Program Overview

MSc in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The MSc in Robotics and Autonomous Systems program at Khalifa University is designed to equip graduates with advanced expertise in Autonomous Robotic Systems, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy in the UAE through their specialized skill sets and scientific training.

About the Program

The program aims to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers and to supply the society with highly skilled, scientifically trained professionals in the field of Autonomous Robotic Systems. The program has been carefully designed to equip students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary skill set, empowering them to address complex challenges within the fields of robotics and autonomous systems.

Graduates from the Program Will

Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Robotics Engineer: Developing and designing robotic systems for diverse applications.
• AI Specialist: Creating AI algorithms and autonomous systems for locomotion, automation, and other purposes.
• Researcher: Conducting advanced research in robotics and AI, often progressing to further academic achievements such as a Ph.D.

Program Structure

The MSc in Robotics and Autonomous Systems program consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours. The required program credits are distributed as follows: 12 credits of Program Core courses, 9 credits of Program Elective courses, and 9 credits of Program Master's Thesis.

Program Core and Elective Courses

The program includes the following core and elective courses:

Core Courses

• ROBO 601: Robot Dynamics and Control
• ROBO 602: Robot Perception
• ROBO 603: Autonomous Robot Navigation
• ROBO 604: Robotic Systems
• ENGR 695: Seminar in Research Methods

Elective Courses

• ROBO 650: Industry 4.0 Robotics
• ROBO 651: Medical Robots
• ROBO 652: Space Robotics
• ROBO 653: Self-Driving Cars
• ROBO 654: Autonomous Aerial Robotic Systems
• ROBO 655: Marine Robots
• ROBO 656: Legged Robots
• BMED 633: Advanced Rehabilitation Engineering
• ECCE 635: Deep Learning Systems Design
• ESMA 617: Innovation and Creativity Entrepreneurship in Technology Organizations
• CSEC 601: Cyber Physical Systems Security

Course Descriptions

ROBO 601: Robot Dynamics and Control

This course will teach fundamentals of kinematics, dynamics, and control of robotic systems, mostly focusing on serial robotic manipulators and mobile robot platforms.

ROBO 602: Robot Perception

In this course, we will study the problem of how robots perceive the world to accomplish navigation and manipulation tasks.

ROBO 603: Autonomous Robot Navigation

This course will teach some of the common algorithms for autonomous robot motion planning and localization, to enable a robot to decide what to do to achieve its goals.

ROBO 604: Robotic Systems

This is a practical learn-by-doing course where the students will design, construct, and test their own Robotic system.

ROBO 699: Master's Thesis

In the Master's Thesis, the student is required to independently conduct original research-oriented work related to significant problems in Robotics and Autonomous Systems.

Program Facilities

Khalifa University has facilities and fully-equipped laboratories to support its Robotics and AI program, including:

• Robotics Teaching Labs
• Robotics Research Labs
• Computing Labs

Academic Objectives

The M.Sc. in Robotics and Autonomous Systems program will produce graduates that will be able to:

• Advance professionally and be recognized as leaders in their chosen areas within the broad field of Robotics.
• Apply their technical expertise to address the critical needs of society in a creative, ethical, and innovative manner.
• Further develop their knowledge and skills through graduate education or professional schools.

Study Plan

Students must consult with their respective advisors on the courses that they will enroll in, the required pre-requisites, and the thesis topic selection. Full-time graduate students must register for 9 to 12 credits, including thesis credits, during a regular semester.