Unit 29
Learning hours:
NQF level 4:
Robot Technology
60
BTEC Higher National – H2
Description of unit
The aim of this unit is to provide an opportunity for learners to acquire an
understanding of robots and an ability to use them for industrial applications.
Outcome 1 focuses on the key elements of industrial robots and how they are
linked together as a system. Outcome 2 is concerned with the programming of
robots and various programming methods. Outcome 3 covers the design of an
efficient and safe robot cell and the factors which must be taken into account
when selecting, installing and operating industrial robots.
Summary of learning outcomes
To achieve this unit a learner must:
1
Investigate the key elements of industrial robots
2
Investigate methods of programming industrial robots
3
Design a robot cell and plan its implementation
FR26PS
Higher National
1
Content
1
Key elements of industrial robots
Manipulator elements: electrical and fluid drive systems (eg harmonic, cycloidal,
shaft, rod, screw, belt, chain); sensors (eg absolute and incremental encoders,
potentiometers, resolvers, tachometers); brakes; counterbalance devices
Control elements: CPU; system and user memory; interface units; power units
Intelligence: relating to proximity, range, position, force, temperature, sound
and gas
Sources of error or malfunction: environmental contamination (eg smoke, arcflash, dirt, fluids, heat); parallax; wear; data corruption; accessibility;
sensitivity; accuracy; design
2
Methods of programming industrial robots
Programming methods: task programming; manual data input; teach programming;
explicit programming; goal-directed programming
Facilities: conditional loops; datum shifts; location shifts; interrupts; peripheral
communications; TCP offsets; canned cycles; macros
Industrial tasks: welding; assembly; machining; gluing; surface coating; machine
loading
Setting up and executing the program: program/location input; start-up interlocking; program testing; fine-tuning; automatic operation
3
Robot cell
Design parameters: layout; cycle times; control; accessibility; error detection;
component specification; protection of the robot and peripherals, future
developments; hazard analysis (eg human, robot design, robot operation,
workplace layout, hardware failure, control system failure, control system
malfunction, software failure, external equipment failure, external sensor
failure); guarding; fencing; intrusion monitoring; safe system of work;
restriction mechanisms
FR26PS
Higher National
2
Selection criteria: accuracy; repeatability; velocity; range; operation cycle time;
load-carrying capacity; life expectancy; reliability; maintenance requirements;
control and playback; cost; memory; fitness for purpose; working envelope
Design: station configuration; parts presentation; fixtures; parts recognition;
sensors; cell services; safety interlocks; end effector design; flexibility
Implementation factors: company familiarisation; planning; robot manufacturer
back-up; economic analysis; installations scheduling; training
FR26PS
Higher National
3
Outcomes and assessment criteria
FR26PS
Higher National
4
Guidance
Delivery
A practical, hands-on approach to learning should be adopted wherever possible,
with tutors providing relevant examples of the application of theory in practice.
Practical work needs to be investigative to give learners opportunities to
provide evidence for distinctive performance. Visits to industrial installations
will be of value to supplement learning activities.
Assessment
Evidence of outcomes may be in the form of assignments, solutions to applied
problems or completed tests/examinations. Evidence is likely to be at outcome
level in order to provide maximum flexibility of delivery.
Evidence may be accumulated by learners building a portfolio of activities or by
a tutor-led combination of tests and assignments. In either case, the evidence
must be both relevant and sufficient to justify the grade awarded.
Links
This unit is designed to stand alone, but it has links with Unit 3: Engineering
Science and Unit 26: Programmable Logic Controllers.
Entry requirements for this unit are at the discretion of the centre. However,
it is advised that learners should have completed appropriate BTEC National
units or equivalent. Learners who have not attained this standard will require
bridging studies.
Resources
Centres delivering this unit must be equipped with, or have access to, industrialstandard robots units.
Support materials
Textbooks

Appleton E -Industrial Robot Applications (Wiley and Sons, 1998) ISBN
0470208937
FR26PS
Higher National
5