Robotics (ETS2604C)

Course Description

This combined lecture and laboratory course introduces students to the fundamental principles of robotics technology as applied in industrial and manufacturing environments. Students study robot classification, operation, programming, maintenance, troubleshooting, and real-world applications. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience building, programming, and controlling robotic systems within simulated work-cell environments. The course is part of the Engineering Technologies > Specialty Engineering Technology taxonomy under Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS), course prefix ETS, and carries the "C" lab indicator denoting a combined lecture/laboratory course meeting in the same place at the same time.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the major classifications of industrial robots (e.g., articulated, SCARA, Cartesian, delta, collaborative/cobot) and their applications in manufacturing.
• Explain the fundamental components of a robotic system, including the manipulator, controller, end-effectors, sensors, and actuators.
• Demonstrate safe operating procedures and workplace safety practices when working with industrial robotic equipment.
• Program a robot using teach pendant and offline programming methods to perform point-to-point and continuous path motion tasks.
• Design and describe a basic robotic work-cell, including layout, tooling selection, and integration of peripheral devices.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting procedures on robotic systems to identify and resolve common faults.
• Integrate input/output (I/O) devices and sensors (proximity, photoelectric, limit switches) with a robot controller for automated applications.
• Analyze the socioeconomic and industrial impact of robotics and automation on the manufacturing workforce and broader economy.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Apply concepts of forward and inverse kinematics to understand robot arm positioning and motion planning.
• Write and test robot programs using industry-standard programming languages such as Python, C, or manufacturer-specific languages (e.g., FANUC TP, ABB RAPID).
• Use simulation software to model, test, and validate robotic programs in a virtual environment before deployment.
• Describe the principles of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) and the role of robotics within flexible manufacturing systems.
• Interface robotic systems with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for coordinated automation sequences.
• Explore emerging applications including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), collaborative robots, and Industry 4.0 smart factory concepts.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to Robotics: History and evolution of industrial robotics; definitions and terminology; role of robotics in modern manufacturing and automation.
• Robot Classification and Configurations: Servo point-to-point, non-servo pick-and-place, Cartesian, articulated, SCARA, and delta configurations; coordinate systems and degrees of freedom.
• Robot System Components: Manipulator structures; drive systems (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic); end-effectors and grippers; controllers and teach pendants.
• Sensors and Actuators: Proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, vision systems, encoders; integration with robot I/O systems.
• Robot Programming: Lead-through teach programming; offline programming methods; motion types (joint, linear, circular); program flow control.
• Work-Cell Design: Layout and safety guarding; fixturing and tooling; conveyor and index table integration; parts feeding systems.
• Industrial Applications: Assembly, welding, painting, material handling, machine tending, and inspection applications.
• Robot Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Preventive maintenance schedules; fault diagnosis; calibration and re-teaching procedures; safety lockout/tagout (LOTO).
• Safety Standards and Regulations: OSHA guidelines for robotic work-cells; RIA/ANSI R15.06 safety standards; risk assessment fundamentals.

Optional Topics

• Robot Kinematics: Forward and inverse kinematics; trajectory planning; Denavit–Hartenberg (D-H) parameter introduction.
• Simulation Software: Virtual commissioning using packages such as RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE, or ROS (Robot Operating System).
• PLC Integration: Interfacing robots with Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs; ladder logic for robotic cell sequencing.
• Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): Flexible manufacturing systems; just-in-time (JIT) production; robot role within a CIM environment.
• Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Cobot characteristics, safety (ISO/TS 15066), programming, and deployment considerations.
• Industry 4.0 and IoT: Smart factory concepts; robot connectivity; data acquisition and monitoring in automated systems.
• Mobile and Autonomous Robots: Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), navigation strategies, and warehouse/logistics applications.

Resources & Tools

• Hardware: Industrial robot arms (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Universal Robots UR series, or equivalent); teach pendants; end-effectors; sensor arrays; conveyor systems.
• Software: Manufacturer robot programming environments (FANUC ROBOGUIDE, ABB RobotStudio); simulation platforms; PLC programming software (RSLogix / Studio 5000).
• Programming Languages: Robot-specific languages (FANUC TP/Karel, ABB RAPID); Python; C/C++ for embedded control applications.
• Reference Standards: ANSI/RIA R15.06 Industrial Robot Safety Standard; OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards; ISO 10218 Robot Safety.
• Textbooks (typical): Industrial Robotics: Technology, Programming, and Applications (Groover et al.) or equivalent current edition; manufacturer technical manuals.
• Lab Environment: Dedicated robotics laboratory with operational industrial robot work-cells, safety guarding, and I/O interfacing stations.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETS2604C supports entry-level employment and advancement in the rapidly growing automation and advanced manufacturing sectors. Applicable occupational titles include:

• Robotics Technician – programs, operates, and maintains industrial robots on production floors.
• Automation Technician – integrates robotic and PLC-based automation systems in manufacturing facilities.
• Manufacturing / Production Technician – supports robot-assisted assembly, welding, painting, and material handling operations.
• CNC / Robotic Systems Operator – operates and monitors computer-controlled machining and robotic equipment.
• Electromechanical Technician – installs, tests, and repairs automated electromechanical systems including robots.
• Field Service Technician (Robotics) – provides on-site installation, commissioning, and repair of industrial robotic systems.

This course applies toward the Engineering Technology A.S. degree and related College Credit Certificates (CCC) at participating Florida colleges. Credits may articulate into four-year Engineering Technology baccalaureate programs.

Special Information

Lab Indicator: The "C" suffix in ETS2604C designates a combined lecture and laboratory course that meets in the same location during the same scheduled session, per Florida SCNS policy. Students should expect significant hands-on lab activity each class meeting.

Industry Certifications: Course content aligns with preparation for industry-recognized credentials including:

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 – Manufacturing Skills Standards Council credential covering safety, quality, manufacturing processes, and maintenance.
• FANUC Certified Robot Operator / Programmer – where FANUC equipment is used in the lab.
• SME Robotics Technician Certificate – Society of Manufacturing Engineers foundational robotics credential.

Safety Note: Students working in the robotics laboratory must comply with all OSHA and institutional safety requirements, including proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and adherence to posted work-cell safety boundaries at all times.