ROS 2 Foundations: Architecture, Programming & Core Concepts
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ROS 2 Foundations: Architecture, Programming & Core Concepts
This course is part of Mastering ROS 2 for Robotics Programming Specialization
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What you'll learn
Set up and configure a ROS 2 development environment
Create and manage ROS 2 nodes for modular applications
Use topics, services, and actions for inter-node communication
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
May 2026
3 assignments
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There are 3 modules in this course
ROS 2 is a powerful framework for building scalable and modular robotic systems, widely used in modern robotics and automation. This course introduces the core architecture, programming model, and essential concepts required to develop robust ROS 2 applications in real-world environments.
Through hands-on learning, you will set up a ROS 2 environment, write basic programs, and implement communication patterns between nodes. By the end of the course, you will be able to build, run, and manage ROS 2 applications while understanding how different components interact in a distributed robotic system. What sets this course apart is its balance of foundational theory and practical implementation, ensuring you not only understand ROS 2 concepts but can also apply them effectively. Real-world scenarios are used to reinforce learning and build confidence. This course is ideal for beginners in robotics, developers transitioning to ROS 2, and anyone interested in robotic software systems. Basic programming knowledge, preferably in Python or C++, is recommended. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.
This module introduces the foundational concepts of ROS 2, highlighting its key features, architecture, and the differences from ROS 1. Learners will explore the middleware layer, understand the role of DDS in communication, and examine workflows for data exchange within robotic systems. The module also discusses the motivations for migrating to ROS 2 and the structure of its core layers.
What's included
1 video8 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
8 readingsβ’Total 40 minutes
- Introductionβ’4 minutes
- Important Features of ROSβ’6 minutes
- ROS Equationβ’4 minutes
- Comparing ROS 1 and ROS 2 Architectureβ’5 minutes
- Why Should You Migrate from ROS 1 to ROS 2β’5 minutes
- Middleware Layerβ’6 minutes
- Exploring a Workflow for Sending and Receiving Data Using DDSβ’4 minutes
- Dissecting Some Important ROS 2 Layersβ’6 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- ROS 2 Essentialsβ’16 minutes
This module guides learners through installing and configuring ROS 2 Jazzy on Ubuntu and Docker, while introducing essential ROS 2 concepts such as nodes, computation graphs, and services. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Docker containers, custom images, and Docker Compose for robotics applications. Foundational ROS 2 tools and communication models are also explored to prepare for practical programming.
What's included
1 video12 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
12 readingsβ’Total 66 minutes
- Introductionβ’7 minutes
- Installing ROS 2 Jazzy on Ubuntu 24.04 LTSβ’6 minutes
- Installing ROS 2 Jazzyβ’6 minutes
- Installing ROS 2 Jazzy in Dockerβ’5 minutes
- Creating a container out of the ROS 2 Jazzy imageβ’5 minutes
- Dockerfile for ROS 2 Jazzyβ’5 minutes
- Building the Docker Imageβ’4 minutes
- Docker Compose with ROS 2 Jazzyβ’5 minutes
- Mastering ROS 2 Tools and Conceptsβ’6 minutes
- What Is a ROS 2 Nodeβ’5 minutes
- What Is a ROS Computation Graphβ’5 minutes
- What Is a ROS Service and How Does Turtlesim Work?β’7 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- ROS 2 Foundations and Toolsβ’16 minutes
This module guides learners through the practical implementation of key ROS 2 concepts using C++. You will explore configuring nodes with parameters, building packages, managing node lifecycles, and implementing publishers, subscribers, services, and actions. Additionally, you'll learn to configure Quality of Service (QoS) policies and customize DDS settings for optimal performance.
What's included
1 video11 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
11 readingsβ’Total 57 minutes
- Introductionβ’4 minutes
- What Is a ROS Parameterβ’5 minutes
- Building a ROS 2 Packageβ’4 minutes
- Introduction to ROS 2 Client Librariesβ’6 minutes
- Lifecycle Nodes (Managed Nodes)β’6 minutes
- Implementing ROS 2 Topics in C++β’6 minutes
- Setting QoS Policiesβ’6 minutes
- Running the Nodesβ’5 minutes
- Implementing ROS 2 Services in C++β’4 minutes
- Implementing a ROS 2 Action in C++β’5 minutes
- Configuring ROS 2 DDS Zenoh and ROS_DOMAIN_IDβ’6 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- ROS 2 Implementation Fundamentalsβ’16 minutes
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Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. Youβll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. Youβll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
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