Modern Robotics, Course 3: Robot Dynamics (Coursera)

Modern Robotics, Course 3: Robot Dynamics (Coursera)

Do you want to know how robots work? Are you interested in robotics as a career? Are you willing to invest the effort to learn fundamental mathematical modeling techniques that are used in all subfields of robotics? If so, then the "Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control" specialization may be for you. This specialization, consisting of six short courses, is serious preparation for serious students who hope to work in the field of robotics or to undertake advanced study. It is not a sampler.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In Course 3 of the specialization, Robot Dynamics, you will learn efficient numerical algorithms for forward dynamics (calculating the robot's acceleration given its configuration, velocity, and joint forces and torques) and inverse dynamics (calculating the required joint forces and torques given the robot's configuration, velocity, and acceleration). The former is useful for simulation, and the latter is useful for robot control. You will also learn how to plan robot trajectories subject to dynamic constraints.
Course 3 of 6 in the Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Chapter 8: Dynamics of Open Chains (Part 1 of 2)
Lagrangian formulation of dynamics, centripetal and Coriolis forces, robot mass matrix, dynamics of a rigid body, and Newton-Euler inverse dynamics for an open-chain robot.

WEEK 2
Chapter 8: Dynamics of Open Chains (Part 2 of 2)
Forward dynamics of an open chain, task-space dynamics, constrained dynamics, and practical effects due to gearing and friction.

WEEK 3
Chapter 9: Trajectory Generation (Part 1 of 2)
Point-to-point "straight-line" trajectories and polynomial trajectories passing through via points.

WEEK 4
Chapter 9: Trajectory Generation (Part 2 of 2)
Time-optimal motions along a specified path subject to robot dynamics and actuator limits.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to learning and applying the principles required to solve engineering mechanics problems. Concepts will be applied in this course from previous courses you have taken in basic math and physics. The course addresses the modeling and analysis of static equilibrium problems with an emphasis on real world engineering applications and problem solving.

Aug 24th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Cyber Security in Manufacturing (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Cyber Security in Manufacturing (Coursera)

The nature of digital manufacturing and design (DM&D), and its heavy reliance on creating a digital thread of product and process data and information, makes it a prime target for hackers and counterfeiters. This course will introduce students to why creating a strong and secure infrastructure should be of paramount concern for anyone operating in the DM&D domain, and measures that can be employed to protect operational technologies, systems and resources.

Aug 24th 2026
4 Weeks
Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to the study of bodies in motion as applied to engineering systems and structures. We will study the dynamics of particle motion and bodies in rigid planar (2D) motion. This will consist of both the kinematics and kinetics of motion. Kinematics deals with the geometrical aspects of motion describing position, velocity, and acceleration, all as a function of time. Kinetics is the study of forces acting on these bodies and how it affects their motion.

Sep 7th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Factory Automation: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing (Coursera) Coursera
Starweaver

Factory Automation: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing (Coursera)

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of factory automation, covering foundational concepts to practical applications. Participants explore the evolution of automation technology, including robotics and control systems, witnessing its role in optimizing production processes and enhancing productivity. Through real-world case studies, they learn how automation improves efficiency, safety, and innovation in manufacturing.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Particle Dynamics (Coursera) Coursera
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology - KAIST

Particle Dynamics (Coursera)

This course teaches dynamics, one of the basic mechanics subjects of Mechanical Engineering. Students would be able to organize their knowledge about force and motion, work-energy, impulse-momentum in view of Newton's 2nd law and its integration over time and displacement. The Engineering Dynamics consists of two parts: particle dynamics and rigid body dynamics.

Sep 14th 2026
13-24 Weeks
Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There (Coursera)

This course provides an introduction to the most powerful engineering principles you will ever learn - Thermodynamics: the science of transferring energy from one place or form to another place or form. We will introduce the tools you need to analyze energy systems from solar panels, to engines, to insulated coffee mugs. More specifically, we will cover the topics of mass and energy conservation principles; first law analysis of control mass and control volume systems; properties and behavior of pure substances; and applications to thermodynamic systems operating at steady state conditions.

Aug 24th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Modern Robotics, Course 4: Robot Motion Planning and Control (Coursera) Coursera
Northwestern University

Modern Robotics, Course 4: Robot Motion Planning and Control (Coursera)

Do you want to know how robots work? Are you interested in robotics as a career? Are you willing to invest the effort to learn fundamental mathematical modeling techniques that are used in all subfields of robotics? If so, then the "Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control" specialization may be for you. This specialization, consisting of six short courses, is serious preparation for serious students who hope to work in the field of robotics or to undertake advanced study. It is not a sampler.

Aug 31st 2026
4 Weeks
Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise (Coursera)

Enterprises that seek to become proficient in advanced manufacturing must incorporate manufacturing management tools and integrate data throughout the supply chain to be successful. This course will make students aware of what a digitally connected enterprise is, as they learn about the operational complexity of enterprises, business process optimization and the concept of an integrated product-process-value chain.

Aug 24th 2026
4 Weeks