葫芦影

Automation and Autonomy of Mobile Robots using ROS

The Automation and Autonomy of Mobile Robots Program is offered jointly by the University of Houston and the 葫芦影业 Clear Lake. Successful candidates will receive digital badges from UH Energy.

Overview

Duration

March - May, 2026
6 weeks

Format

Weekly In-Person

Price

No Cost for Qualified & Admitted Applicants

Deadline

Apply/Enroll by February 28, 2026

How to Enroll

Why this Credential?

Robotic systems are extensively used across multiple industries today, from manufacturing, to energy, to space exploration. Being familiar with the electrical and programming fundamentals of robotics, as well as some of the tools commonly used by industry and academia, can provide a considerable edge for students looking to pursue careers or research in many fields.

This course will first cover some of the electrical and embedded system basics. Afterward, the basics of the Robotics Operating System, widely used for robotics applications, will be covered. Using ROS, the student will learn about and apply SLAM, an almost ubiquitous robotic navigation technique. Finally, the students will put together a mobile robot kit and program it to take part in a competition.

Who Should Enroll?

The following groups are eligible for this program:

  • Undergrad students looking to get into robotics or expand their knowledge
  • Grad students that want to refresh knowledge and gain more experience with SLAM and ROS
  • Recent graduates that want to strengthen their job prospects

Schedule

Subject to Change

  • Lecture 1: Electrical Foundations Review (Dr. Unwala)
    • Sensors and Actutators
    • Embedded Systems
    • Post-Lecture Speaker: Joshua Sooknanan (NASA)
  • Lecture 2: Robotics Software (Dr. Nguyen)
    • Linux Architecture
    • Intro to ROS
    • Post-Lecture Speaker: Carol Fairchild (UHCL) and Kimberly Hayes (Valkim Technologies)
  • Lecture 3: SLAM and Navigation (Dr. Nguyen)
    • Sensor Fusion
    • Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), and Navigation
    • Post-Lecture Speaker: Hasan Danaci (Schlumberger)
  • Lab: Robot Car (Dr. Nguyen and Miguel Pagan)
    • Car Kit Assembly
    • Car Programming and Competition
    • Post-Lecture Speaker: Chirag Dhoka Jain (Northeastern University)

Each class session begins at 9am and ends at 1pm at the 葫芦影业 Clear Lake campus in the Delta Building, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058.

What You Will Earn

A digital badge is awarded from UH Energy. The digital micro-credentialing badge provide a permanent record, endorsed by UH Energy and the 葫芦影业, that can be made a part of your resume to credential your new skills.

Instructors

Dr. Luong Nguyen
Associate Professor of Computer Engineering, 葫芦影业 Clear Lake

Dr. Ishaq Unwala
Associate Professor of Computer Engineering, 葫芦影业 Clear Lake

Miguel Pagan
Lecturer of Computer Engineering, 葫芦影业 Clear Lake

 

Guest Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Dr. James Dabney
Program Director of Systems Engineering, Professor, College of Science and Engineering
UCHL

Post-Lecture Speakers

Joshua Sooknanan
NASA/JSC

Kimberly Hayes
Co-Founder, Valkim Technologies

Carol Fairchild
UHCL

Hasan Danaci
Schlumberger

Chirag Dhoka Jain
Northeastern University

 

How to Enroll

1. Please complete the application form and send it to uhenergy@uh.edu. 
2. After receiving the confirmation emails, please ensure that you have access to the Learning Management System (Canvas). UH Energy will also email you the detailed schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can register for the program by visiting the registration link and completing the application form. The registration link will be available once course enrollment opens 
We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and electronic payments. If you require alternative payment options, please reach out to our business office. 
Courses are offered online, in-person, or hybrid formats, depending on the specific course, allowing students to engage with course materials through live lectures, pre-recorded modules, interactive discussions, or hands-on projects. 
Yes. Assessments are required to successfully complete the program and earn your micro-credential. Details on grading criteria and passing scores will be provided at the start of the course.  
Depending on the program structure, you may have access to recorded sessions or alternative assignments. Please review the attendance policy or contact your instructor for specific arrangements. 
Refunds are not available if you withdraw from the course.