87251 - Laboratory of Robotics and Mechatronics m

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire basic knowledge of theoretical and practical issues related to: (i) programming, using, and controlling industrial automation hardware and software (sensors, actuators, robots) (ii) task, path, and trajectory planning (iii) how to integrate automation tools. The student will make use of the acquired knowledge by carrying out individual and group laboratory projects.

Course contents

Each topic in the course is delivered as a mini-module lasting 5 hours (equivalent to one week of lectures). Each module consists of a 2-hour theoretical lecture followed by a 3-hour practical session conducted by a tutor in the classroom. Students are also encouraged to complete the module by practicing independently in the lab, with a recommended attendance of 6 hours per week, in addition to individual study.

In the lab, students can work independently or in groups (up to a maximum of 4 people). Each group will have access to a test bench equipped with various industrial automation devices, as well as a collaborative robot. In the first part of the course, groups will develop programs to make the automation system operational. In the second part, stand-alone tools such as cameras and collaborative robots will be programmed and used.

The subjects treated during the course are:

• Automation software basics
• Automation peripherals
  
• Elementary sensors and actuators
• Actuators and motion planning basics
• Advanced motion planning
• Industrial and collaborative robotics
• Robot trajectories
• Introduction to artificial vision
• Automation in the industry

Readings/Bibliography

Teachers notes

Highly recommended books:

• Manuale Twincat 3 PLC (TE1000)
• Universal Robots - Manuale utente
• Universal Robots – Manuale PolyScope
• Biagiotti, Luigi, and Claudio Melchiorri - Trajectory planning for automatic machines and robots.

Supplementary readings are numerous and are suggested in each session. They are entirely optional and not necessary for the proper understanding of the course.

Teaching methods

The course is mainly carried out with:

• Lectures in the classroom (2 hours per module)
• Hands-on tutorials led by tutors (3 hours per module)
• Individual study at home (including the learning of methodologies and the development of executive project documents)
• Individual or group sessions in the laboratory (approximately 6 hours per module)

Due to the practical and experimental nature of the course, it is not possible to attend the course as a non-attending student.

Given the hands-on nature of the course activities, attendance requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 (in e-learning mode) on health and safety in study and internship environments:
[https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio]. In addition, participation in Module 3, a specific training on health and safety in study environments, is mandatory. Information about the dates and attendance procedures for Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists in a practical examination where students have to re-implement part of the lab exercises they exercised on during the course (4h).

Teaching tools

Teaching materials will be distributed through the virtual page of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Edoardo Ida