Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 720 G100

Robotic Autonomy: Algorithms and Computation (3)

Class Number: 5494

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2026
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Fundamental concepts in robotics and related fields, including computational methods for solving decision making and algorithms for robots to understand their environment. Topics include modeling and simulation of robotic systems, optimization, optimal control, robotic safety, reinforcement learning, and robotic perception. Applications of the material include unmanned aerial vehicles and self-driving cars.

COURSE DETAILS:

Fundamental concepts in robotics and related fields, including computational methods for solving decision making and algorithms for robots to understand their environment.

Topics:

  • modeling and simulation of robotic systems
  • optimization
  • optimal control
  • robotic safety
  • robotic perception
  • controlling robots in the real world using the Robot Operating System (ROS2)

Applications of the material include unmanned aerial vehicles and self-driving cars.

Grading

NOTES:

To be discussed in the first week of class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Graduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.