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Northwestern University — Kevin Lynch

Modern Robotics, Course 3: Robot Dynamics

Explore Northwestern’s robot-dynamics course on forward and inverse dynamics and trajectory generation, with numerical modeling for robotic motion.

PaidIntermediate10+ hoursEnglishCertificateRobotics
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Opens on the provider’s site. Check current access and certificate terms there.

Course overview

Modern Robotics 3 adds forces and accelerations to the motion model developed earlier in the sequence. Numerical methods connect forward dynamics with simulation and inverse dynamics with control. Trajectory generation then introduces the restrictions that dynamics place on a planned movement.

What you will learn

  • Distinguish forward from inverse dynamics.
  • Model the relationship between torque and acceleration.
  • Generate trajectories subject to dynamic constraints.

Who this suits

Intermediate learners prepared for mathematical modeling and programming. The series uses Python, MATLAB or Mathematica; later courses build on earlier Modern Robotics material.

Before you enroll

The mathematical and programming demands vary sharply across robotics courses. Preview the exercises and software setup before enrolling. Use simulations for independent practice; course completion alone does not prepare someone to operate an industrial robot safely.

Coursera offers paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for assessment and certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. Provider access terms can change; review them before paying.

Put it into practice

Compare two simulated trajectories for the same arm and explain how changing the timing changes the required joint effort.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on . It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

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At a glance

Provider
Coursera
Learning format
Course
Price
Paid
Level
Intermediate
Study time (approx.)
10+ hours
Language
English
Certificate
Available; check provider terms
Created by
Northwestern University — Kevin Lynch
Category
Robotics
Page updated
12 Oct 2026