The Industrial Robotics CBT introduces the concepts of industrial robots and how they can be used in a plant or manufacturing system. The primary focus of the program is on automated manufacturing processes as well as the role of robots and all support equipment. The tutorial learning package provides both theoretical and laboratory support through a combination of multimedia learning resources and a robotics simulation software package to allow for the programming, testing, and debugging of robot programs. Areas of study include motion programming, palletizing, conveyor systems, computer networking, automated sorting systems, vision and tactile sensors and computer integration.
The learning package is divided into 13 modules, each consisting of about ten sections, or major topics. The robot simulation software used in the program is based on the Fanuc LR series robot, which is regarded as the industry standard for industrial robots throughout North America and the world. Learners gain practical, "hands on" programming of an industrial robot through a combination of teach-pendant programming, and 3D animations displaying the robot arm movement. 3D training environments include conveyor/palletizing, pick and place, spray painting and welding.
Learning material for the program is provided on a USB. The interactive curriculum uses text, video, 2D and 3D animations, photos, audio clips and interactive robotics simulations.
The following links provide you with detailed descriptions of the courses contained in the Industrial Robotics CBT.
Module 1 ELCL9050 - Introduction to Robotics
This module is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of robotics and describe some basic applications. This module covers operating principles of a manipulator and describes four types of actuators found in industry. The history of robotics is presented, as well as an overview of the main applications of industrial robots. The advantages of robots are also outlined, and the main components associated with robotic systems are explored. An introduction to robot cost/benefit analysis is presented and the most common non-industrial applications of robots are explored.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 2 ELCL9051 - Robot Classifications
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of robot environments and control systems. In addition, the module introduces essential concepts such as adaptive control and dynamic control and describes the various classifications of robot movement. The module also covers servo and non-servo systems as well as an introduction to drive systems. The principles of line tracking robots and their control characteristics are provided emphasizing practical applications and troubleshooting techniques. Theoretical areas of study include point-to-point control and continuous path robot applications.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 3 ELCL9052 – Manipulators and End Effectors
This module is designed to cover the fundamentals of manipulators, links, and joints. Ohm's law, work, energy and power. A discussion of kinematics and haptic technology is presented, as well as dextrous manipulation, and an overview of the basic coordinate systems for a robot manipulator. The theoretical and practical aspects of manipulators and spatial analysis are introduced in this module using a combination of video, animation, and a laboratory projects and featuring Robotics simulation software.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 4 ELCL9053 – Robot Drive Systems
This module covers work, energy, power and torque, and presents an introduction to gears and linkages and direct drive systems. The student will learn the principles of electric drives and fluid power and their application in industrial robotic systems. Hydraulic and pneumatic drives are also presented with an emphasis on practical applications and troubleshooting. In addition, this module also covers the basics of gears in power transmission and presents an overview of direct drive systems and drive system efficiency.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 5 ELCL9054 - Servo Systems
This module will provide the student with an introduction to block diagrams and the application of open-loop and closed-loop control systems in industrial robotics. The main sections of a controller are described, as well as the categories, components, and advantages of various control systems. The module is designed to demonstrate the principles of PID control and describe how algorithms and flowcharts can be applied to design, problem-solving and troubleshooting techniques. In addition, the module also introduces students to the concept of fuzzy logic and fuzzy control.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 6 ELCL9055 - Payload, Repeatability & Accuracy
This module covers payload, accuracy, repeatability and resolution in modern industrial robotics. The student will learn to apply compliance parameters to determine overall performance and explain the various factors affecting the accuracy of a robot. The module also covers position error and describes common calibration techniques used in robot installation and maintenance. In addition to the basics of kinematic coupling, the module also presents standard performance characteristics noted in ISO9283. The principles of spatial resolution and compliance are discussed with an emphasis on practical applications and troubleshooting techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 7 ELCL9056 - Object Detection
This module includes the study of both analog and digital sensors, including mechanical switches, temperature sensors, proximity detectors, strain gages and photoelectric sensors. Displacement, pressure, and flow transducers are presented with an emphasis on practical applications and safe operation of these devices. This module also covers encoders and resolvers, as well as Hall effect devices and capacitive and ultrasonic sensors. An introduction to object identification is also presented using practical and theoretical examples of industrial applications of this technology.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 8 ELCL9057 - Vision, Touch & Sound
It is in this module that the student learns the principles of robotic vision systems including cameras, frame grabbers and vision algorithms. 3D vision, photogrammetry, and tactile sensing are covered with an emphasis on practical application and design. An introduction to robot inspection and speech recognition is also presented in this module. In addition, this module also provides an overview of CCD and CMOS cameras and describes their application in industrial robotics. The student will learn design techniques and the principles of F/T sensing as well as the most common characteristics of touch sensors.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 9 ELCL9058 - Robot Programming
This module provides an introduction to robot software, programming languages, and various programming techniques associated with industrial robots. On-line and off-line programming, teach pendants and automatic programming are presented using a combination of theoretical and laboratory exercises utilizing robotics simulation software. In addition, this module also introduces the student to web-based programming and open architecture programming and provides coverage of some of the major robot programming languages and techniques, including Microsoft Robotics Studio.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 10 ELCL9059 - Robot Safety
This module will focus on the principles of robot safety and the various types of safety equipment used in industrial robotics applications. The student will learn the fundamentals of hazard analysis and safety-related control systems. In addition, comprehensive coverage of common robot accidents is presented as well as techniques for safe installation, maintenance, and operation of robots in a variety of industrial settings. This module also explores standard preventive maintenance techniques and the use of diagnostic systems in industrial robots.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 11 ELCL9060 - Communications
This module introduces the student to the fundamentals of Local Area Networks, protocol and topology. In addition to transmission media, the module also covers classifications of communication systems and an overview of the 7-layer OSI model. The principles of token passing, CSMA/CD and ethernet are presented emphasizing practical applications and troubleshooting techniques. Theoretical areas of study include Controller Area Networks, network switching and WLANS. The student will also learn the differences between star, bus, and ring topology and their applications in industry. Emphasis is placed on design, problem solving and analysis of industrial communication systems.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 12 ELCL9061 - Applications
This module will provide the student with an overview of robot uses, with an emphasis on the most common functions. It includes applications such as welding, palletizing, assembly, injection molding, and spray painting. In addition, the module also includes specialized robotic applications such as surgical and inspection robots. Integration of 3D animation and robot simulation software enables the student to gain a better understanding of "real world" environments. This module also covers a variety of welding processes, including MIG and TIG, and contains an introduction to specialized end effectors such as welding and spray guns. An overview of mobile robots is also presented.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:
Module 13 ELCL9062 - Artificial Intelligence
This module covers the principles of artificial intelligence and introduces the student to the concept of machine learning and knowledge. In addition to Conventional AI, the module also provides an overview of evolutionary computation and computational intelligence. Applications of robots using Neuro-fuzzy systems are presented with an emphasis on fundamentals of fuzzy logic and problem solving. The types of reasoning systems covered in this module include both deductive and inductive. Feedforward and recurrent networks are included in the module as well as an introduction to Natural Language Processing.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module the student will be able to: