42218 Basic Programming and Use of Collaborative Robots
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 2 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Description
Collaborative Robots (cobots) are a relatively new form of robot that can be operated in shared environments with humans. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots can be much more agile and flexible in their utilisation due to the reduced safety and infrastructure requirements. This makes Cobots an exciting technology for companies and industries looking to adopt automation. This microcredential introduces cobots, including technical concepts, safety and ethical considerations, and hands-on programming.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Select cobots for common industry applications. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Evaluate cobot safety implications, safety devices, and ethics. (B.1) |
| 3. | Program a cobot using relevant programming languages. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, and influence stakeholders, and apply expert judgment establishing and managing constraints, conflicts and uncertainties within a hazards and risk framework to define system requirements and interactivity. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This Cobot microcredential will be suitable for professionals from various backgrounds as well as to HDR students and academic/professional staff.
The subject uses a combination of self-paced online component, interactive online sessions and a hands-on project-based teaching approach. The online component focuses on basic theory and concepts of cobots and robotics. Concepts are presented using theory, high-quality videos and interactive text and practice quizzes. Learners will build a broad introductory understanding of cobots, the underlying concepts and relevance for adoption in industry. Based on this understanding, participants will learn how to digest cobot specification and choose appropriate cobots for certain application, whilst considering safety and ethics. Participants will also gain hands-on experience programming cobots using industry-relevant techniques.
Each module contains practice quiz/exercises to test knowledge and deepen understanding. Discussions will be held using an online discussion board and during online classes.
An online forum, moderated by the lecturers, allows learners to connect with other learners and discuss their learning experience and challenges. Here, it is intended that real-world use cases be brought in by participants and shared with the class.
Participants will learn how to program cobots, first using a simulated cobot, then using a physical cobot in the lab.
Content (topics)
The content of the microcredential is structured into three modules
- Module 1: “Introduction to Cobots”
- Fundamentals of robots and cobots
- How cobots differ from robots
- Cobot operation
- Specifications and choosing cobots
- End-effectors
- Integration with peripheral machines and technologies
- Module 2: “Cobot Safety and Ethics”
- Risks of cobots
- Related standards
- Risk assessment tools
- Safety technologies
- Module 3: “Programming Cobots”
- Basics of cobot programs
- Motion types
- Programming by demonstration
- Module 4: “Cobots in the Lab”
- Hands on with cobots
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Cobot system design proposal
| Intent: | Students practice their understanding of cobots, designing cobots systems, and factoring for safety and ethical considerations, and receive critical feedback from lecturers. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and C.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Assessment task 2: Cobot programming demonstration
| Intent: | Students demonstrate their cobot programming capabilities on a physical cobot. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Demonstration |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 60% |
Minimum requirements
To pass this subject, students must achieve an overall mark of 50% or greater.
Required texts
All required texts and content will be provided through UTS Canvas.