The ABB Robotics training lab at Vincennes University features over 20 ABB robots and related work cells, software and controllers, and will allow students to gain training in applications that include robotic welding; picking, packing and palletizing; machine tending, material handling and product assembly.
ABB recognizes that Vincennes University makes a great Educational Institution partner. OEM and University cooperation has been successful and will become more important in the future. ABB appreciates the fruitful partnership that Vincennes University has with Haas CNC Corporation. It is proof that Vincennes University has dedicated personnel, proper direction and clear goals that make these partnerships successful. ABB is committed to help make the Vincennes University CIM/Robotics Program successful and nationally recognized.
The ABB Robotics Lab is located at the Indiana Center for Applied Technology otherwise known as the ICAT building. The ICAT facility is located on the Vincennes University Campus which offers 50,000 square feet of laboratory space, classrooms, and offices.
“The instruction that will be provided in this facility will help U.S. companies to become more competitive in advanced manufacturing by reaching thousands of future programmers, CNC machinists, designers, engineers, and metrologists,” said David A. Tucker, Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Service for VU.
“It is very important for this country to have a strong manufacturing base and Vincennes University is providing the platform for that,” said Rob Schwamberger, regional sales manager for ABB Robotics. “The Robotics training facility here is actually the largest in North America and possibly the world. There are over 20 robots here doing various applications and we are very excited to be part of that. It goes to show the forethought and forward thinking of Vincennes University.”
“When students leave this educational facility they will go out into the real world understanding how to run new technology, the machines being used in industry today, and be better prepared to be a benefit to the employers that are hiring them,” Tucker said.
The types of Robots that are in the ABB Robotics Lab at Vincennes University are:
- IRB 140 w/IRC5 w/External Axis Capability and Motor Package 10
- IRB 4600 w/IRC5 Controller 2
- IRB 260 w/IRC5 w/PickMaster 5 Prepared 2
- FlexArc M1 Welding Cell 5
- 1RB 360 w/IRC5 Controller 1'
A few of the classes that are offered at the ABB Robotics Lab located at Vincennes University are:
- IRC 5 Robot Basic Programming: This course is intended for personnel responsible for starting and operating the robot creating and editing programs.
- IRC5 Advanced Programming: The goal of this course is to provide instruction in high level programming features and techniques. Designed for students who have successfully completed the IRC5 Robot Basic Programming class and who need a greater depth of knowledge. It does not provide a review of basic programming.
- IRC5 Electrical Service: The course is designed to teach students how to identify the electrical components, theory of operation, and introduce proper trouble shooting procedures on the ICR5 controller. Approximately 50% of the course is hands-on troubleshooting of actual robot system and controller.
- IRC5 Basic Robot Welding: The goal of this course is to train the student to safely use the teach pendant to create weld programs, set and change weld data, and edit existing programs.
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional sites such as the Indianapolis International Airport. VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.
In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and, science, and special education/elementary education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 24 other states, and 26 countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information about the ABB Robotics Lab at Vincennes University please contact Jerry Ruble, Director of ABB Robotics Lab and Industrial Maintenance Training, at 812.888.4346 or jruble@vinu.edu.
