Autonomous Systems Bootcamp: Intelligent Robotics and Embodied AI Summer School

Join us for the Autonomous Systems Bootcamp: Intelligent Robotics and Embodied AI Summer School.

Robotics is rapidly evolving from pre-programmed machines into intelligent, perceptive systems that interact dynamically with the physical world. This intensive, hands-on program aims to take students from the fundamentals of robotic control all the way to deploying cutting-edge Reinforcement Learning and Large Language Models on physical hardware. Participants will build, program, and train their own quadruped robot, “Pupper,” enhancing their knowledge of mechanical assembly, kinematics, autonomous navigation, and embodied AI.

The Autonomous Systems Bootcamp: Intelligent Robotics and Embodied AI Summer School will provide students with a comprehensive, full-stack robotics experience. You will start by assembling the physical Pupper robot and implementing foundational kinematics and control loops. The course then transitions into advanced AI integrations, where you will use Reinforcement Learning to teach your robot how to walk, and leverage Computer Vision and Vision Language Models (VLMs) to give it a unique personality and the ability to track and interact with humans. Participants will engage in extensive group-based lab work, culminating in a 24-hour hackathon and a comprehensive final project.

• ROS Introduction & PD Control: Setup infrastructure, build the torso, and experiment with motors.
• Forward Kinematics: Assemble the legs and test forward kinematics on physical hardware.
• Inverse Kinematics (IK) & Trajectory Tracking: Complete robot assembly and program an IK solver to track desired trajectories.
• Model-Based Control: Implement a heuristical trotting gait using your custom IK.

• How to Train Your Dog (Reinforcement Learning): Train a virtual Pupper in simulation using an RL policy, then deploy it to the real robot.
• Do What I Say (LLMs for Robotics): Integrate Large Language Models and Computer Vision to give Pupper the ability to recognize and track people.
• The World I See (Vision Language Models): Use VLMs to communicate with Pupper and design a distinct personality for your robot.

• Advanced Topics (Optional Labs): Explore NXPCup, AMPERT + CARLA simulators, Renode, Azure IoT, Flutter, and Databases.
• 24-Hour Hackathon: A dedicated hackathon to prototype final ideas.
• Final Project: Group-based final project development, complete with a formal proposal and final presentation.

• Duration & Schedule: This program runs extensively through June through August. Core lab sessions take place Monday–Friday, typically from 17:00 to 20:00 or 18:00 to 21:00. The schedule includes a mix of daily intensive labs and structured weekly sessions.
• Location: Room EG106.
• Workload Expectation: This is a rigorous program. Expect hours of direct instruction/lab time, a 24-hour hackathon, and individual/group work for your final projects over the two months.
• Attendance & Grading Policies:
  • Attendance is strictly enforced: If you miss more than 2 classes, you will be dropped from the program.
  • Assignments: Every team must submit each lab assignment. You have 3 late days per lab, with a maximum of 10 total late days for the entire program (spend them wisely!).
  • Final Project: No extensions will be granted for the final project proposal or presentation.

You can find the technical resources and full syllabus here: Technical Resources & Full Syllabus.

Register for the Autonomous Systems Bootcamp: Intelligent Robotics and Embodied AI Summer School before [Insert Date].

The Autonomous Systems Bootcamp: Intelligent Robotics and Embodied AI Summer School is organized by the Faculty of Automatic Control and Computers, POLITEHNICA Bucharest.