ABB Robotics has introduced the software, maintenance and robotics training (SMART) Education Package available to qualifying schools to help educate and provide hands-on training to students on the basics of manufacturing automation technology, and the programming, safe operation and maintenance of industrial robots.
The SMART package certifies teachers and professors to teach robotics courses, provides curriculum and course outlines and materials, and provides a complete robotic training cell to schools at a reduced cost. A portion of the package may qualify for government science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subsidies, and schools can use the package to support their STEM education initiatives. The package curriculum can be adapted to meet the varying education levels of high schools, universities, community colleges, technical colleges, vocational schools and adult education centers.
ABB Robotics instructors train professors and teachers through a comprehensive curriculum that includes customized training courses and hands-on robotics training at the ABB training center in Auburn Hills, MI. Teachers can start the process with little or no robotic experience, and set their own timeline based on their specific schedule and availability. Once the teachers complete the full training they must pass a certification exam before they can teach courses to students at their own schools. The SMART package also includes course materials to support the newly certified instructors.
The robot training cell provided to schools will allow students to work directly with a 6-axis industrial robot and RobotStudio, ABB's proprietary, graphically based programming software. The cell, which is deeply integrated into the course curriculum, includes an ABB IRB 120 robot on a self-contained mobile cart, an ABB IRC5 robot controller and 50 licenses (seats) for RobotStudio.
"We feel it is vitally important for industry and education to work together as closely as possible, not only to expose students specifically to advanced manufacturing technology, but also to create interest and enthusiasm for science, engineering and math related pursuits of all kinds," said Tim Paton, Training Manager, ABB Robotics, North America. "We are pleased to add the SMART package to our portfolio of education related programs, and are optimistic that it will bring robotic technology and training to a wide range of schools."
For more information contact:
Tim Paton
ABB Robotics, Inc.
1250 Brown Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-391-8679
www.abb.com/robotics