Post Graduate Diploma in Robotics and Advanced Automation

Course introduction

Introduction

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and hands-on training in Advanced Automation and Robotic Systems. It covers the latest trends in automation technology with instances of their successful implementation. It shall enable the students to be prepared to drive the industry towards futuristic technology application through Robotics and Automation.

The curriculum includes developing innovative skills to answer the more challenging and complex needs in the industry. Engrossing group activities incorporating classroom communication and collaboration are essential to prepare students for the future. In this course, the students shall acquire these skills through industry-based projects, case studies and assignments.

Curriculum Overview

Programme Structure

On completing this course, the learners would be able to:

Compose C and C++ programming to develop software modules based on applications;
Design, select and illustrate the hardware essential for Industrial Automation;
Use robots efficiently, and demonstrate applications employing a robotic system;
Design and develop Robot Programming according to any selected application;
Interpret and summarize various robotic applications for industry use.

Area of Studies

The course consists of 6 modules:

Hardware Design for Automation
C++ and Software Integration
Advanced Industrial Systems and Applications
Industrial Robotic Systems
Middleware and Robotics Platform
Robotic Simulation and Implementation

Module Synopsis
Hardware Design for Automation
The learners shall gain a detailed understanding of different types of hardware involved in automation. They will also be trained in appropriate selection of hardware elements for real life industrial applications as well as IO module integration. They will also be taught the latest techniques in designing as well as the advanced technologies used in hardware integration.
Through this course, they will also acquire knowledge regarding ISO standards and international protocols used for system design and connectivity. Besides, they shall also learn how electronics, circuits, sensors and actuators work in an automation system.
This module also includes reviewing case studies, thus providing hands-on experience to students in designing a hardware system for advanced industrial application. This would help to analyze and evaluate the system in an organized manner, thus enabling them to design, develop and troubleshoot industrial automation systems.

C++ and Software Integration
The students will learn to apply the software programs and coding methodologies used in programming. They will also learn the structured format of programming for automation systems. The learners shall be taught programming using C/C++ for a variety of automation scenarios including flow chart design and algorithm development.
They will also learn the application-oriented software algorithms such as visual studio, image recognition and data processing. This module also includes application-oriented programming used in the Automation Industry, as well as various debugging techniques.

Advanced industrial Systems and Application
Learners will develop skills in designing system architecture with detailed hardware modules and the interconnectivity between peripherals. They will also be taught about the integration protocols and ISO standards used for system architecture. Besides, the learners will also develop skills in integrating software and hardware modules to develop application-oriented automation platforms.
This module further aims to train students in designing, developing and evaluating application-based embedded system diagrams for automation. On successful completion of this module, the students will be expected to develop automation system for industrial application using advanced hardware module while appropriately selecting coding techniques and programming algorithms.

Industrial Robotic Systems
Through this module, the learners will comprehend the evolution of robotic systems and their classification based on industry, application and technology. Moreover, the students will gain knowledge of the importance of robots in Industrial Automation. They will also be able to define a basic robotic system and select its appropriate components.
The topics covered also include the details of 6-axis robots and their impact on current Industrial Automation. The ensuing sessions will lend clarity on: specifications; key features; and nomenclature of all the key parts of robots, including peripherals, that are generally used in the robotic system.
The learners will comprehend the essential requirements on safety, system calibration and its implementation strategies at workplace. Perception and manipulation tools used while maneuvering robots shall also be explained, thus providing a clear vision regarding the practical use-case of robotic systems.

Middleware and Robotic Platforms
Through this module, the students will learn the fundamentals of robotic system integration and the importance of hardware systems, including knowledge of the key hardware elements used for integration. The basics of software algorithms’ development, used with sensors and other accessories, will be covered in this session. It will also act as a trigger to learn the requirements of a middleware as well as a systematic approach to interlink the hardware through drivers and middleware.
The students will also learn to apply sensors and their integration with input/output modules, along with the associated software. This module will further enable them to design and upgrade the system design with creative ways linked to the application. In this module, the students will also be introduced to the usage of latest integration kits like raspberry pi and coding using Arduino. They will be taken through the application-oriented system integration case studies based on industrial application, which will enable them to develop integrated systems.

Robotic Simulation and Implementation
Through this module, the learners will acquire skills to develop a robotic system based on realistic requirements. They will learn simulation software to define the robotic system and will also learn how to program the robot motion path through simulation. They will also be able to translate the motion path planning, designed in the simulation platform, to physical systems through standardized calibration methodologies.
This module has been designed to shed light on the ‘end effectors’ used with robots. The students will learn about the selection of the end-of-the-arm tooling and grippers for robots, based on the application and potential of the customized design for the end of the robot’s arms. They will undergo a hands-on session to develop simulation-based robotic application and its evaluation through use case scenarios. This shall also include technical and business evaluations, thus preparing the students to face the demanding and competitive industry.

Entry Requirements

Age:	Minimum 21 years of age and above
Academic:	Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Work Experience:	Matured students: 30 years old with at least 8 years of working experience will be considered on an individual basis.
English Proficiency:	C6 ‘O’ level English OR IELTS 6.0 OR equivalent

Duration & Intake

Programme Duration

Duration

Part-time 18 months
Full-time 15 months

Maximum allowable period for the student to complete the course

Part-time 36 months
Full-time 30 months