Robotics: The Robots Are Coming

© Robotation Academy

Robots have come a long way since Leonardo da Vinci's 15th century sketches of a prototype armor-clad robot knight. Where Leonardo's knight was able to make human-like motions (sit up, move arms, neck, and jaw), today's industrial robots are light years beyond their medieval ancestor.

To such an extent that, although it's often easy to see what robots can do, the technology that allows robots to do what they do is not always so clear. Now the world's first independent robot school, based in Hanover, says it can help businesses understand just what makes robots tick. The Robotation Academy opened its doors in January and now offers courses in the nittygritty of automation technology.

Volkswagen first began experimenting with robots in 1979 and is now lending its know-how and a team of experts to the new Hanover academy. In fact, the Robotation Academy is a collaborative venture between VW Coaching GmbH, global trade fair giant Deutsche Messe, and a host of robot manufacturers.

Ever since the Luddites revolted against the introduction of automated looms in the textile industry of 19th century Britain, progress in the guise of mechanization has often been looked upon with skepticism and perceived as a threat to human livelihood. Thankfully however, reality has proven that robots and people in the workplace need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, the former can't live without the latter.

However, the courtship between the two can be long and expensive, particularly for smaller or medium-sized businesses. Historically averse to robot technology, they often can’t afford the time lost to fine-tuning and malfunctioning robots, which is where the Robotation Academy steps in.

"The courses are particularly aimed at medium-sized businesses," says Olaf Katzer, CEO of the Robotation Academy. "They often don't have their own specialists in robot and automation technology, but are investing more and more in these processes." For potential buyers, the bite-sized modules at the Robotation Academy should cater to everyone from absolute beginners onwards. The courses offer a theoretical grounding in the types of technology available and what purpose they can serve in practice.

Hands-on tutorials are provided to introduce some of the different models. In order to understand what one wants or needs as a customer, it's important to be able to understand the stats, know how much the robots weigh and how they move, and be aware of all of the related safety and security considerations. The real test is when participants go head to head with a robot and learn how to program it.

With all of the robot manufacturers bundled under one roof, the academy says it's not simply peddling a favored brand. The school is setting out to help businesses find the perfect robot match for their business requirements. One might think of it as type of speed-dating event - without the polite conversation, of course.