R[AI]se your Robotics

General description

Always wanted to go to Hogwarts? Coimbra is the next best thing! Join us and explore this beautiful and iconic city, located in the center of Portugal, while learning about the magic behind artificial intelligence.

Change the way you see life, by studying the science behind the machines, learn to create intelligence and life itself (the unconventional way at least) and how to ultimately make software come to life!

And while you're at it, enjoy the free time, experience the culture and the costumes of this little big country, as well as the countless traditions and every bit of the awesome portuguese spirit!

And who knows? We might see you here next year!

Academic information

Fields of activity:
Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering , Applied Sciences , Automotive Engineering , Biomedical Engineering , Computational Sciences , Computer Engineering , Computer Science/Automatic Control/Informatics , Control Engineering/Systems engineering , Electrical/Electromechanical Engineering , Electronic/Electrotechnical Engineering , Industrial Engineering , Machine & Instrument engineering/Design , Mechanical Engineering , Mechatronics , Production Engineering/Management
Content and topics:
Robotics is a field of engineering that builds technologies which deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics. The concept of creating machines that can operate autonomously dates back to ancient times, but research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century. Throughout history, robotics has been often seen to mimic human behavior, and often manage tasks in a similar fashion. Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field, as technological advances continue; researching, designing, and building new robots serve various practical purposes, whether domestically, commercially, or militarily. Many robots perform tasks that are hazardous to people such as defusing bombs, mines and exploring shipwrecks. The central problems (or goals) of AI research include reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, natural language processing (communication), perception and the ability to move and manipulate objects. Currently popular approaches include statistical methods, computational intelligence and traditional symbolic AI. There are a large number of tools used in AI, including versions of search and mathematical optimization, logic, methods based on probability and economics, and many others. The AI field is interdisciplinary, in which a number of sciences and professions converge, including computer science, mathematics, psychology, linguistics, philosophy and neuroscience, as well as other specialized fields such as artificial psychology.
Learning goals and objectives:
During the course the participants will understand the mathematics and physics behind controller programming, they will dive into the principles of artificial intelligence and will be asked to question/rethink about the importance of machines in our everyday lives and the impact that advanced AI will have in the future. One of the objectives is to guide the participants during the whole thrilling process of building and programming robots.
Examination type:
Written exam.
ECTS credits issued:
Not known yet

Information for applicants

Selection criteria:
Motivation Letter, answers to the questions, previous experiences in the subject, balanced gender and nationality ratio. Creativity.

Practical arrangements

All of the following are covered by the event fee:

Lodging:
University dorms/city hostel.
Meals:
Three meals per day (one hot meal is included)
Transportation:
Public transportation, organizer's cars