Teaching Robotics and UAV Systems Through MATLAB and Simulink
| Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|
| 11 Dec 2025, 9:00 AM EST | 11 Dec 2025, 10:00 AM EST |
| 11 Dec 2025, 2:00 PM EST | 11 Dec 2025, 3:00 PM EST |
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
Please allow approximately 45 minutes to attend the presentation and Q&A session. We will be recording this webinar, so if you can't make it for the live broadcast, register and we will send you a link to watch it on-demand
About the Presenter
Dr Arnold Pretorius obtained a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2023 and is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UCT. His research focuses on robust control, autonomous systems, aerial robotics, and intelligent control. He teaches Control Systems to third-year students and Mechatronic Systems to fourth years and supervises MSc and PhD students on interdisciplinary robotics projects. Dr Pretorius is also involved in international collaborations aimed at developing low-cost, robust robotic systems for deployment in complex environments.
Product Focus
We will not sell or rent your personal contact information. See our privacy policy for details.
You are already signed in to your MathWorks Account. Please press the "Submit" button to complete the process.
