Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Universal Robots and Festo Didactic Unveil MPS Universal Robot Station with Safety Training at IMTS 2024

The MPS Cart with 360 Degree Safety Awareness from SICK is a versatile, turnkey training platform that provides students with a robotic learning experience based on real-world industry applications including: Functional Safety, Pick and Place, Palletizing, Handling and Assembly, Part Orientation, and Optional PLC. The MPS line of products has a concentrated focus on level 2  applied mechatronic competencies while the Cyber-Physical line introduces students to Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing concepts supported by MES software.    

“We want educators and schools to know that they are teaching the competencies that align with industry needs and result in student success,” said Stephanie Kobayashi, Global Industry Leader of Education for Universal Robots. “Both Festo and UR have a strong understanding of what industry needs in terms of essential skills and how to translate those needs into appropriate education and training methods. By collaborating to address the global skills shortage, with Festo as a systems integrator, we’re working to deliver a range of teaching and learning solutions of the highest caliber.”  

Curriculum Assets

The curriculum systematically guides learners and educators through the subject material with instructor lesson plans, quick start guides, videos, worksheets, and testing to ensure a thorough understanding of core competencies that complement  Industry 4.0 training methods. The six training modules include exercises and knowledge checks to monitor student progress, totaling 29 content hours of instruction on Robot Basics, Motion Programming, Inputs and Outputs, Safety by SICK, Non-Motion Commands, and Connectivity.

Module 1: Robot Basics

Learn fundamental principles and components when troubleshooting manufacturing production systems.

Module 2: Motion Programming

Learn motion types used during system navigation to guide the robot through specific trajectories, paths, or sequences.

Module 3: Inputs and Outputs

Learn the different digital signals that allow the robot to communicate with peripheral devices.

Module 4: Safety by SICK

Learn the importance of safety, risk assessment, risk mitigation and technology standards for cobot applications.

Module 5: Non-Motion Commands

Learn commands used for internal logic needed for proper program sequencing and not the movement of the robot.

Module 6: Connectivity

Learn about the systems approach via software control architecture and how to properly integrate peripheral devices such as safety scanners / safety PLC’s back to the robot

MPS Universal Robot Certification

Students also have the opportunity to earn certifications by demonstrating their theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on understanding of industrial robot programming. Certification validates that Industry 4.0 learning outcomes were achieved. Certification activities are industry-recognized by Festo, Universal Robots, and NC3.  

"Partnering with Festo enables us to enhance learning outcomes for students eager to explore robotics and automation," said Corey Adams, Education Program Manager at Universal Robots. "In addition to the data-rich, hands-on learning, students who earn certifications can showcase the in-demand technical skills they've acquired to potential employers."

360 Degree Safety Awareness from SICK

Most workplace injuries do not occur during normal operations but rather when human interaction is most prevalent such as during programming, inspection, and repair. When workers are up-to-speed on safety, they’re in a better position to prevent injuries and hazards, and approach things like change over and predictive maintenance while protecting the integrity of the entire system.

By integrating SICK safety laser scanners and safety awareness curriculum into the MPS and Cyber-Physical training equipment, students can develop a well-rounded working knowledge of interconnected robot systems. Not only does the curriculum assist students in understanding the importance of risk assessment, it’s designed to teach them what to do with the data captured.

The curriculum guides students through the Six-Step Method of Robotics and Automation equipment safety to understand topics such as: risk assessment, safe design, technical protective measures, administrative measures/information about residual risks, overall validation of the machine, and deployment of machinery. 

“When we talk about closing the skills gap in advanced manufacturing, safety might not be the first thing that comes to mind, however, robot safety awareness must come first in any classroom or workplace,” explains Ted Rozier, Director of Digital, Advanced Technology and Robotics at Festo Didactic North America Inc. “It's imperative to build a workforce that’s adept at risk assessment, and in terms of education and training, that’s really what we have achieved with Universal Robots and SICK in developing the MPS Universal Robot Station.”  

“SICK is proud to partner with both Universal Robots and Festo Didactic in helping to provide first in class safety components and expertise to the new MPS Universal Robot Station,” said Bryan Sellars, Manager of Strategy & Business Exploration for SICK Sensor Intelligence. “We are passionate about helping the future workforce gain skills that will not only help them succeed in automated manufacturing, but do it in a safe and productive way.” 

For more information, and to receive a demo, visit Booth 121515 at the Smartforce Student Summit

East Building, Level 2

Monday, September 9 - Friday, September 13  

To register for one of UR’s Cobot Walks for Educators at IMTS, sign up here

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About The Partnership

Festo Didactic is recognized by Universal Robots as an endorsed “UR Academy Solution, Curriculum, and Training Provider.” Because Festo and UR are aligned on learning outcomes for the future of work, they have formed a partnership to address the skills shortage. Together, they will bring their respective industry expertise and innovative training solutions to more classrooms around the globe to increase employability and student success outcomes.

About Universal Robots Academy

Automation is redefining established ways of working in every industry and today’s workforce needs a completely new set of skills compared to previous generations. UR Academy is helping to fill the training gap by collaborating with industry partners and education institutions to train the workforce for careers in robotics and automation.

Learn more at UR Academy and UR Education