design, build and test of a small inexpensive maritime robotic system e.g. AUV or ASV, including technical documentation and oral presentation.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 3 |
| Lecture | 15 |
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 6 |
| Demonstration | 3 |
| Wider reading or practice | 72 |
| Tutorial | 6 |
| Seminar | 2 |
| External visits | 3 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Blackboard. Resources and reading list: Available on blackboard
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 25% |
| Continuous Assessment | 75% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External