A college in the UK midlands is using ABB robots to train the robot engineers of tomorrow and help local businesses move towards a more automated future.
West Nottinghamshire College uses both industrial and collaborative robots from ABB to teach students a variety of automation skills. ABB industrial robots are used to teach pick and place applications and programming languages, as well as the principles of warehouse management and how to apply robotics to manufacturing.
ABB cobots are used to teach similar subjects, as well as block programming language. They will also be used to teach automated manufacturing by combining them with a CNC machine.
Up to 300 students study courses at the college’s Engineering Innovation Centre, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, each academic year, ranging from 16–19-year-olds, up to adult apprentices.
“We met several robotics manufacturers, however ABB stood out as they were able to help us visualise our concept and vision, showing us what was possible with the right people and skills development,” said Benjamin Toule, the college’s head of the engineering department.
“Robotics has been part of the curriculum offer since the start of the partnership with ABB,” said Toule. “Smaller robots had been introduced to the students at lower levels, however the partnership with ABB introduced industrial robotics.”
The college believes that using a mix of industrial and collaborative robots allows it to train students and support local employers better, as both types are being used in industry. “The collaborative robots are also more mobile, making it easier to take them on our visits to schools,” said Toule.
The robots are used in several ways. With full-time students, they are used to teach industrial robotics, ranging from physical to virtual programming. From September 2022, the college has introduced training courses to enhance the skills of the local population. The department also uses the equipment to teach apprentices the concepts and principles of automation, robotics and PLCs. A partnership with Nottingham Trent University makes the robotics equipment available for practical sessions with its own engineering students.
Students use both ABB RobotStudio robot simulation software and Wizard Easy Programming.
“Allowing the students to develop their knowledge through using the robots and the RobotStudio and Wizard Easy Programming software has helped them to enhance the time spent with the robots, boosting their learning experience. It is surprising how quickly they have developed the skills to create their own programmes and 3D print their own fixtures and jigs to use with the robots,” said the head of department.
Toule believes that including robots in education allows students to learn different skills. “Creating a ‘warehouse’ structure within our training cells allows us to teach theories such as lean, efficiencies and other elements of engineering that go beyond robotics.”
Training materials for the courses were developed by the department’s own staff team following training with ABB. “We have developed our curriculum-based learning through reviewing the course requirements of the modules and then developing practical skills from this,” said Toule.
As well as teaching students, the department also plays a role in supporting local businesses. Within the Mansfield and Ashfield region that the college serves, automation and robotics is increasingly being embraced across multiple engineering disciplines, including manufacturing and distribution. West Nottinghamshire College engages and supports local employers such as the Fraser Group, Robinson Plastic Packaging, Asmech Systems Ltd and the Romo Group, each of which uses large elements of automation in their businesses.
Students studying robotics at the college are moving into employment with companies that have a high degree of automation, making good use of the skills they have developed in areas such as PLCs, hydraulics, pneumatic and electro pneumatics.
“Students are supporting local employers implement these skills into their workforce,” said Toule. “The creation of the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre in the Ashfield district will further help local employers embrace automation and robotics into their facilities.”
The college, in partnership with D2N2 (the local enterprise partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire) and the Department for Education, has been given funds to develop its equipment with the aim of supporting engineering skills and enhancing its presence in the local community.
“I believe that our investment has already inspired others to choose automation training facilities,” adds Toule. “The partnership with ABB is one the college is proud of and hopes to continue to develop, so that more people can gain knowledge in robotics and automation.”
