Control Engineering for Robotics Course | IIT Guwahati | Prof. Chayan Bhawal
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 317 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Control and Instrumentation |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Core of Robotic Motion: A Deep Dive into Control Engineering for Robotics
The field of robotics is revolutionizing industries, from automated manufacturing to autonomous drones. At the heart of every precise robotic movement lies a sophisticated control system. If you're an engineering student or professional looking to build a strong foundation in this critical area, a new course from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati offers the perfect blend of theory and practical application.
Course Overview: Bridging Theory and Robotic Application
This 12-week course, Control Engineering for Robotics, is meticulously designed to move beyond abstract theory. It provides a practical, design-oriented journey through both classical and modern control principles, with a constant focus on their application in real-world robotic systems. The curriculum is structured to guide you step-by-step through the entire controller design process for dynamic systems.
The course is divided into two cohesive segments:
- Classical Control: Covers system modeling, time and frequency domain analysis, stability, and the design of P, PI, and PID controllers.
- Modern Control: Delves into state-space representation, controllability, observability, pole placement, and optimal control using the powerful Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) method.
Learn from an Expert: Instructor Profile
The course is led by Prof. Chayan Bhawal, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at IIT Guwahati. With a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay and postdoctoral research experience at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, Prof. Bhawal brings deep expertise in optimal control, multi-agent systems, and robotics applications for aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles. His practical research insights directly inform the course's hands-on approach.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Undergraduate (BTech/BE) and Postgraduate (MTech/ME/PhD) students specializing in Robotics, Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering.
- Professionals in aerospace, robotics, drone technology, process engineering, and power systems looking to solidify their control theory fundamentals.
- Anyone aspiring to build a career in the dynamic field of robotic systems design and control.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Mathematical Modeling, Laplace Transforms, Transfer Functions, Bode Plots. |
| Week 3-4 | Time-Domain Analysis, System Stability, Introduction to PID Control. |
| Week 5 | PID Controller Design with MATLAB and experimental demonstrations on DC motors. |
| Week 6-7 | State-Space Modeling, Controllability Analysis. |
| Week 8-9 | Pole Placement, Observer Design, and Observability. |
| Week 10 | Introduction to Optimal Control & LQR design. |
| Week 11-12 | Practical Applications: Controller design for a Robotic Arm and Drones. |
Key Highlight: The course uses a 1D-Quadrotor model as a running example throughout the weeks, allowing you to see how each theoretical concept applies to a tangible robotic platform, culminating in a full controller design for drones.
Essential Learning Resources
The course references authoritative texts to complement the lectures, including:
- Nise: Control Systems Engineering
- Gopal: Modern Control System Theory
- Ogata: Modern Control Engineering
- Spong et al.: Robot Modeling and Control
- Craig: Introduction to Robotics
Why This Course is Essential for Your Robotics Journey
Control engineering is the language of robotic motion. This course offers a unique opportunity to learn this language from a premier institute, with content grounded in practical design. By the end of the 12 weeks, you will not only understand key control concepts but also know how to implement them to make robots move with precision and stability. Whether your interest lies in industrial robotic arms, agile drones, or advanced autonomous systems, this course provides the foundational knowledge to innovate and excel.
Take the next step in mastering the intelligence behind robotic movement. Explore the Control Engineering for Robotics course and unlock the principles that bring machines to life.
Enroll Now →