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Module 1: The Robotic Nervous System (ROS 2)

Focus: Middleware for robot control Duration: Weeks 1-5 (5 weeks) Hardware Tier: Tier 1-2 (Cloud/RTX GPU)

Module Overview​

The Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2) is the nervous system of modern robots. Just as your nervous system coordinates signals between your brain and body, ROS 2 coordinates communication between different parts of a robot - sensors, processors, and actuators.

In this module, you'll build a solid foundation in Physical AI concepts and master ROS 2, the industry-standard middleware used by companies like Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, and NASA.

Learning Objectives​

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Define Physical AI and distinguish it from digital-only AI systems
  • Explain the ROS 2 architecture and its distributed communication model
  • Create ROS 2 nodes that publish and subscribe to topics
  • Implement services and actions for request-response patterns
  • Build complete ROS 2 packages using Python and rclpy
  • Design URDF models for humanoid robot descriptions

Prerequisites​

  • Basic Python programming (functions, classes, loops)
  • Linux command line familiarity (cd, ls, mkdir)
  • Understanding of basic networking concepts (helpful but not required)

Hardware Requirements​

TierEquipmentWhat You Can Do
Tier 1Laptop + CloudBrowser-based ROS 2 via Foxglove, conceptual lessons
Tier 2RTX GPU + Ubuntu 22.04Full local ROS 2 Humble installation, Gazebo simulation
Tier 1 Path

Don't have a powerful computer? No problem! All lessons include cloud-based alternatives using Foxglove Studio or The Construct.

Chapters​

Chapter 1: Introduction to Physical AI​

Weeks 1-2 • 4 Lessons • ~3 hours

Foundations of embodied intelligence and the humanoid robotics landscape. Understand why robots need to understand physics, not just language.

Start Chapter 1 →

Chapter 2: ROS 2 Architecture​

Week 3 • 4 Lessons • ~4 hours

Core concepts including nodes, topics, services, and actions. Learn the building blocks that make robots tick.

Start Chapter 2 →

Chapter 3: Building with ROS 2​

Weeks 4-5 • 4 Lessons • ~5 hours

Hands-on package development with Python. Build real ROS 2 applications and understand URDF for describing humanoid robots.

Start Chapter 3 →

What You'll Build​

By the end of this module, you will have created:

  1. Talker/Listener Nodes - Your first ROS 2 communication
  2. Sensor Monitor - A node that reads and processes sensor data
  3. Service Server - A node that responds to requests
  4. Complete ROS 2 Package - A reusable package with launch files
  5. Humanoid URDF - A robot description file for a simple humanoid

Assessment​

  • Project: Build a ROS 2 package that monitors simulated robot sensors and publishes health status
  • Quiz: 20 questions covering ROS 2 concepts and architecture