Marine Robot Simulation with ROS Course
This course prepares you to develop and test marine robots in simulation with ROS 2, the reference software framework in robotics. You will learn to model surface and underwater vehicles, configure simulators with hydrodynamic effects, waves and currents, simulate sensors such as DVL, sonar and cameras, and program control and navigation nodes, validating your algorithms before taking them into the water.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Marine Robot Simulation with ROS Course?
This short course prepares you to make your mistakes in the simulator and get it right at sea. You will learn the ROS 2 architecture of nodes, topics, services and actions, describe robots with URDF and SDF including masses, inertias, buoyancy, thrusters and control surfaces, set up Gazebo and open marine simulators with waves, currents, wind and bathymetry, simulate DVL, IMU, sonar and cameras, and implement PID control, trajectory tracking, sensor fusion, waypoint navigation and obstacle avoidance.
What sets this course apart: a standard tool, as ROS 2 underpins many current robotics projects; content specific to the sea, with hydrodynamics, waves, currents and underwater sensors; a learning-by-doing approach with hands-on exercises using open-source software; a complete path from model to algorithm covering modeling, control, navigation and testing; and a practical case in which you simulate a complete mission with a marine vehicle.
Program highlights
- Standard tool: ROS 2 underpins many of today's robotics projects.
- Built for the sea: hydrodynamics, waves, currents and underwater sensors.
- Learning by doing: hands-on exercises with open-source software.
- From model to algorithm: modeling, control, navigation and testing.
- Simulated sensors: DVL, IMU, sonar and cameras.
- Practical case: full simulation of a mission with a marine vehicle.
Syllabus of the Marine Robot Simulation with ROS Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Introduction to ROS 2
- 1.1. ROS 2 architecture
- 1.2. Nodes, topics and services
- 1.3. Actions and parameters
- 1.4. Visualization tools
- 1.5. Package organization
Modeling marine vehicles
- 2.1. Describing robots with URDF and SDF
- 2.2. Masses, inertias and buoyancy
- 2.3. Simplified hydrodynamic models
- 2.4. Thrusters and control surfaces
- 2.5. Surface and underwater vehicles
Simulators and the marine environment
- 3.1. Gazebo and open marine simulators
- 3.2. Waves, currents and wind
- 3.3. Bathymetry and seabed scenarios
- 3.4. Simulated sensors: DVL, IMU, sonar and cameras
- 3.5. Simulation performance and realism
Control and navigation
- 4.1. PID controllers for marine vehicles
- 4.2. Trajectory tracking
- 4.3. Sensor fusion in ROS 2
- 4.4. Waypoint navigation
- 4.5. Obstacle avoidance
Testing and project
- 5.1. Designing test scenarios
- 5.2. Data logging and analysis
- 5.3. Automated testing
- 5.4. From simulator to real vehicle
- 5.5. Practical case: simulation of a complete mission
Duration and format of the Marine Robot Simulation with ROS Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Marine Robot Simulation with ROS Course
Career opportunities after the Marine Robot Simulation with ROS Course
Questions about the Marine Robot Simulation with ROS Course
Yes. A basic grounding in Python or C++ is required; the course focuses on ROS 2 and marine simulation.
A computer running Linux or able to use containers; an installation guide is provided.
No. The course uses ROS 2, the current version of the framework.
No. It reduces risks and costs, but validation in real conditions is always needed.
The complete simulation of a mission with a marine vehicle, from the model to the analysis of results.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Underwater robotics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at engineers and technical graduates starting out in marine robotics, software developers who want to specialize in ROS 2, researchers who need simulation environments for their vehicles, marine technology company technicians who validate navigation and control algorithms, and advanced students; higher education or professional experience in engineering, computing, physics or robotics, with basic programming skills, is required.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations; Linux or support for containers is needed for the simulation exercises.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.