As industrial automation continues to expand at manufacturing companies, cobots have emerged as the fastest-growing segment of industrial automation. This in turn has increased the need for further education. To solve that problem Universal Robots created a program that offers CEUs
“With the Education Program we’re addressing a tremendous need to provide cobot training as part of an integrated, accredited course,” says Joe Campbell, senior manager of applications development at Universal Robots, in a statement announcing the program.
“This hands-on learning initiative will be instrumental in addressing the skills gap and get state-of-the-art cobots into classrooms, offering students instant employability and manufacturers access to an upskilled workforce,” Campbell added.
Universal Robots has been accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is now authorized to issue the IACET CEU (Continuing Education Units). The Education Program provides a clearly defined pathway for students to master cobot programming and deployment as part of an Industry 4.0 career in robotics and advanced manufacturing. Schools can now purchase the ready-to-go package that includes the complete curriculum, a UR cobot arm, and the hardware and software required to build actual industrial applications.
Accelerates student access to cobots
The 32-hour course has been developed with assistance from Ritch Ramey, coordinator of RAMTEC, (The Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Education Collaborative) overseeing robotics training at the 24 Tri-Rivers career centers in Ohio, representing the largest, most comprehensive robotics education center in the nation. >Bob Graff, President of I4.0Strategies, an Education Workforce Development consultancy focused on implementing Industry 4.0 advanced automation training, career pathways and credentialing, has also been part of Universal Robots Education Program collaboration. His company is now working with several UR+ partners in developing curriculum for their products and application kits certified to work seamlessly with UR cobots.
“Being able to offer a complete, turnkey training program with an industry-recognized credential gives schools increased access to both private grants and government funding when bringing cobots into classrooms,” he says. “It will make all the difference in the acceleration of student access to a real industrial robot that is both safe to operate in a classroom and easy to use.”
Upon completion of the course work, a student receives 32 course credit hours and a Universal Robots industry-recognized certification. The course can be taught in high schools, dual-enrollment courses, and colleges.
Manufacturers can upskill the workforce, attract and retain talent
The program will also be offered to manufacturers seeking certified cobot training for employees; industry professionals can attend classes either through local schools and career centers or in classes offered by Universal Robots’ authorized partners. Sending employees for certified robotics training developed by an accredited provider is often encouraged by local and state governments that increasingly reimburse companies for the training costs.
In addition to the formalized core curriculum, the Universal Robots Education Program Package consists of:
- UR Cobot Unit (UR3e or UR5e)
- 24-course licenses
- Gripper Demo Kit
- UR Academy Hardware Set:
- One conveyor assembly including conveyor, encoder, two sensors and I/O simulation test box
- Ten 3D printed training elements for exercises
- One 3D printed dual TCP
- Six 3D printed workpieces
For institutions that already have cobots, a retro package is available with course curricula, classroom support hardware and software.
