Professional Certificate in Robotics Engineering

Learn robotics engineering through structured lessons, programming, simulation, automation, computer vision, and hands-on projects. Build the skills to design, simulate, and evaluate intelligent machines — from first principles to a capstone autonomous robot.

Each month builds on the last, with instructor support so self-paced study still has a professional checkpoint. Learn robotics. Build intelligent machines. Engineer the future.

Apply / Register Now Explore Curriculum
Next cohort
January 5, 2027
Apply by
December 15, 2026
Program fee
$1,499
Students working with a robotic arm in a robotics engineering lab
Duration 6 Months
Delivery 100% Online
Format Self-paced with instructor support
Certificate Certificate of Completion
Programming Python + C++ fundamentals
Platform ROS 2 and simulation

An engineering pathway from first robot to autonomous system

This program is designed for prospective students who want a structured, project-driven introduction to robotics engineering. You study online, practice in simulation, and finish with a capstone that ties mapping, localization, perception, planning, and navigation together.

Each month builds on the last: fundamentals and electronics thinking, then robot software and ROS 2, then modeling and simulation, then vision and introductory AI, then autonomy, and finally system integration. Instructor support is available so self-paced study still has a professional checkpoint.

See the six-month plan Who can apply
Engineer standing beside a robotic production system in a professional laboratory

Skills you will develop

Robotics sits at the intersection of software, mechanics, sensing, and decision-making. The curriculum develops these competencies through lessons, labs, and projects — not slogans.

  • Python source code for a robot control program on a monitor

    Software

    Robotics programming

    Write Python and introductory C++ that command motion, read sensors, and structure robot software.

  • Engineer working at a multi-screen robotics software workstation

    Middleware

    Robot operating systems

    Use ROS 2 nodes, topics, services, and actions to connect perception, planning, and control.

  • Breadboard wired to sensors and a microcontroller on an engineering bench

    Hardware

    Sensors and actuators

    Select and interpret encoders, range sensors, cameras, and motors as parts of a closed loop.

  • Articulated robotic hand resting on a workbench

    Mechanics

    Kinematics

    Apply forward and inverse kinematics so bases and arms move in predictable frames.

  • Engineer tuning a robotic system from a laptop in a laboratory

    Control

    Robot control

    Tune feedback controllers, including PID, so robots reach poses without uncontrolled oscillation.

  • Robot head with camera sensors used for machine perception

    Perception

    Computer vision

    Process camera images with OpenCV to detect, locate, and track objects that guide motion.

  • Humanoid service robot with an interactive display

    Intelligence

    Artificial intelligence

    Use introductory machine learning ideas to support perception and simple autonomous decisions.

  • Autonomous quadcopter drone flying over water

    Autonomy

    Autonomous navigation

    Localize, plan paths, avoid obstacles, and drive to goals in a mapped environment.

  • Engineer using a VR headset to inspect a simulated vehicle model

    Simulation

    Simulation

    Model robots in URDF, visualize in RViz, and test behavior in Gazebo-style physics worlds.

  • Industrial robot arms assembling vehicles on a factory line

    Industry

    Industrial robotics

    Connect course projects to manufacturing, logistics, and automation use cases you will meet at work.

  • Engineer soldering components on an embedded circuit board

    Embedded

    Embedded systems

    Understand how onboard computers, I/O, and timing constraints shape real robot software.

  • Engineer assembling and testing a robotic system frame in a workshop

    Systems

    System integration

    Assemble perception, planning, and control into a documented system that can be tested and demonstrated.

    A sequenced path from fundamentals to capstone

    Open any month on the curriculum page for topics, weekly rhythm, and the associated project. The first month is expanded here so you can see how instruction is organized.

    Robotics Fundamentals

    Robot types, sensors, motors, frames, and Python — then a basic mobile robot in simulation.

    Key topics

    • Introduction to robotics
    • Robot types and applications
    • Sensors and actuators
    • Motors and motor control
    • Encoders
    • Basic electronics
    • Coordinate systems
    • Introduction to Python
    • Introduction to robot programming
    Open full curriculum Browse weekly materials

    How you progress through the program

    Every week follows an engineering loop. You do not jump from a video to a certificate. You learn a concept, practice it, simulate it, integrate it into a project, test it, submit evidence, and — after the capstone — receive the certificate of completion.

    1. LearnLessons and notes
    2. PracticeExercises and quizzes
    3. SimulateRobot worlds and tools
    4. BuildWeekly project work
    5. TestScenarios and logs
    6. SubmitAssignments and demos
    7. CertifyCapstone review

    Learn

    Short, sequenced lessons introduce one idea at a time: a sensor model, a ROS 2 pattern, or a planner setting. Notes and recommended reading sit beside each week.

    Practice and simulate

    Labs run in software. You command robots, inspect topics, tune controllers, and record what failed. Hardware is optional; simulation is required.

    Build, test, submit, certify

    Monthly projects feed the capstone. You submit work for review, demonstrate required behaviors, and receive a certificate of completion when program requirements are met.

    Who can apply — and what is actually required

    Admission is open to motivated learners who can study online and complete project work. Recommended background is not the same as a mandatory requirement.

    Eligibility

    Who can apply?

    • Students exploring engineering, computing, or automation
    • Recent graduates building a robotics portfolio
    • Engineers adding robot software and simulation skills
    • Programmers moving toward embodied systems
    • Technology professionals working with automation teams
    • Automation enthusiasts who want a structured syllabus
    • Professionals transitioning into robotics roles

    Background

    Suggested prerequisites — recommended, not mandatory

    • Basic mathematics (algebra; comfort with graphs and units)
    • Basic computer skills (install software, manage files, use a browser)
    • No previous robotics experience is required
    • Basic programming knowledge is helpful but not mandatory
    Engineer working beside an industrial robotic arm

    Mandatory admission requirements

    A complete registration form, agreement to the program terms, and the ability to attend online. There is no robotics entrance exam. Programming bootcamps are not required before you start; Month 1 includes a Python introduction.

    Start registration

    The program in numbers

    0 Months of sequenced study
    0 Weekly learning modules
    0 Guided robotics projects
    0 Online delivery