Building Robots - Communication Protocols and Hardware

Posted Oct 10, 2025 Updated Oct 10, 2025

By Gems Erasmus Plus 3 min read

This is one of the 4 free courses at Extension School of TU Delft that was developed under the GEMS project. The courses are a part of learning program: Building Robots: from Mechatronic Components to Robotics.

This course Building Robots: Communication Protocols and Hardware is focused on the communication between mechatronics components and is based on GEMS Sapphire module. You can access the course by enrolling using free edX account.

Course overview

This course provides a comprehensive overview of key communication protocols and essential hardware used in mechatronics, with a strong focus on robotic applications. Mechatronics is playing an increasingly important role in shaping our world, with robots standing out as some of the most transformative examples. These versatile machines boost efficiency across various domains, from factories and farms to homes and even space exploration. At the core of robotics, electrical drives enable controlled motion, serving as the backbone of these systems.

This course is designed for those seeking to deepen their expertise in communication systems within robotics and industrial automation. Geared towards professionals, engineers, and students in fields such as electrical engineering, computer science, and robotics, the course emphasizes practical skills development. A major component is focused on the Robot Operating System (ROS), equipping students with the skills to use ROS’s communication framework to facilitate seamless interaction between software and hardware. This knowledge will empower participants to design effective, adaptable robotic solutions suited to a range of industrial applications.

Learning objectives

So, what will you actually learn in this course? At the end of this course, you will be able to:

Develop communication firmware and hardware for robotic systems
Work with other disciplines to realize communication in various robotics applications
Work with other disciplines to develop motion control using electrical drives
Deploy ROS in practical robotic systems

Course

The course is organized in 7 modules. A brief summary of each unit is presented below. Detailed instructions and resources will be provided during the course.

Getting started with the course

In the Getting Started section you’ll get to know the course structure, get familiarized with the virtual learning environment, complete your profile, meet your fellow students and the moderator. These introductory tasks should be completed in the beginning of the course, after your first login.