The ORT Open Tech Robotics and Automation Literacy Course

摘要

Abstract The Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT) views robotics both as an important subject in its own right and as an excellent introduction to the modem manufacturing environment. This automation environment, like any other, has a language that relates to it and encapsulates the thinking tools required to function in it. Within a robotics and automation literacy course a wide range of thinking skills, concepts and proficiencies can be developed. The course consists of 93 theoretical and practical sessions. While the theoretical sessions may be studied at home, the practical sessions require the student to attend one of the study centres, called ‘nodes’, where the equipment is located. There are 28 nodes in the UK and the course is being used extensively in Holland, Sweden and the US. The practical sessions are based around a BBC microcomputer and a Smart Arms robot (built to ORT's specifications). ORT has developed a special interface unit and supplies a range of sensors and output devices, which connect to it. Many practical sessions revolve around a fully programmable industrial simulator (a frame on to which we have mounted a hopper, pneumatic rams, sensors, an indexing table and a robot). A vision system is also incorporated. ORT is currently finalizing Phase 2 of the project — a professional programme based on a genuine industrial work‐cell. Using computer‐aided design (CAD), the student designs a working electronic circuit and a printed circuit board and uses software developed by ORT to program an IBM 7545 SCARA robot to assemble the circuit (using surface‐mounted devices). The product is then inspected using an industrial vision system and specially designed test rig.