Universal Robots launches hands-on training centres for cobot programming

April 8, 2019 – Universal Robots (UR) has launched a worldwide network of authorized training centres that expand on the company’s Universal Robots Academy online training modules.

New hands-on classes will teach core and advanced programming skills to cobot users regardless of their robotics experience or backgrounds, using certified trainers hosted by Universal Robots and its global channel partners. Classes are meant to broaden users’ understanding of Universal Robots’ cobots and their endless range of use cases, while providing opportunities for hands-on practice in real-life applications.

Three U.S.-based authorized training centres (ATC) are now opening at Universal Robots’ offices in Ann Arbor, Mich., Long Island, N.Y., and Irvine, Calif. Ten additional ATCs spread across Europe and Asia have already started welcoming students. The company expects to have 50 fully authorized centres around the world up and running by the end of 2019, with approximately 15 of those in North America.

So far, 500+ customers have successfully completed the training at the new centres. Some centres are run by UR while others are operated by its partners. The share of partner-operated entities is expected to grow rapidly in the coming months.

“Automation addresses both our current labour shortage and the looming skills gap,” says Stuart Shepherd, regional sales director of Universal Robots’ Americas division. “[We’ve been] targeting these issues by providing free online robotics training modules through our Universal Robots Academy, which has been grown rapidly since the launch two years ago. We’re excited to extend this popular training out to real-life classrooms as well, enabling manufacturers to expand their use of collaborative robots and drive even more value from their automation investments and their employees.”

As part of the new program, Universal Robots Certified Trainers will conduct training modules that cover a range of core and advanced cobot programming skills, including cobot scripting, industrial communication and interface usage. Small class sizes with student-centered objectives and hands-on practice with UR cobots ensure that participants come away with valuable skills they can apply immediately in their workplace.

The modules of the ATC program include core classes for basic applications and advanced courses for scripting, force control and industrial communication.

In addition to the current three centres in the U.S., ATCs are located in Germany, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Mexico.