UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO · JAPAN
Physical AI: Robot Control and AI Development
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
2 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 7 sessionsComprehensive Program Length
- OnlineFlexible Learning Mode
- LeRobot SimulationHands-on Practice
- University of Tokyo SupervisionExpert-Led Content
- Free for studentsCost
This is a practical, 7-session online course focused on "Physical AI," the intersection of robotics and artificial intelligence. Designed for students and professionals with a foundational understanding of machine learning and deep learning, the program aims to equip participants with the skills to "move robots using data." Through hands-on exercises using LeRobot in a simulated environment, you will learn to systematically build, train, and evaluate robot foundation models and control systems. The curriculum covers data collection, reinforcement learning for locomotion, utilization of learning data for scaling, and challenges in real-world deployment, offering a comprehensive understanding from foundational concepts to practical applications. The course is developed and supervised by the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, which has over 10 years of experience in nurturing data scientists and deep learning professionals, having trained over 70,000 individuals in 2025. While the AI algorithm details are not covered in-depth, it provides a strong foundation for those interested in advanced topics, with references to other specialized courses.
Curriculum
The course consists of 7 online sessions held weekly on Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM JST. While live attendance is encouraged, archived videos will be available for later viewing. A final project will be assigned after the lectures, lasting approximately one month.
- 2026 Spring/Summer
- Overview of Physical AISession 1
- Applications of Physical AISession 2
- Learning in Physical AI (Imitation Learning)Session 3
- Learning in Physical AI (Reinforcement Learning)Session 4
- Scaling and ArchitecturesSession 5
- Collection of Real-World DataSession 6
- Real-World Operation of Physical AISession 7
Careers
The course aims to cultivate practical skills in Physical AI, preparing students for roles in advanced robotics and AI development. Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to cutting-edge research and development in areas such as autonomous systems, intelligent robotics, and AI-driven automation.
- Robotics Engineer
- AI Developer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Research Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for this programme?
- This is a free online course for students. While the course itself is free, participants are responsible for providing their own equipment and internet access.
- What are the entry requirements for the Physical AI programme?
- You need a PC capable of running required software and a foundational understanding of machine learning and deep learning. Knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, probability, and ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow is recommended.
- How long is the course and what is the format?
- The programme consists of 7 weekly online sessions, each lasting two hours. A one-month final project follows the lecture series.
- What are the career prospects after completing this certificate?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Robotics Engineer, AI Developer, Machine Learning Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, or Research Scientist in advanced robotics and AI development.
- How do I apply for the Physical AI programme?
- You must first complete an online ID registration using your Gmail address if you are a student, then submit your application. Required documents include proof of student status. Deadlines are July 3, 2026 for ID registration and July 6, 2026 for application submission.
Entry requirements
Student StatusMust be enrolled in a school where a degree can be obtained or a school approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan, or be scheduled to enroll. This includes university, junior college, technical college, vocational school, and graduate students. Socially-employed students are also eligible.
Professional Experience (for Social Professionals)Experience in robot development/control or AI implementation is recommended. Completion of relevant advanced courses from the Matsuo-Iwasawa Lab is also beneficial.
Participants must have access to a PC capable of running Zoom, Google services (Drive, Forms, Colab), web browsers, and Slack. A foundational knowledge of machine learning and deep learning is required. It is recommended to have knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, and probability/statistics, and practical experience with ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
Fees
Tuition (international)Free for students.
Tuition (home)Free for students.
Living—
While the course is free for students, some specialized courses may have fees for professionals. Socially-employed professionals may have different fee structures. Participants are responsible for their own equipment and internet access.
How to apply
1. 1. ID RegistrationFirst, complete the ID registration process. Students and social professionals have separate application links. Ensure you use a Gmail address for student registration. Upload required documents like your student ID or proof of enrollment.
2. 2. Application SubmissionAfter successful ID registration, proceed to submit your application for the specific course. If you have previously registered an ID, log in to your dashboard to apply.
3. 3. Confirmation and SelectionApplicants will receive an email regarding their application status. If the number of applicants is high, a selection process (potentially a lottery) will be conducted.
Scholarships
Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)Covers round-trip travel, tuition fees, subsistence allowance (147,000 Yen/month), and other allowances.
ITO Foundation for International Education Exchange—
Accreditation
The course is supervised and developed by the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. While this course does not grant university credits, it offers valuable practical experience and knowledge in a leading research field.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for this programme?
+
This is a free online course for students. While the course itself is free, participants are responsible for providing their own equipment and internet access.
What are the entry requirements for the Physical AI programme?
+
You need a PC capable of running required software and a foundational understanding of machine learning and deep learning. Knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, probability, and ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow is recommended.
How long is the course and what is the format?
+
The programme consists of 7 weekly online sessions, each lasting two hours. A one-month final project follows the lecture series.
What are the career prospects after completing this certificate?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Robotics Engineer, AI Developer, Machine Learning Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, or Research Scientist in advanced robotics and AI development.
How do I apply for the Physical AI programme?
+
You must first complete an online ID registration using your Gmail address if you are a student, then submit your application. Required documents include proof of student status. Deadlines are July 3, 2026 for ID registration and July 6, 2026 for application submission.