Robotics Automation Curriculum Development: From Operation and Programming to the Vision Systems

摘要

Abstract Robotics Automation Curriculum Development: From Operation and Programming to the Vision SystemsRobots are used in vast and continually growing number industrial fields. Global competition,productivity demands, and advances in technology and affordability will force companies toincrease use of robots in the foreseeable future. Robots are artificial but very valuable helpersdue to the fact that they assist humans in unsafe, unpleasant, repetitive, or high-precision work.In addition to the 1.1 million industrial robots operating worldwide, between 2009 and 2012almost 50,000 units of professional service robots will be sold. Intense involvement of robots andintegrated robotics platforms in different fields of industry, as well as in our everyday life,requires human-specialists with an up-to-date knowledge to maintain and monitor existing robotsand to develop new, more advanced, smart, and safe technologies. As a result, educationalinstitutions have to adequately respond to the high demand for specialists in the field of roboticautomation by developing and offering robotic automation-related courses that lead to properlytrained and certified workers. Very few universities across United States offer a degree and/orcertification specifically in robotics automation. The curriculum development model covers allthe theoretical and practical aspects of the knowledge database required for technologistsinvolved in the robotics automation industry. Unlike most robotic programs that focus on design,engineering, and fabrication - the described in this paper teaching methodology, fills anindustrial need by focusing on implementation, improvement, and sustainability of thetechnology used in the manufacturing and maintenance of robots. The cross-disciplinary roboticsautomation training program presented here is very versatile. It is structured in a way toaccommodate the needs of enrolled in the University students, employees of industry looking toimprove their knowledge in robotics automation areas, as well as students from anotheruniversities and colleges. So far, the “Robotics Automation” 4 credit hours course has beenoffered twice. The first offering was conducted in a semester long, and the second one in theintense 2 weeks mode. Each offering included extensive hands-on experience. A significant partof this course is devoted to introducing the basics of programming industrial robots using theROBOGUIDE software package. After receiving sufficient off-line programming training,students implement their knowledge and perform laboratory experiments programming andoperating a state-of-art LR Mate Fanuc robotics’ educational mini robot platform. Uponsuccessful completion of all the course requirements students receive FANUC Roboticsindustrial certificate in robotics and automation. Total, 14 students involved in these courses,received FANUC certificates. Student’s feedback was collected and evaluated for both offering,and the results are presented in this paper. To provide additional flexibility in the course offeringthe on-line version of the course is underway.