Free AI course: How to program a robotic car

[drydem]

Learn how to program the Google robot car by
signing up for the online course CS373 at

http://www.udacity.com

The class starts on February 20th 2012...

[drydem]

Sebastian Thrun, Prof of Computer Science @ Stanford Univ (Project Lead)
David Evans, Prof of Computer Science @ Univ of Virginia.

CS373 Programming a Robotic Car(Google Robotic Prius)

http://www.udacity.com/cs#373

http://cdn.bitbucket.org/djlyon/smp-driverless-car-robot/downloads/Python%20User%20Group%20Presentation.pdf

Class starts 20th Feb 2012 ends 09th Apr 2012


Description: This class, taught by one of the foremost experts in AI, will teach you basic methods in Artificial Intelligence, including: probabilistic inference, computer vision, machine learning, and planning, all with a focus on robotics. Extensive programming examples and assignments will apply these methods in the context of building self-driving cars. You will get a chance to visit, via video, the leading research labs in the field, and meet the scientists and engineers who are building self-driving cars at Stanford and Google.

Prerequisites: The instructor will assume solid knowledge of programming, all programming will be in Python. Knowledge of probability and linear algebra will be helpful.

Week 1: Basics of probability
Car localization with particle filters

Week 2: Gaussians and continuous probability
Tracking other cars with Kalman filters

Week 3: Image Processing and Machine Learning
Finding objects in sensor data

Week 4: Planning and search
Determining where to drive with A* search
Finding optimal routes with dynamic programming

Week 5: Controls
Controlling steering and speeds with PID

Week 6: Putting it all together
Programming a self-driving car


Week 7: Final Exam
Exam testing your knowledge


The Robotic Prius Software Platform
Python 2.5/ Linux /Pololu Maestro/gpsd

[drydem]

I got my first video/reading/quiz/assignments yesterday.

You need to know how to program Python 2.6 right from the start.

The web site instructions are white board videos intensive and
have interactive questions after each session.

It took my computer ( P3/2.4 Ghz, 1 gb, 300gb Hd, Win XP Sp3, Explorer 8, 150kbps ADSL) about 12 minutes to download the webpage for
the first unit yesterday morning.

[drydem]

The Online Python Editor won't run correctly using Internet Explorer 8 or 9.
You cannot proceed through the Unit lessons without responding correctly
to the course work's online Python editor - so this is a vital requirement.
If you are Using Windows XP/Vista/7/8 install and use Google Chrome Browser instead.
It appears there are over 1000 people taking this course so the servers are a tad slow.