About AM
In the Autonomous Machines thread, you will design, build, and deploy mechanical systems, software, and autonomy algorithms for real-world autonomous machines and robots. Our program of study encompasses several project-based classes that help you develop your individual and group skills for working on the types of complex projects you will encounter in industrial settings. Along with our project-based classes, we will support your pursuit of undergraduate research in autonomy and robotics at MIT through our connections with research faculty and MIT-UROP. In addition to our on-campus activities, you will have opportunities for summer internships in autonomy/robotics with our corporate sponsors.
We are grateful to our founding co-sponsors, General Motors and Boeing, who support us every step of the way.
Requirements
To obtain a NEET Autonomous Machines certificate from the School of Engineering, students should complete the following requirements (all classes are 12 units unless specified otherwise):
Junior Year
Fall: 16.633 NEET Junior Seminar: Autonomous Machines (3 units)Spring: Choose one project class from the following: 6.4200 (6.141)/16.405 Robotics: Science and Systems or 2.12 Introduction to Robotics
Foundation Subjects
Mechanics: 2.001, 16.001, or Self-Study Statics/Mechanics Module (Course 6 majors)Intro to Programming: [6.100A (6.0001)+ 6.100B (6.0002)], 2.086, or 6.1010 (6.009)Controls: 2.004, 6.3100 (6.302), or 16.06
Suggested (Optional) Subjects
The following optional undergraduate level subjects provide more depth in autonomous machines/robotic systems:
Robotics: 2.74, 6.4210Artificial Intelligence: 6.4100, 6.4110, 6.4130/16.410Machine Learning: 6.3900, 6.3950Sensing/Computing: 6.1820, 6.9080Computer Vision: 6.8301Human-Computer Interaction: 6.4510, 2.78/6.4530Algorithms: 6.1210, 6.1220
Questions???
If you have any questions about the requirements listed above, please contact the Autonomous Machines lead instructor Dr. Gregory Long.
Roadmaps for NEET Autonomous Machines
Example Projects
Smart Car Exploration
In our Intro to Autonomous Machines seminar, you will have the opportunity to explore the use of a variety of sensors for autonomous control. One project in the seminar utilizes a smart car with an ultrasonic sensor to measure distances, an IR encoder to measure wheel speeds, an IR sensor to measure light/dark thresholds for following paths, and an inertial measurement unit/magnetometer to determine orientation, velocity, and acceleration.
Imitation Learning
Through the process of imitation learning, students in 6.4200 (6.141)/16.405 teach their mini racecar how to drive autonomously by training it with a TensorFlow neural network. This neural network, based on the NVIDIA PilotNet architecture, processes the data, which provides a map between previously stored human observations and immediate racecar action.
Classes
We have a series of 12-unit project classes that AM scholars take throughout the three-year program. These classes provide you the foundation for mastering the fundamental aspects of autonomous machines and robotics: a) robust mechanical design, b) computer programming, and c) autonomy algorithms.
2S.007: Design and Manufacturing I-Autonomous Machines a 12-Unit Project Class for Sophomores
In 2.S007 you will design, fabricate, and program your own semi-autonomous mobile robot that navigates and manipulates objects on a gameboard that focuses on the elementary aspects of autonomous control. Our class is a special section of 2.007 which has been a keystone class at MIT for over four decades, impacting generations of students. Our NEET-AM section has a mixture of Course 2 (mechanical), Course 6 (electrical engineering and computer science), and Course 16 (aerospace and aeronautical) students who are interested in building autonomous robots.
6.4200 (6.141)/16.405: Robotics: Science and Systems a 12-Unit Project Class for Juniors
In this class you learn the fundamentals of sensing, vision processing, perception, path planning, and machine learning by working in small groups to design and implement autonomous navigation algorithms on a mini racecar. Weekly meetings consist of three 1-hour technical lectures and two 2-hour lab sessions.
16.84: Advanced Autonomous Robotic Systems a 12-Unit Project Class for Seniors
This final project class operates like a startup company, where you will develop a product that embodies a central autonomous machine component. Focusing on technology development that includes mechanical, electronics, and software, you will create a product that satisfies real-world performance goals. Along with technology development, you will develop a business model that concludes with a demonstration and investor pitch.
Thread Leadership
Prof. Jonathan How
Founding Faculty LeadAssociate Director, NEET
Aeronautics and Astronautics
Dr. Gregory Long
Lecturer and Founding Lead Instructor, NEET
School of Engineering
Autonomous MachinesCommunity Building Committee
Ansel Garcia-Langley
Community Building Co-Chair
Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2024
Ivy Liu
Community Building Co-Chair
Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceClass of 2024
FAQ
Who is eligible for the Autonomous Machines thread?
MIT rising sophomores who plan to major in courses 2-A/2, 6-2, and 16-ENG will find it easiest to fit our foundation and project classes in their academic schedules; however, students in other closely related majors are also welcome.
How many students are you planning to take?
We usually cap our new enrollment at 40 new AM scholars per year.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, upon completing your SB degree at MIT, you will also obtain a NEET Certificate in Autonomous Machines from the School of Engineering.
What benefits may I expect from participating in the Autonomous Machines thread?
By participating in the AM thread, you will progress through a series of projects with the focused intent of acquiring the knowledge and skills to design, program, and control a variety of autonomous and robotic devices. Your close association with like-minded MIT students and faculty in our thread will accelerate your progress and expose you to opportunities difficult to obtain elsewhere.