Robotics

Course Description

This combined lecture and laboratory course (ETS2606C) introduces students to the fundamental principles and applied practices of robotics technology within the context of industrial and computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) environments. Students gain hands-on experience building, programming, and operating robotic systems. The course covers robot classification, operation, programming, work-cell design, sensor and I/O interfacing, and real-world industrial applications. It is part of the Engineering Technologies > Specialty Engineering Technology taxonomy within Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Identify, classify, and describe the major types of industrial robots (e.g., Cartesian, SCARA, articulated, delta, servo point-to-point, non-servo pick-and-place).
• Explain the basic principles of robot operation, including degrees of freedom, end-effectors, and coordinate systems.
• Program an industrial robot to perform tasks using manufacturer-specific and standard programming environments.
• Interface robots with sensors and I/O devices for automated work-cell control.
• Design and evaluate robotic work cells for common industrial applications such as assembly, welding, painting, and material handling.
• Demonstrate safe operating procedures in a robotics laboratory environment.
• Analyze the socioeconomic impact of robotics and automation on industry and the workforce.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on robotic systems.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional focus and available lab equipment, students may also:

• Apply computer vision systems for robot-guided assembly or inspection tasks.
• Integrate Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with robotic systems for coordinated automation.
• Write robot control programs using industry-standard languages such as Python or C from a robotics application perspective.
• Simulate robotic operations using digital simulation software packages.
• Demonstrate programming of autonomous robots including radio-controlled and computer-controlled platforms.
• Apply kinematics concepts (forward and inverse) to analyze robot arm motion and workspace.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to Robotics & History — Evolution of robotics, definitions, and role in modern manufacturing and automation.
• Robot Classification & Configurations — Types of robots by geometry (Cartesian, cylindrical, SCARA, articulated), control method (servo, non-servo, stepper, pneumatic PLC), and application.
• Robot Anatomy & Components — Mechanical structure, joints, links, end-effectors, actuators, and drive systems (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic).
• Sensors & I/O Interfacing — Proximity sensors, photo sensors, force/torque sensors, encoders, and integration with robot controllers.
• Robot Programming — Lead-through teach pendant programming, offline programming, and use of manufacturer software packages for industrial robots.
• Work-Cell Design & Integration — Layout of robotic work cells, safety fencing, conveyors, index tables, parts feeders, and CIM integration.
• Industrial Applications — Robotics in assembly, welding, painting, inspection, and material handling.
• Robot Safety — OSHA standards, safeguarding, lockout/tagout, and safe operating procedures in a lab environment.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting — Preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, and basic repair procedures for robotic systems.
• Socioeconomic Impact of Robotics — Workforce implications, productivity, and the changing landscape of manufacturing employment.

Optional Topics

• Robot Simulation Software — Virtual commissioning, offline simulation using tools such as RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE, or similar platforms.
• PLC–Robot Integration — Coordinated control using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent PLCs alongside robotic controllers.
• Computer Vision & Machine Vision — Vision-guided pick-and-place, 2D iRVision, and inspection applications.
• Microcontroller-Based Robotics — Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar platforms for building and programming small-scale robotic systems.
• Autonomous & Mobile Robots — Autonomous navigation concepts, radio-controlled robots, and computer-controlled mobile platforms.
• Introduction to Robot Kinematics — Basic forward and inverse kinematics, coordinate frames, and motion planning concepts.
• Collaborative Robots (Cobots) — Overview of human-robot collaboration, force-limiting cobots, and modern deployment trends.

Resources & Tools

• Laboratory Equipment: Industrial robotic arms (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Universal Robots, or equivalent), teach pendants, robotic work-cell stations, and safety enclosures.
• Software: Manufacturer robot programming environments (e.g., FANUC ROBOGUIDE, ABB RobotStudio), simulation software, and optionally Python or C development environments.
• Sensors & I/O Hardware: Proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, limit switches, encoders, and PLC interface modules used in lab exercises.
• Reference Standards: OSHA 1910.217 (machine guarding), RIA/ANSI R15.06 (robot safety), and NFPA 79 (electrical standard for industrial machinery).
• Textbooks & Readings: Manufacturer technical manuals, industry white papers, and open-access resources from organizations such as the Robotic Industries Association (RIA) and FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center).
• Certification Prep Materials: FANUC Certified Robot Operator/Technician study guides; MSSC (Manufacturing Skills Standards Council) automation resources.

Career Pathways

Graduates who complete ETS2606C as part of an Engineering Technology program or certificate sequence are prepared for entry-level and advancement roles in the automation and manufacturing industries, including:

• Robotics Technician — Install, program, operate, and maintain industrial robotic systems on the plant floor.
• Automation Technician — Support automated production lines integrating robots, PLCs, and sensor networks.
• CIM / Manufacturing Technician — Operate and troubleshoot computer-integrated manufacturing work cells.
• Controls Technician — Configure and maintain motion control, servo drive, and PLC-based systems.
• Robot Programmer — Develop and optimize robot programs for production, assembly, welding, or inspection tasks.
• Engineering Technology Graduate Studies — This course supports articulation into Engineering Technology A.S. programs and further baccalaureate study in Electronic Engineering Technology or related fields.

Florida's manufacturing and aerospace sectors — particularly on the Space Coast, in the Tampa Bay corridor, and in Central Florida — provide strong regional demand for robotics-trained technicians.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• FANUC Certified Robot Operator / Technician: Students completing this course at participating institutions (e.g., College of Central Florida) may be eligible to sit for FANUC Certified Robotic Training credentials upon successful course completion.
• MSSC Credentials: Course content aligns with Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) competency frameworks, supporting eligibility for relevant MSSC credentials in safety and automation.
• SACA Credentials: Some institutions align ETS robotics coursework with Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) credentials (C-series), which validate industrial automation competencies recognized by regional employers.

Program Context

ETS2606C is a combined lecture and laboratory ("C" designator) course under Florida's SCNS. It is commonly offered as part of Engineering Technology A.S. degree programs and College Credit Certificate (CCC) pathways in Robotics & Simulation Technology at Florida state colleges. Credits earned may articulate into the Engineering Technology A.S. degree. The course aligns with the statewide framework developed in partnership with FLATE and the Florida Department of Education.