Overview
Welcome to the "Autonomous Car" course, an advanced program designed to delve into the realms of Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence within the framework of the Robot Operating System (ROS). This course unit equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and working with Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs). You'll explore the core principles behind autonomous cars, delve into the Robot Operating System (ROS) - a critical software framework for robotics - and gain hands-on experience implementing functionalities for autonomous navigation.
Aims
- Introduce the concept of autonomous vehicles and their potential impact on transportation.
- Equip you with a strong understanding of the Robot Operating System (ROS) for robotic development.
- Develop essential programming skills for building communication pathways within ROS networks.
- Explore key technologies for autonomous navigation such as Laser Scan Matching and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM).
- Provide hands-on experience in implementing basic autonomous behaviors through real-world projects.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course unit, you will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of autonomous vehicles and their significance in modern transportation.
- Describe the core functionalities and applications of the Robot Operating System (ROS).
- Navigate the ROS filesystem and manage software components effectively.
- Utilize Publisher and Subscriber functionalities within the rospy API to facilitate communication in ROS networks.
- Implement complex functionalities using Services and Launch files within the ROS framework.
- Explain how rospy manages time synchronization and utilize Bag files for data recording and playback.
- Apply Laser Scan Matching techniques to enhance odometry accuracy for autonomous navigation.
- Grasp advanced concepts and applications of Laser Scan Matching for robust odometry performance.
- Set up a robotic system for functioning and implement tele-operation for remote control.
- Design and implement a wall-following behavior using reactive methods in ROS.
- Master the concept of ROS Transformations and Frames for accurate coordinate handling within robotic systems.
- Explain the principles of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and its role in autonomous navigation.
- Implement a Pure Pursuit Controller for autonomous path following and engage in research projects related to Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.