From Code to Robot


Turn engineering theory into hands on robotic practice, from MATLAB® and Simulink® models to real robot execution.
From Code to Robot is a complete, co-developed university-level curriculum that teaches students how to design, simulate, validate, and deploy robot control algorithms using MathWorks tools and Universal Robots collaborative robots. Students experience the full engineering workflow, from code to physical robot motion, using the same tools and methods applied in modern industrial automation.

Industry ready robotics education for real engineering careers
Modern engineering roles demand more than theoretical knowledge. Graduates are expected to move confidently from algorithms and models to validated, deployable systems used in real industrial environments.
From Code to Robot is designed to teach students the skills, workflows, and engineering mindset required for successful careers in robotics, automation, and AI. Students learn how professional engineers design, test, and refine robotic systems using industry standard tools and practices.
The curriculum can be taught with or without hardware. Students can complete the full learning experience using simulation and code only, while programs that choose to include a Universal Robots system can extend learning into hands on validation and real robot execution.
The result is graduates who understand not just how robotics works, but how it is engineered, deployed, and improved in industry.
Key benefits for university engineering programs

Industry-relevant technology
Use real industry software and hardware from MathWorks and Universal Robots.

Flexible curriculum integration
Modules can be taught individually in any order and fit seamlessly into robotics, mechatronics, automation, or control courses at the bachelor’s or master’s level.

Free curriculum package
All learning materials, tutorials, exercises, videos, and example code are provided at no cost, reducing barriers to adoption.
Learning Outcomes
From Code to Robot guides students through complete workflows covering design and simulation, behavior validation, and algorithm deployment to real robots. The curriculum develops practical skills across three core domains.

Computer vision
Object detection and recognition using pretrained models, specifically YOLOv8.

AI for robotics
Robotic task planning using Q learning, Deep Q learning, and reinforcement learning.

Robotics
Modeling, kinematics, differential kinematics, dynamics, and control for serial manipulators
A complete, modular course structure
Course duration
- Complete all three modules in one semester.
- Or deploy modules independently for time limited programs.
Education level
- Designed for bachelor’s or master’s level engineering programs.
Curriculum includes
- Lesson guides.
- Installation and setup instructions.
- Script examples and exercises.
- Demo videos and reference implementations via GitHub.
Software and hardware compatibility

Software requirements
- MATLAB® 2025a or 2025b.
- ROS Toolbox.
- Robotics System Toolbox.
- Symbolic Math Toolbox.

Hardware requirements
- Standard workstation capable of running MATLAB.
- Optional. Any Universal Robots e Series or UR Series robot.

Built through academic and industry collaboration
From Code to Robot is co developed by MathWorks, Universal Robots, and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The curriculum combines academic rigor with real industrial relevance.
This collaboration ensures the curriculum reflects current engineering practice and prepares students for careers in robotics, automation, and AI.
Access the webinar here:
Register for the webinar (English)
14 July, 2026
Register for the webinar (Spanish)
14 July, 2026