Get hands-on with real robots
IMPL – Intelligent Machine Programming Lab
Facilitators: Peter So, Tayyaba Qaisar, Valentin Le Mesle, Prof. Eckehard Steinbach
Dates: 12.10.26 – 05.02.27 (WS26/27)
Previous Courses: WS22, SS23, WS23, SS24, WS24, SS25, WS25, SS26
Location: Munich Urban Colab (MUCL) Freddie-Mercury-Strasse 5 and MIRMI Headquarters Hessstrasse 134
IMPL Course Information
Course Overview
The Intelligent Machine Programming Lab (IMPL) is a master’s-level, hands-on robotics course. Participants work with robot manipulators from Franka Robotics and Universal Robots. The course is limited to 12 students per semester to ensure that participants have adequate access to the robot hardware.
Learning Objectives
Students apply theoretical robotics knowledge to practical programming tasks and develop skills relevant to industrial robot applications.
Course Topics
The course covers trajectory generation in task frames, robot system design, networking, operator safety, troubleshooting, motion control, perception, and robot programming.
Robot Platforms
Students work with Franka Robotics and Universal Robots platforms and gain practical experience with robot control, simulation, and real-world deployment.
Software and Technologies
Topics and tools include Python, C++, ROS, offline programming, RoboDK, MoveIt, motion planning, object detection, pose detection, camera calibration, and robot teleoperation.
Course Structure
The course combines practical assignments, programming exercises, group presentations, project work, and industry-oriented challenges.
Recommended Knowledge
Knowledge of robot kinematics and physics is required. Students should also be comfortable developing projects in Python and C++.
IMDL – Intelligent Machine Design Lab
Facilitators: Dr. Mahathi Anand, Dr.-Ing. Lennart Trösken, Prof. Eckehard Steinbach
Dates: 14.10.26 – 03.02.27 (WS26/27)
Location: Munich Urban Colab, First Floor, Room 01.18, Freddie-Mercury-Straße 5, 80797 Munich
IMDL Course Information
Course Overview
The Intelligent Machine Design Laboratory (IMDL) is a team-based, project-oriented robotics course in which students design and build an autonomous mobile manipulator. The course is listed as “Intelligent Machine Design Laboratory” on Moodle and TUMOnline.
Learning Objectives
Students apply robotics theory to a functional prototype and develop interdisciplinary skills in mechanical design, electronics, software development, system integration, teamwork, and project management.
Hardware and Mechanical Design
Students work with an iRobot Create 3 platform and develop a two-degree-of-freedom robot arm with a gripper using CAD, 3D printing, sensors, actuators, electronics, and microcontrollers.
Software and Technologies
Topics and tools include ROS 2, Linux, Python, C/C++, SLAM, navigation, computer vision, object detection, path planning, trajectory planning, feedback control, and simulation.
Course Structure
The course combines self-study, tutorials, project work, milestone presentations, practical demonstrations, system integration, and a final robot demonstration.
Recommended Knowledge
Basic knowledge of robotics, programming, mechanics, electronics, or control engineering is recommended. Experience with Python, C/C++, Linux, or ROS is beneficial.
