Foundations of AI, IoT, and Robotics

This unit introduces broad, interdisciplinary foundations in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics that frame the Software and Systems Development pathway. Students will explore the historical evolution of AI, scenarios for human-level intelligence, and high-level designs and management considerations for urban and planetary-scale IoT and robotic systems—preparing them for deeper technical design and implementation in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the historical evolution of artificial intelligence by identifying major paradigms, milestones, and enabling technologies and explaining their significance for contemporary software systems
• Evaluate competing scenarios and evidence about when and how AI could reach or exceed human-level intelligence and assess likely societal, ethical, and labor impacts
• Apply systems-thinking to develop a high-level architecture for a sensor-to-cloud IoT deployment (urban or planetary monitoring), specifying sensors, connectivity, data flows, and key integration points
• Demonstrate strategies for managing IoT and robotic deployments by producing a device lifecycle and risk-mitigation plan that addresses security, scalability, privacy, and data governance