Robotics Training

Lesson 1 • Safety Fundamentals in Robotics

Introduces hazard categories and safety standards governing robot operation. Safe practices established here underpin every subsequent hands-on activity.

Lesson 2 • Anatomy of a Robotic System

Breaks down the mechanical, electrical, and computational layers of a robot. Provides a systems-thinking lens applied throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Core Robotics Terminology

Defines essential vocabulary used throughout the field. Precise language enables accurate communication with engineers, operators, and stakeholders.

Lesson 4 • History and Evolution of Robotics

Traces robotics from early automata to modern industrial and service robots. Establishes context for understanding why current design paradigms exist.

Lesson 1 • Forward Kinematics

Calculates end-effector position from known joint angles using geometric and matrix methods. Provides the mathematical basis for robot programming and simulation.

Lesson 2 • Joints, Links, and Mechanisms

Examines revolute, prismatic, and spherical joints and how they chain into kinematic structures. Directly supports workspace and motion analysis in later sections.

Lesson 3 • Actuators and Transmission Systems

Covers servo motors, hydraulic actuators, and gear trains used to generate and transmit motion. Connects mechanical design choices to performance specifications.

Lesson 4 • Robot Dynamics and Inertia

Introduces forces, torques, and inertial effects acting on moving robot links. Understanding dynamics is prerequisite for actuator sizing and control design.

Lesson 1 • Exteroceptive Range Sensors

Examines ultrasonic, infrared, and LiDAR sensors used to detect objects and measure distances. Provides the perception data required for obstacle avoidance and mapping.

Lesson 2 • Tactile and Proximity Sensing

Explores contact, pressure, and capacitive sensors used in grasping and human-robot interaction. Complements vision by providing close-range and contact feedback.

Lesson 3 • Sensor Integration and Data Pipelines

Teaches how to combine multiple sensor streams into a coherent data pipeline for robot decision-making. Prepares students for real-time control implementations.

Lesson 4 • Vision and Imaging Systems

Introduces 2D cameras, stereo vision, and depth cameras for visual perception. Vision data enables object recognition and pose estimation covered in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Control System Fundamentals

Introduces open-loop and closed-loop control concepts and block diagram representation. Establishes the theoretical basis for all controller designs in this chapter.

Lesson 2 • Motion Trajectory Planning

Generates smooth, time-optimal joint and Cartesian trajectories within velocity and acceleration limits. Trajectory quality directly affects cycle time and mechanical wear.

Lesson 3 • Force and Impedance Control

Teaches control methods that regulate contact force and mechanical compliance. Essential for assembly, polishing, and human-robot collaboration tasks.

Lesson 4 • PID Controller Design and Tuning

Covers proportional, integral, and derivative control action and systematic tuning methods. PID is the most widely deployed controller in industrial robotics.

Lesson 1 • Teach-Pendant Programming

Covers jogging, point recording, and programme creation using a physical teach pendant. This method is the entry point for most industrial robot deployments.

Lesson 2 • Offline Programming and Simulation

Uses simulation software to create and validate robot programmes without stopping production. Reduces commissioning time and enables virtual risk assessment.

Lesson 3 • Programme Testing and Debugging

Applies systematic testing strategies to identify and resolve robot programme faults. Reliable programmes reduce unplanned downtime and safety incidents.

Lesson 4 • Structured Robot Programming Languages

Introduces manufacturer-specific and IEC-standard robot programming languages and their syntax. Structured code improves maintainability and reuse across projects.

Lesson 1 • Gripper Types and Selection

Surveys pneumatic, electric, magnetic, and vacuum grippers and their suitability for different payloads. Correct gripper selection is critical to cycle time and part quality.

Lesson 2 • Process-Specific Tooling

Examines welding torches, dispensing needles, deburring spindles, and other process tools. Matching tooling to process requirements ensures quality and repeatability.

Lesson 3 • Tool Centre Point Calibration

Defines and calibrates the tool centre point to ensure accurate robot motion relative to the tool tip. TCP accuracy directly affects process quality in welding, dispensing, and assembly.

Lesson 4 • Pneumatic and Vacuum Systems

Covers compressed-air circuits, valves, and vacuum generators used to power end-effectors. Pneumatic knowledge is essential for commissioning and troubleshooting most factory grippers.

Lesson 1 • Industrial Communication Networks

Configures fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks linking robots, PLCs, and HMIs. Network reliability is foundational to coordinated multi-device cell operation.

Lesson 2 • Peripheral Equipment Integration

Connects conveyors, vision systems, part feeders, and positioners to the robot controller. Peripheral integration determines overall cell reliability and throughput.

Lesson 3 • Work Cell Layout and Design

Applies ergonomic and throughput principles to design efficient robot cell layouts. Good layout minimises cycle time, collision risk, and maintenance access issues.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning and Acceptance Testing

Executes a structured commissioning sequence from mechanical installation through production sign-off. Systematic commissioning reduces rework and accelerates time to production.

Lesson 1 • Grasp Planning and Manipulation

Uses geometric and learning-based methods to plan stable grasps on novel objects. Robust grasp planning is essential for bin-picking and flexible assembly automation.

Lesson 2 • Autonomous Navigation and Mapping

Covers SLAM algorithms and path planners that enable mobile robots to navigate unknown environments. Navigation skills underpin autonomous mobile robot and AGV deployments.

Lesson 3 • Multi-Robot Coordination

Designs task allocation and collision-free motion strategies for fleets of cooperating robots. Coordination maximises throughput and prevents deadlocks in shared workspaces.

Lesson 4 • Machine Learning for Robot Perception

Applies convolutional neural networks and object detection models to robot vision pipelines. AI perception enables flexible handling of varied parts without reprogramming.