Festo Didactic and Universal Robots Academy have announced the release of the Festo MPS Universal Robot Station and Troubleshooting Training Package. The Festo MPS Universal Robot Station is available now for high schools, colleges and universities across North America, and in most countries worldwide.
The MPS Cart with 360 Degree Safety Awareness from SICK is a versatile, turn-key training platform that provides students with a robotic learning experience based on real-world industry applications, including: functional safety, pick & place, palletizing, handling and assembly, part orientation and optional PLC. The MPS line of products has a concentrated focus on level 2 applied mechatronic competencies, while the Cyber-Physical line introduces students to Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing concepts supported by MES software.
"We want educators and schools to know that they are teaching the competencies that align with industry needs and result in student success," said Stephanie Kobayashi, Global Industry Leader of Education for Universal Robots. "Both Festo and UR have a strong understanding of what industry needs in terms of essential skills and how to translate those needs into appropriate education and training methods. By collaborating to address the global skills shortage, with Festo as a systems integrator, we are working to deliver a range of teaching and learning solutions of the highest caliber."
The curriculum systematically guides learners and educators through the subject material with instructor lesson plans, quick start guides, videos, worksheets and testing to help ensure a thorough understanding of core competencies that complement Industry 4.0 training methods.
The six training modules include exercises and knowledge checks to monitor student progress, totaling 29 content hours of instruction on Robot Basics, Motion Programming, Inputs and Outputs, Safety by SICK, Non-Motion Commands and Connectivity:
- Module 1: Robot Basics-Learn fundamental principles and components when troubleshooting manufacturing production systems.
- Module 2: Motion Programming-Learn motion types used during system navigation to guide the robot through specific trajectories, paths or sequences.
- Module 3: Inputs and Outputs-Learn the different digital signals that allow the robot to communicate with peripheral devices.
- Module 4: Safety by SICK-Learn the importance of safety, risk assessment, risk mitigation and technology standards for cobot applications.
- Module 5: Non-Motion Commands-Learn commands used for internal logic needed for proper program sequencing and not the movement of the robot.
- Module 6: Connectivity-Learn about the systems approach via software control architecture and how to properly integrate peripheral devices such as safety scanners/safety PLC's back to the robot.
Students also have the opportunity to earn certifications by demonstrating their theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on understanding of industrial robot programming. Certification validates that Industry 4.0 learning outcomes were achieved. Certification activities are industry-recognized by Festo, Universal Robots and NC3.
"Partnering with Festo enables us to enhance learning outcomes for students eager to explore robotics and automation," said Corey Adams, Education Program Manager at Universal Robots. "In addition to the data-rich, hands-on learning, students who earn certifications can showcase the in-demand technical skills they have acquired to potential employers."
Most workplace injuries do not occur during normal operations but rather when human interaction is most prevalent such as during programming, inspection and repair. When workers are up-to-speed on safety, they are in a better position to prevent injuries and hazards, and approach things like changeover and predictive maintenance while protecting the integrity of the entire system.
By integrating SICK safety laser scanners and safety awareness curriculum into the MPS and Cyber-Physical training equipment, students can develop a well-rounded working knowledge of interconnected robot systems. Not only does the curriculum assist students in understanding the importance of risk assessment, it is also designed to teach them what to do with the data captured.
The curriculum guides students through the Six-Step Method of Robotics and Automation equipment safety to understand topics such as: risk assessment, safe design, technical protective measures, administrative measures/information about residual risks, overall validation of the machine and deployment of machinery.
"When we talk about closing the skills gap in advanced manufacturing, safety might not be the first thing that comes to mind, however, robot safety awareness must come first in any classroom or workplace," said Ted Rozier, Director of Digital, Advanced Technology and Robotics at Festo Didactic North America Inc. "It is imperative to build a workforce that is adept at risk assessment, and in terms of education and training, that is really what we have achieved with Universal Robots and SICK in developing the MPS Universal Robot Station."
"SICK is proud to partner with both Universal Robots and Festo Didactic in helping to provide first in class safety components and expertise to the new MPS Universal Robot Station," said Bryan Sellars, Manager of Strategy & Business Exploration for SICK Sensor Intelligence. "We are passionate about helping the future workforce gain skills that will not only help them succeed in automated manufacturing, but do it in a safe and productive way."
For more information contact:
Universal Robots USA
27175 Haggerty Road, Ste. 160
Novi, MI 48377
844-462-6268
sales@universal-robots.com
www.universal-robots.com
Festo Didactic
12 Christopher Way, Ste. 105
Eatontown, NJ 07724
732-938-2000
www.festo.com