Integrating Collaborative Robots in Engineering and Engineering Technology Programs

Collaborative robots (CoBots) are robots that can safely work alongside human workers. CoBots represent one form of advanced automation technology in manufacturing and are expected to become standard in production systems. They have the potential to transform manufacturing and assembly processes, however, there is a critical lack of U.S. trained CoBot technicians and engineers. The objective of this paper is to describe and introduce novel Collaborative Robotics course modules and their integration in Engineering and Engineering Technology programs at Wayne State University (WSU) and Oakland Community College (OCC). Modules cover three target areas: 1) Safety considerations for CoBots, 2) CoBot operations and programming, 3) Designing and evaluating CoBot systems. Modules cover fundamental knowledge of CoBots in advanced manufacturing systems and are developed based on input from CoBot manufacturers and experiments at the WSU’s Cobotics lab. Module components include CoBot fundamentals and hands-on laboratory exercises necessary to prepare a career-ready workforce, train industry professionals, and educate academicians on CoBot technologies for advanced manufacturing. Modules and components are developed such that the elements can be integrated into the current Robotics and Automated Systems Technology program at OCC and Engineering and Engineering Technology programs at WSU.