Collaborative robot company Universal Robots is set to launch free online training modules in robotprogramming to further lower the automation barrier, according to a company press release.
The interactive modules are designed to deliver hands-on learning through simulations, in order to maximize user engagement. Now, anyone with a desire to learn about the concepts of collaborative robots can log into the Universal Robots Academy, and get the introduction necessary to master basic programming skills, according to the company.
CTO and founder of Universal Robots, Esben Østergaard, commented on the news, noting that it is a long-term investment for the company.
"We want to raise the robot literacy and the reason for speeding up the entry of cobots is not only to optimize production here and now," said Østergaard. "We are facing a looming skills gap in the manufacturing industry that we need to bridge by all means possible. Facilitating knowledge creation and access to our robots is an important step in that direction."
There are six online training modules in total, and they are available in English, Spanish, German, French, or Chinese. The six modules are as follows:
- First look: Features and terminology
- How the robot works
- Setting up a tool
- Creating a program
- Interaction with external devices
- Safety settings
One early adopter of the Academy is Whirlpool Corporation, where the online training modules now provide the basic foundation for all UR robot training at the company’s plant in Ohio, USA.Tim Hossler, Controls Engineer at Whirlpool, commented on the academy via Universal Robots:
"Now we don’t have to wait and send them out for basic training elsewhere. The modules can be completed at our own pace and we can even pick and choose which modules we offer different personnel depending on skill sets and their level of interaction with the robots,"he said. "I really like the interactive approach, it makes learning very hands-on and transferable to what we would actually be doing here at our plant. I was also pleasantly surprised that the modules were free of charge for anyone to use. It definitely increases the accessibility of the UR robots."
View more information on the academy.
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