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Industrial Robotics: Programming, Simulation & Automation
Rating: 3.6 out of 5(9 ratings)
33 students

Industrial Robotics: Programming, Simulation & Automation

Learn robot programming, RoboDK, RobotStudio, PLC integration, kinematics, safety and Industry 4.0.
Last updated 9/2026
English
English [Auto],

What you'll learn

  • Understand the fundamentals of industrial robotics and automation.
  • Identify major industrial robot types and their applications.
  • Explore programming concepts for ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots and FANUC systems.
  • Understand robotic simulation using RoboDK and ABB RobotStudio.
  • Explore workcell design, trajectories and cycle-time optimization.
  • Understand integration between robots, PLCs, sensors and vision systems.
  • Explore EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA and EtherCAT concepts.
  • Understand industrial robot safety standards and risk concepts.
  • Explore Industry 4.0, IIoT, AI and Digital Twin applications in robotics.

Course content

12 sections24 lectures3h 20m total length
  • Introduction to Industrial Robotics — History, Evolution, Types & Industry 4.08:16

    Introduction to Industrial Robotics

    Exploring the evolution, types, and transformative role of robotics in modern manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

    Course Overview

    Historical Development

    From first-generation robots to modern intelligent systems

    Technological Evolution

    Advances in control systems, sensors, and AI integration

    Industry 4.0 Role

    Smart automation and cyber-physical systems

    Robot Classifications

    Articulated, SCARA, Delta, and Cartesian systems

    The Dawn of Industrial Robotics

    First Generations (1960s-1980s)

    Industrial robots emerged with programmable manipulators of low complexity. The Unimate (1961) marked the beginning, primarily applied in spot welding for the automotive industry.

    • Basic programmable manipulators

    • Limited to repetitive tasks

    • Automotive industry pioneers

    Rise of Rigid Automation

    1980s-1990s: Digital Revolution

    Advancement in digital controllers using dedicated microprocessors enabled greater flexibility in repetitive tasks and controlled industrial environments.

    Digital Controllers

    Microprocessor-based systems replaced analog controls

    Enhanced Flexibility

    Improved programming capabilities for complex tasks

    Controlled Environments

    Optimized for structured industrial settings

    CAD/CAM Integration Era

    1990s-2000s: Manufacturing Intelligence

    Robots became integral to flexible manufacturing cells, integrating with computer-aided design and manufacturing systems.

    • Flexible manufacturing cells

    • CAD/CAM system integration

    • Enhanced production planning

    • Quality control automation

    Contemporary Robotics Revolution

    2000s-Present: The Intelligence Boom

    Expansion into logistics, electronics, and biomedical sectors, powered by sensors, computer vision, and artificial intelligence algorithms.

    Logistics Automation

    Warehouse robotics and automated material handling systems

    Electronics Manufacturing

    Precision assembly and testing of electronic components

    Biomedical Applications

    Surgical robotics and pharmaceutical manufacturing

    Technological Evolution Milestones

    Analog to Digital Controllers

    Achieved precision of ±0.02 mm in high-performance robots

    Electric Servomotors

    Replaced hydraulic systems for lower maintenance and higher energy efficiency

    Force/Torque Sensors

    Enabled adaptive applications with 2D/3D camera integration

    Digital Twin Concept

    Virtual simulation environments for optimization before real execution

    Industry 4.0

    The fourth industrial revolution transforms manufacturing through intelligent automation and interconnected systems.

    Intelligent Automation

    Cyber-Physical Systems Integration

    Robots integrate with cyber-physical systems (CPS), exchanging real-time information with PLCs, MES, and ERP systems.

    • Real-time data exchange

    • PLC integration

    • MES connectivity

    • ERP system coordination

    IIoT Connectivity Revolution

    OPC UA Protocol

    Standardized communication for industrial automation

    MQTT Integration

    Lightweight messaging for distributed manufacturing

    Smart Manufacturing

    Distributed architectures for intelligent production

    Human-Robot Collaboration

    Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

    Introduction of cobots following ISO/TS 15066 standards enables safe human-robot interaction on production lines.

    Cobots can work alongside humans without safety barriers, revolutionizing manufacturing workflows.

    Sustainability Impact

    Material Waste Reduction

    Precision robotics minimizes material waste in manufacturing processes

    Energy Efficiency Gain

    Optimized robotic processes improve energy consumption in repetitive tasks

    Production Quality

    Consistent quality reduces defects and rework requirements

    Robot Types

    Understanding the four major categories of industrial robots and their specialized applications.

    Articulated Robots

    6+ Axis Flexibility

    Structure based on rotational joints (revolute joints), similar to the human arm, offering high flexibility and reach in complex 3D spaces.

    • Arc welding applications

    • Painting operations

    • Complex part assembly

    • Heavy payload handling

    Example: ABB IRB 6700 with payload capacity up to 300 kg

    SCARA Robots

    Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm

    Configuration with 4 degrees of freedom (3 translational in XY plane + 1 rotational on Z axis), characterized by vertical rigidity and horizontal compliance.

    High-Speed Assembly

    Optimized for rapid component placement and insertion

    Electronics Manufacturing

    PCB component insertion and electronic assembly

    Packaging Applications

    Precise packaging and material handling operations

    Delta Robots: Speed Champions

    Parallel Structure Excellence

    Parallel structure with 3 arms connected to a common base. Extremely fast with accelerations >10g and cycles up to 120 operations per minute.

    • Food industry pick-and-place

    • Pharmaceutical handling

    • Precision electronics

    Example: FANUC M-3iA Delta Robot

    Cartesian Robots: Precision Powerhouses

    Orthogonal Axis Systems

    Based on orthogonal linear axes (XYZ), operating with guide and screw systems. High positional precision and robustness for heavy loads, but less flexibility than articulated robots.

    CNC Machining

    Precision manufacturing and material processing

    Heavy Palletizing

    Large volume material handling and stacking

    Industrial 3D Printing

    Additive manufacturing applications

    Robot Type Comparison

    Robot Type

    Degrees of Freedom

    Key Advantage

    Primary Applications

    Articulated

    6+ axes

    Maximum flexibility

    Welding, painting

    SCARA

    4 axes

    High-speed assembly

    Electronics, packaging

    Delta

    3 parallel arms

    Ultra-high speed

    Food, pharmaceuticals

    Cartesian

    3 linear axes

    Highest precision

    CNC, palletizing

    Application Selection Criteria

    Speed Requirements

    Payload Capacity

    Workspace Geometry

    Precision Demands

    Cost Considerations

    These foundational modules prepare students to understand robotic architecture diversity and the historical-technological context in today's Industry 4.0 landscape.

    Next Steps in Your Robotics Journey

    Deepen Your Knowledge

    Continue exploring advanced robotics concepts and programming

    Hands-On Practice

    Apply these concepts in laboratory and project work

    Innovation Opportunities

    Identify new applications in emerging Industry 4.0 contexts

    Understanding robotics evolution and classification provides the foundation for advanced automation engineering and innovative manufacturing solutions.

  • Robotics Evolution6:57

Requirements

  • No prior robotics experience required — This course starts from the basics and progressively advances to industrial-level programming and simulation. Basic technical understanding recommended — Familiarity with mechanical or electrical engineering concepts helps but is not mandatory. Computer with internet access — A Windows or macOS computer to install and run RoboDK and ABB RobotStudio for hands-on programming practice. Curiosity and willingness to learn — Ideal for engineers, students, and automation enthusiasts ready to explore industrial robotics and Industry 4.0.

Description

"This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.”

INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS: PROGRAMMING, SIMULATION & AUTOMATION

How are industrial robots programmed, simulated and integrated into modern manufacturing systems?

This course provides a structured technical foundation in Industrial Robotics, Robot Programming, Simulation and Factory Automation, connecting robotic systems with PLCs, sensors, vision systems and Industry 4.0 technologies.

You will explore the fundamentals of industrial robotics and progressively move into robot programming, simulation, kinematics, workcell design, automation integration, safety and emerging technologies.

The course introduces important industrial robot programming environments and languages, including ABB RAPID, KUKA KRL, Universal Robots URScript and FANUC programming concepts.

You will also explore simulation and robotic workcell development using platforms such as RoboDK and ABB RobotStudio, helping you understand how robotic applications can be designed, tested and optimized in virtual environments before implementation.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Understand the fundamentals of industrial robotics and robotic automation.

• Identify major industrial robot types, including articulated robots, SCARA, Delta and Cartesian systems.

• Understand robot components, coordinate systems and degrees of freedom.

• Explore industrial robot kinematics and motion concepts.

• Understand robot programming fundamentals.

• Explore ABB RAPID programming concepts.

• Explore KUKA KRL programming concepts.

• Explore Universal Robots URScript programming concepts.

• Understand FANUC programming concepts.

• Create and analyze robotic workcells in simulation environments.

• Explore RoboDK and ABB RobotStudio for industrial robot simulation.

• Understand robot trajectories, motion planning and cycle-time concepts.

• Explore end effectors, grippers and tooling for industrial robots.

• Understand the role of sensors and machine vision in robotic automation.

• Explore robot integration with PLCs and industrial automation systems.

• Understand industrial communication technologies such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA and EtherCAT.

• Explore Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 integration.

• Understand essential industrial robot safety principles and standards.

• Explore collaborative robotics and human-robot interaction concepts.

• Understand the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in modern robotics.

• Explore predictive maintenance and Digital Twin concepts for robotic systems.

ROBOT PROGRAMMING & SIMULATION

A major focus of the course is understanding how industrial robots are programmed and simulated.

You will explore different programming environments and approaches used across major industrial robotics platforms, including:

ABB RAPID

KUKA KRL

Universal Robots URScript

FANUC programming

You will also explore RoboDK and ABB RobotStudio, understanding how simulation can support robotic workcell design, programming, testing, collision analysis and process optimization.

INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS + INDUSTRY 4.0

Modern industrial robots do not operate in isolation.

They are increasingly connected to:

• PLCs
• Sensors
• Machine vision systems
• Industrial networks
• IIoT platforms
• Data systems
• Digital Twins
• AI and Machine Learning

The course therefore connects traditional robot programming with the broader concepts of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.

You will develop a better understanding of how robotic systems can become part of connected, data-driven manufacturing environments.

ROBOT SAFETY

Industrial robotics requires careful attention to safety.

The course introduces important concepts related to robotic safety and standards, including:

• ISO 10218
• ISO/TS 15066
• ANSI/RIA R15.06
• Risk assessment
• Protective measures
• Collaborative robotics
• Human-robot interaction

The objective is to help you understand the principles behind safer robotic system design and operation.

LEARN THROUGH MULTIPLE FORMATS

The course has been completely reformulated to provide a broader learning experience.

You will receive:

24 video lessons

3 hours and 20 minutes of video content

12 downloadable infographics

12 downloadable podcasts

The infographics provide visual summaries of important robotics concepts, while the podcasts offer an additional format for reviewing technical topics.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This course is designed for:

• Robotics and Automation Engineers.

• Mechanical, Electrical and Mechatronics Engineers.

• Industrial Automation Professionals.

• PLC Programmers interested in robotics.

• Manufacturing and Production Professionals.

• Robotics Technicians.

• Engineering and Technology Students.

• Professionals moving into industrial robotics.

• Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing professionals.

• Automation enthusiasts who want to understand industrial robot programming and simulation.

No previous industrial robotics programming experience is required.

REQUIREMENTS

No previous robotics programming experience is required.

Basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, automation or engineering concepts can be helpful, but it is not mandatory.

A computer with internet access is recommended for following the course and exploring the simulation technologies discussed.

Some software platforms used in industrial robotics may have their own licensing, hardware or system requirements.

WHY STUDY INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS?

Industrial robotics is a fundamental technology in modern manufacturing.

Robots are increasingly used for welding, assembly, material handling, machine tending, painting, packaging, inspection and other automated processes.

At the same time, industrial robots are becoming increasingly connected to PLCs, sensors, vision systems, IIoT platforms, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Understanding this technological ecosystem can help engineers, technicians and students develop a broader view of modern industrial automation.

This course gives you a structured introduction to the technologies that connect robot programming, simulation, automation and Industry 4.0.

By the end of the course, you will have a stronger conceptual foundation for understanding industrial robot programming, robotic simulation, automation integration, safety and intelligent manufacturing.

Start learning and explore the world of Industrial Robotics Programming, Simulation and Automation.

Who this course is for:

  • Robotics and Automation Engineers — Professionals seeking to upgrade skills in robot programming, simulation, and Industry 4.0 integration. Mechanical, Electrical, and Mechatronics Students — Learners aiming to enter the robotics field and gain hands-on experience with industrial robots. Manufacturing and Production Specialists — Individuals wanting to automate processes, reduce downtime, and implement advanced robotic solutions. Industry Professionals Transitioning to Robotics — Engineers and technicians moving into robotics and smart manufacturing with no prior coding expertise required.