Robotics 1 – Fundamentals

Course Content:

Fundamentals of Automation

• Definition and purpose of industrial automation

• Historical evolution and current trends in smart manufacturing

• Benefits of automation: productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency

Types of Manufacturing Automation

• Fixed (hard) automation vs. programmable vs. flexible (soft) automation

• Examples of automated systems: assembly lines, robotic arms, CNC machines

Core Components of Automated Systems

• Sensors and actuators: types, functions, and applications

• Controllers: PLCs, microcontrollers, and industrial PCs

• Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs)

Electrical and Mechanical Basics for Automation

• Reading wiring diagrams and control schematics

• Pneumatics and hydraulics in automation

• Basic mechanical components: motors, gears, conveyors

Introduction to Control Systems

• Open-loop vs. closed-loop control

• Basic process control concepts: feedback, setpoint, and PID control

• Role of automation in process consistency and quality

Introduction to PLCs and Ladder Logic

• Overview of programmable logic controllers

• Basic ladder logic and control sequences

• Simple programming exercises for common automation tasks

Industrial Robotics Overview

• Types of industrial robots (articulated, SCARA, Cartesian, etc.)

• Common applications: pick-and-place, welding, inspection

• Safety and collaborative robotics (cobots)

Automation System Integration

• Connecting machines, controllers, and software

• Introduction to industrial networks and communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus)

• Introduction to SCADA and MES systems

Safety in Automated Environments

• Machine guarding and emergency stop systems

• Lockout/tagout (LOTO) and other OSHA compliance topics

• Risk assessment and hazard identification in automation

Workplace Applications and Hands-on Labs

• Real-world case studies of automation in manufacturing

• Hands-on labs or simulations of basic automation systems

• Introduction to troubleshooting and system maintenance