Teaching Robotics and UAV Systems Through MATLAB and Simulink

Overview

Join this webinar to get familiar with a course on mobile robotics, developed by Dr. Arnold Pretorius at the University of Cape Town. The course offers a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to model-based design for robotics applications — including arm-type, wheeled, and aerial robots — tailored specifically for lecturers seeking to integrate robotics into their curriculum.

Participants will explore a complete robotics development workflow using MATLAB and Simulink. Key learning outcomes include modeling and simulation of robotic systems, control design and implementation, integration with PX4 Autopilot for UAVs, and code generation for embedded deployment. A key feature of the course is its practical lab component, which includes both virtual exercises and hands-on activities using a self-developed mini-drone platform. This drone can be built by universities for under $200 using a combination of 3D-printed parts using shared CAD models and off-the-shelf components, making it an accessible and cost-effective tool for teaching robotics and UAV concepts in the classroom.

The material is publicly available on File Exchange and GitHub, with the flexibility to download, reuse, and customize. During the webinar, you’ll learn how to access a complete set of modular teaching materials — including lecture notes, virtual lab exercises, and deployable Simulink files — ready to be adapted for your own courses.

Highlights

• Model-based design workflow for teaching mobile robotics, such as arm-type, wheeled and multirotor robots
• Ready-to-use modular course materials for academic integration
• Engaging hands-on virtual labs and projects
• Openly available CAD files and setup instructions for a low-cost 3D-printable mini-drone
• PX4 Autopilot integration and embedded code generation
• Open-source content available via File Exchange and GitHub