Professor Chandra will teach CS 6501 - Multi-Robot Navigation in Spring 2026.
This course has been designed from first principles and developed entirely from scratch including all lectures and assignments. All instruction is delivered on the blackboard to encourage deep reasoning, step-by-step derivation, and conceptual understanding. The course is organized into three parts: Part I (Theory), Part II (Algorithms), and Part III (Student Participation), and is intended to prepare graduate students to both conduct rigorous theoretical research in multi-robot navigation (MRN) and to pursue application-driven work grounded in a strong mathematical foundation.
Part I formalizes the MRN problem, introduces a standard taxonomy (centralized vs. decentralized systems, communication protocols, observability, and cooperation), and examines key system properties such as safety, liveness, social compliance, and fairness. Part II develops the principles behind major MRN algorithmic paradigms including MAPF, MARL, Dynamic Game Theory, Collision Avoidance, Neural Control, and Foundation Models while engaging with influential recent research papers in each area. Part III is where students will apply what they have learned up til now in the form of in-class research paper and project presentations.
Link to SMGLib Project Page: SMGLib Project.
Please note these guidelines: https://honor.virginia.edu/faculty-tas
Using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to complete homeworks and exams is prohibited.
It is my goal to create a learning experience that is as accessible as possible. If you anticipate any issues related to the format, materials, or requirements of this course, please meet with me outside of class so we can explore potential options.
Students with disabilities may also wish to work with the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) to discuss options for removing barriers in this course, including official accommodations.
We are fortunate to have an SDAC advisor, Courtney MacMasters, located in Engineering.
Email: cmacmasters@virginia.edu
For general questions, please visit the SDAC website.
If you have already been approved for accommodations through SDAC, please send me your accommodation letter and meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.
It is the University’s policy to reasonably accommodate students so they do not experience adverse academic consequences when sincerely held religious beliefs or observances conflict with academic requirements.
Students requesting accommodation should email me as far in advance as possible.
Questions may be directed to the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR):
📧 UVAEOCR@virginia.edu
📞 434-924-3200
If you need to reschedule an assignment or are unable to take an exam or assignment on a scheduled day, you must reach out in advance and communicate with the instructor.
The University of Virginia is dedicated to providing a safe and equitable learning environment.
More information and resources: https://www.virginia.edu/sexualviolence
The same resources and options apply to cases of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. UVA prohibits discrimination based on:
age, color, disability, family medical or genetic information, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Reports may be submitted via Just Report It (https://justreportit.virginia.edu) or by contacting EOCR.
Confidential resources include:
As a faculty member, I am a responsible employee and must report certain disclosures to the Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to ensure student safety and access to support.
Free tutoring is available for most classes.
*Schedule via Student Health: https://www.studenthealth.virginia.edu/getting-started-caps
Be sure to specify that you are an Engineering student.
You are also encouraged to use TimelyCare for scheduled or on-demand 24/7 mental health care.
The Center for Diversity in Engineering (CDE) is a student space dedicated to supporting underrepresented groups in STEM. The CDE provides:
Through this space, we affirm and empower equitable participation and support students on their academic journeys and future careers.