Academics
M.Tech in Robotics
Interdisciplinary M.Tech in Robotics (JRB), IIT Delhi
Overview
An Interdisciplinary M.Tech. in Robotics program at IIT Delhi integrates robotics, AI, control, perception and mechanical design to prepare researchers and engineers for next-generation intelligent robotic systems. The programme is offered as two pathways — full-time, completed in two years, and part-time, completed in three years for working professionals. It is run jointly by the Departments of Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, along with the Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Biologically Inspired Robots and Drones (CoE-BIRD).
Across the programme, students work with robotic systems, intelligent control, computer vision, AI-driven perception, embedded systems, mechanical design, and autonomous vehicles — with the curriculum built to balance rigorous theoretical grounding with hands-on, experiential learning.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the JRB programme are expected to be able to:
- Apply core robotics knowledge — mechanics, control systems, perception, and artificial intelligence — to solve complex, real-world problems.
- Design, develop, and deploy robotic systems by drawing on multiple disciplines: running simulations and experiments, analyzing data, and iterating to improve system performance.
- Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the robotics research community through technical reports and presentations, and engage with the ethical and societal implications of robotic technologies.
Why Choose JRB@IITD
Strong Theoretical & Mathematical Foundation
The programme is built on a rigorous foundation in mathematics, physics, and systems theory — the tools needed to model, analyze, and control complex robotic systems. This grounding sharpens analytical thinking across kinematics, dynamics, control, and intelligent perception.
Hands-on, Interdisciplinary Learning
Learning here goes beyond the classroom. Project-based coursework is backed by real facilities — including the Industrial Robotics and Mechatronics Lab and the Multi-agent Systems and Drones Lab — where students work directly with manipulators, drones, and autonomous vehicles. Course-linked lab modules, system-integration projects, and collaborative research bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Flexible Academic Pathways
Electives can be tailored to individual interests, with the option to go deeper into one of five specialization tracks — see Areas of Specialization below for details on each.
Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities
Students work closely with JRB faculty on frontier problems in robotics, AI, and intelligent systems — contributing to both academic publications and applied research.
Curriculum Structure
| Category | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme Core | Computer Vision, Robot Kinematics and Dynamics, Projects, etc. | 37 |
| Programme Electives | Soft Robotics, Deep Learning, etc. | 18 |
| Open Category (OC) | Courses across departments | 6 |
| Total | 61 |
Programme Core Courses
24 credits, spread across Semesters I and II. The AI/ML core requirement can be satisfied by any one of three courses.
| Code | Course | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JRL7000 | Robotics Laboratory | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| ELL7100 | Mathematical Foundation of Learning and Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| ELL7101 | Linear Systems | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| ELL7102 | Stochastic Processes and Filtering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| JRL7680 | Computer Vision for Robotics | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| JRL7030 | Robot Kinematics and Dynamics | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| AIL7024 / AIL7025 / COL7341 | Machine Learning OR Introduction to Artificial Intelligence OR Fundamentals of Machine Learning | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| — | Professional Ethics | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Programme Electives
Every student completes 18 credits of Programme Electives (PE), through one of two tracks. Students are encouraged to pursue the Project-Intensive Track by default. Switching to the Course-Intensive Track requires prior approval from the Programme Evaluation Committee (PEC).
Project-Intensive Track
- MTP–II (12 credits)
- 2 Programme Elective courses (3 credits each)
Course-Intensive Track
- 6 Programme Elective courses (3 credits each)
Projects
13 credits across three project components, spanning the Winter Break, Summer Term, and Semester III.
| Code | Course | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JRD7900 | Cornerstone Project | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 |
| JRT8900 | Summer Internship / Minor Project | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| JRD8950 | Major Project – Part I | 0 | 0 | 12 | 6 |
Semester-wise Plan
Semester I
| Code | Course | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JRL7000 | Robotics Laboratory | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| ELL7100 | Mathematical Foundation of Learning and Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| ELL7101 | Linear Systems | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| ELL7102 | Stochastic Processes and Filtering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| AIL7024 / AIL7025 / COL7341 | Machine Learning OR Introduction to Artificial Intelligence OR Fundamentals of Machine Learning | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
Winter Break
| Code | Component | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JRD7900 | Cornerstone Project | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 |
Semester II
| Code | Course | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Programme Elective (PE1) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| — | Open Category (OC1) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| JRL7680 | Computer Vision for Robotics | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| JRL7030 | Robot Kinematics and Dynamics | 3 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
Summer Term
| Code | Component | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JRT8900 | Summer Internship / Minor Project | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
Semester III
| Code | Course | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Programme Elective (PE2) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| JRD8950 | Major Project – Part I | 0 | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| — | Professional Ethics | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Semester IV
| Code | Course | L | T | P | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JRD8990 | Major Project – Part II | 0 | 0 | 24 | 12 |
| — | Open Category (OC2) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Notes
- For Professional Ethics, students can choose from ELL7000, AIV7090, COL7707, MEL7001, or any other professional ethics course approved by the JRB Programme Executive Committee (PEC).
- The scheduling of PE, OC, and Professional Ethics courses in the semester-wise schedule above is indicative; students may take these courses in Semesters II–IV based on their academic plan, subject to fulfilling the prescribed credit requirements.
- For the complete list of Programme Electives and Specializations, refer to the Programme Electives and Specializations list.
Areas of Specialization
Students may pursue a specialization by completing at least 6 credits from Programme Electives (PE) or Open Category (OC) courses in the chosen area, along with undertaking MTP–II in the same area.
Eligibility
- Complete at least 6 PE/OC credits (typically two courses) from the approved course list of the chosen specialization
- Complete both MTP–I and MTP–II in the chosen specialization
- Submit an application to the PEC specifying the chosen specialization, for final approval at graduation