4132 - Autonomous Systems for Self-Driving Labs

Course Description

Embark on a journey into the world of robotics and automation for self-driving laboratories. This asynchronous, remote course equips you with the skills to control peristaltic pumps, linear actuators, automated liquid handlers, and solid dispensers using a microcontroller, a motor driver, and a workflow orchestration package. You’ll also learn to control mobile cobots and perform spatial referencing and ID recognition via computer vision. The course will conclude with a solid sample transfer workflow using a multi-axis robot. Remotely accessible resources will be provided as necessary.

This course is presented in partnership with the Acceleration Consortium at the University of Toronto.

This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month but have up to 1 year to complete it.

Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to:

• Design and execute software to manage a peristaltic pump’s operations using a microcontroller and motor driver, demonstrating application and integration skills
• Construct the “Digital Pipette” and develop software to manipulate the linear actuator, showcasing capabilities in hardware assembly and software programming
• Operate an automated liquid handler, such as Jubilee or Opentrons, to accurately transfer liquid between vials, demonstrating proficiency in laboratory automation techniques
• Exhibit the ability to control a mobile collaborative robot (cobot) using the ROS framework, reflecting advanced understanding and operational skills in robotics
• Showcase the use of OpenCV and AprilTags for spatial referencing and ID lookup, illustrating advanced skills in computer vision and object identification
• Configure and utilize ROS, AprilTags, and a multi-axis robot to execute solid sample transfers, demonstrating integrated skills in robotics programming and operation

Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include:

• Motor drivers
• Serial communication
• Automated liquid handlers
• Robotic control
• Robotic simulation
• Computer vision
• Automated solid handlers

Notes

No withdrawals are permitted after enrolment.

Eligible learners may apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for this micro-credential. You can find more information on our Financial Aid page.

Registration in this course gives you 12 months (one year) access to the course materials and assessments. 

• Should you be unable to complete the course in the allotted time, we can provide a one-time extended access period of 6 months for a $75+HST fee. 
• The extended access fee will be non-refundable, and non-transferrable.

To request the extension, please email scs.business@utoronto.ca

This course may be applied towards the SCS Certificate(s) in

• Autonomous Systems for Discovery : Required courses