ABB Robotics has developed a "robotic educational package" allowing schools, colleges and universities to purchase a complete robot package at an affordable cost for hands-on teaching of programming and operational concepts in the classroom and lab. Utilizing the same technology used in a wide range of industrial applications, ABB's educational package will give students the opportunity to learn the skills needed to effectively manage modern robotic manufacturing systems. The package includes the IRB 120, ABB's smallest ever robot; the IRC5 Compact Controller; and 50 licenses for RobotStudio, ABB's simulation and offline programming software. An additional software bundle is also available as an option.
"With robots playing a vital role in improving the efficiency and competitiveness of manufacturers in an expanding variety of industries, schools need an affordable means to teach modern manufacturing concepts and encourage more students to pursue engineering and manufacturing careers," said Joe Campbell, vice president of the ABB Robot Products Group in the US.
Occupying a surprisingly small amount of space ideal for placement in classrooms, the robot, controller and software provide students training and real-life experience on:
- How industrial robots operate
- The design and control principles of industrial robots
- The design and control principles of robotic work cells
- Programming ABB robots using RobotStudio
- Robotic cell hazards, health and safety and maintenance requirements
- Application specific functions such as robotic welding and plasma cutting; picking, packing and palletizing; machine tending, materials handling and product assembly; and advanced vision-related programming.
Campbell added, "ABB has helped establish robotic training programs at several leading technical schools. Our goal with the new educational package is to extend our reach to schools of all sizes and budgets, continuing to help equip the engineers of tomorrow on the grass roots level with the skills needed to succeed in the automated manufacturing marketplace."
In recent years ABB has been instrumental in establishing and equipping robotic training centers at a number of leading technical schools such as Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN; Fox Valley Technical College, Oshkosh, WI; and the Alabama Robotics Technology Park, Tanner, AL.
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Visit www.abb.com to learn more.