Frequently Asked Questions

Marine Robotics (based on MIT course 2.017) focuses on the platform: hardware design, electronics, sensors, control, and building a physical autonomous surface vessel. Marine Autonomy (based on MIT course 2.680) focuses on the software: autonomy architectures, the MOOS-IvP middleware, multi-vehicle coordination, and field operations. The two courses are designed to be complementary — Marine Robotics gives you the hardware layer, Marine Autonomy gives you the autonomy layer that runs on it. Both courses use uncrewed surface vehicles as training platforms; the engineering skills and autonomy software apply equally to autonomous underwater vehicles and larger autonomous platforms.

Yes. Each course stands alone and awards a separate MIT Open Learning certificate. Taking both gives you the complete hardware-plus-autonomy stack, but either course delivers substantial standalone value.

The curriculum and faculty are the same as the MIT campus offering. The key differences are format (two-week intensive versus one semester), location (Piraeus, Greece, versus Cambridge, MA), and audience (professional engineers rather than MIT students). This is the first authorized delivery of this material outside MIT.

Yes. Surface vehicles are used throughout both courses as convenient training platforms. The electronics, sensors, actuators, control systems, and autonomy software (MOOS-IvP) taught in both courses are directly applicable to UUV programmes and larger autonomous platforms. MOOS-IvP is deployed in active naval UUV research worldwide. Several attendees will have underwater-vehicle programmes as their primary focus.

The current Strategic Alliance Agreement covers an initial twelve-month term. Whether the programme continues in 2027 depends on interest and the agreement renewal. There is no guarantee of a second cohort. The 2026 cohort is the confirmed, available opportunity.

No minimum degree is required. The courses are designed for professional engineers and technical staff, not academic researchers. What matters is practical motivation and relevant professional context, not academic credentials.

Marine Robotics (MIT 2.017) requires a Windows laptop with MATLAB and Simulink. Marine Autonomy (MIT 2.680) requires a Linux or macOS laptop. Full setup guides are provided to enrolled participants.

C++ knowledge is helpful but not required. MOOS-IvP is written in C++, but the course works primarily at the scripting and configuration level. Python or any scripting background is sufficient for most course activities. The expected background is described on the course page.

Yes. Both courses provide pre-course modules to enrolled participants approximately one month before the programme begins. Marine Robotics includes an online MATLAB Simulink class. Marine Autonomy includes modules covering each expected background skill area. Completion is strongly encouraged.

The Hellenic Naval Academy, Piraeus, Greece. Entry requires a valid passport or national ID for every session. The Academy is approximately 25 minutes from Athens city centre by metro (Tram to Palaio Faliro or metro to Faliro) and approximately 35 minutes from Athens International Airport (ATH) by car.

No. Accommodation and travel are the participant's responsibility. The programme office provides a suggested accommodation list to enrolled participants.

English throughout — instruction, materials, and lab sessions.

The programme office can provide a formal invitation letter confirming enrolment and programme dates for visa applications. Contact the programme office after your seat is confirmed.

Each course awards a separate MIT Open Learning certificate on completion, issued by MIT Open Learning and signed by the lead instructor. The certificate documents participation in the course and successful completion of the programme requirements.

No. These are professional education courses, not academic credit-bearing courses. They do not confer MIT degree credits or count toward any degree programme.

Yes. Pricing is tiered: volume rates apply for more than ten seats per course; standard rates apply between three and ten; individual rates below three. Pricing details are in the formal proposal, available on request.

Yes. Organisations can purchase seats for contractors, partner-company staff, or other participants. The seat-enrolment agreement covers the terms.

On admission confirmation, StartSmart SEE provides a seat-enrolment agreement that covers fees, payment schedule, participant terms and conduct, IP and confidentiality provisions, and cancellation policy. Your organisation signs the agreement to confirm the seats.