Sebastian Thrun
Founder and Executive Chairman, Udacity
Robotics Software Engineer
Learn how to build and program intelligent robots with this Robotics Software Engineer Nanodegree. Master ROS, path planning, and environment mapping through projects led by experts.
- Nanodegree Program
- Advanced
- 81 hours
- 4.6 (331)
- Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Subscription · Monthly
- Cancel Anytime
- Unlimited access to hundreds of top-rated courses
- Hands-on projects with expert feedback
- Personalized career coaching and interview prep
- Program Certificates
What you'll build
Project submissions reviewed by industry professionals
Project 1
Build a Gazebo Robot World
Assemble a simulation environment of robot models that anchors every later project.
ROS
Robotics
C++
Project 2
Program a Ball-Chasing Robot
Wire C++ ROS nodes for drive control and color detection to autonomously follow targets.
C++
ROS
Robotics
Project 3
Robot Localization with AMCL
Tune particle filters and laser data in ROS so the robot pinpoints its position.
Localization
ROS
Robotics
Project 4
SLAM Mapping with RTAB-Map
Generate 2D occupancy grids and 3D point clouds while evaluating loop closure quality.
Robotics
ROS
Localization
Project 5
Autonomous Home Service Robot
Combine mapping, localization, and path planning to pick up and deliver objects unaided.
Path Planning
Robotics
ROS
Skills you'll learn
26 skills
- Automated path planning
- Ros nodes
- Occupancy grid mapping algorithm
- Environment mapping
- Fastslam
- Gaussian distribution
- Sample-based path planning
- Probabilistic path planning
Prerequisites
5 prerequisites
Prior to enrolling, you should have the following knowledge:
You will also need to be able to communicate fluently and professionally in written and spoken English.
Program Outline
- 7 courses
- 24 lessons
- 5 projects
Career Impact
96%
of Udacity graduates reported a positive career outcome
Source: Udacity’s Q2 2026 Learner Outcome Survey
This Nanodegree builds toward roles like
Robotics Software Engineer
· U.S. salaries
$120K
Entry-level
0–2 yrs
$250K
Mid-career
3–9 yrs
$550K
Experienced
10+ yrs
Salary estimates based on public market data. Individual results vary.
Companies hiring for these skills
- Tesla
- Boston Dynamics
- Nvidia
- Waymo
- Figure AI
- Zoox
- Amazon Robotics
- Cruise
Program Instructors
4 instructors
Unlike typical professors, our instructors come from Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies and have demonstrated leadership and expertise in their professions:
Julia Chernushevich
Embedded Engineer / Roboticist
Karim Chamaa
Course Developer
David Silver
Staff Software Engineer at Kodiak Robotics
Sebastian Thrun
Founder and Executive Chairman, Udacity
Julia Chernushevich
Embedded Engineer / Roboticist
Karim Chamaa
Course Developer
David Silver
Staff Software Engineer at Kodiak Robotics
Reviews & Testimonials
Udacity graduates
(2 Testimonials)
Trustpilot reviews
Average Rating: 4.6 (331 Reviews)
5
— Yukiyoshi Hiroseit's clear to understand about the ROS software.
May 11, 2026
3
— SidharthGood projects.
Oct 7, 2024
5
— Nguyen NHelpful explanations for complex algorithms like Monte-Carlo, SLAM (EKF, Fast, Graph), etc. Very detailed guidelines for the practical and interesting projects.
Mar 19, 2024
2
— Yousef H*Good advice at the end, feel free to skip* The content of the course can be divided into two branches: 1- theory 2-practical(more important) the theory part is great and deserves really good rating, but the practical part is very bad due to using ubuntu16 and ros kinetic in the course which are very outdated, if you are not going to use ros2 at least use ros noetic(ubuntu 20) a lot of packages required for the course arent even working anymore so you have to find other options! and the udacity virtual environment is really really bad and laggy and have very high latency, nevertheless alot of times when u refresh you lose progress! ***My Advice: 1- for theory you can take (ai for robotics) free course on udacity, great content by sbastian thrun himself 2- for ROS and applying code in simulation and real robots, "the construct" website is the best for 30 euros/month, great courses with very good virtual environment
Oct 20, 2023
5
— Sai Praveen D.I like everything about the course
Nov 15, 2022
Showing 5 out of 331 Reviews
About this program
Udacity's Robotics Software Engineer Nanodegree program is a dynamic robotics software engineer course designed for those seeking advanced robotics engineer training. This program integrates key aspects like ROS nodes, environmental mapping, and automated path planning. Learners dive into the world of robotics, mastering skills in computer vision, machine learning, and mechanics to build futuristic bots.
Our team, including leaders like Sebastian Thrun and Julia Chernushevich, guides students through challenging, real-world projects, ensuring a deep, practical understanding of robotics software engineering.
Subscription · Monthly
- Cancel Anytime
- Unlimited access to hundreds of top-rated courses
- Hands-on projects with expert feedback
- Personalized career coaching and interview prep
- Program Certificates