Module: Mobile Robotics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mobile Robotics
Module Code	EEN1025 (ITS: EE303)
Faculty	Electronic Engineering	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

INACTIVE - The aim of this module is to expose students to the practical engineering tools and techniques involved in developing a complete, functional, microprocessor based system or product. This is achieved via a team-based module, in which each team must design, construct, demonstrate and document a microprocessor based mobile robot.

Learning Outcomes

1. Work as a member of a small team, to complete a joint project.
2. Design and construct a suitable hardware configuration, including mechanics, sensors, actuators, hardware interfaces and the embedded microprocessor system.
3. Design and code all required control software.
4. Integrate, test and debug all components to yield a functional mobile robot.
5. Draft an agreed, joint, technical report on the project.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	54	No Description
Tutorial	6	No Description
Independent Study	65	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20708	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jennifer Bruton	Module Teacher	Kevin Mcguinness, Noel Edward O'Connor

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	n/a	40%	Week 1
Report(s)	Individual progress reports	10%	Week 1
Report(s)	n/a	50%	Week 1

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

System Analysis and Design
Decomposition into Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Software subsystems.

Mechanical Prototyping
Wheel arrangements; kinematics; prototype construction systems.

Software Prototyping
Assembly, compilation, linkage, interpretation; cross-development; debug tools and techniques

Sensors
Hardware and software interfacing; proximity detectors; microswitches; shaft encoders battery level detection.

Motors
DC motor characteristics; hardware and software interfacing;

System Integration
Module level test; integration test and debug.

Documentation
Types, organisation and objectives of documentation; specification and implementation; graphical techniques; computer aided tools.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Joseph L. Jones, Anita M. Flynn.: 1993, Mobile Robots: Inspiration to Implementation, Massachusetts: A.K. Peters,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None