Robotics & Automation Workforce Bootcamp Series: Bootcamp 2 – Robotics Safety, Interlocking & Workcell Integration

The Robotics & Automation Workforce Bootcamp Series is a stackable, hands-on training pathway designed to take learners from foundational robotics concepts to advanced industrial automation applications. Across four immersive bootcamps, participants develop skills in robot programming and motion control, industrial safety and workcell integration, electrical wiring and I/O troubleshooting, and advanced robotic platforms including 6-axis industrial arms, autonomous quadrupeds, and humanoid systems. Utilizing industry-relevant equipment such as collaborative robots, industrial conveyors, sensors, and autonomous robotic platforms, students gain practical experience performing the same tasks found in modern manufacturing and Industry 4.0 environments.

Each bootcamp is structured as a two-day, instructor-led intensive followed by a certification-focused third day aligned with the SME Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) Body of Knowledge. While each bootcamp can be taken independently, together they form a comprehensive learning pathway that progressively builds technical competency across robot programming, safety, hardware, sensors, controls, and manufacturing automation systems. Students who complete all four bootcamps will have covered the major domains of the RMF certification framework and will be well-prepared to earn the nationally recognized Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) certification, validating their readiness for careers in robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and industrial technology.

Goal of Bootcamp 2

Develop a safety-first mindset while introducing industrial safety systems, collaborative robot safety, lockout/tagout, safety barriers, and emergency stop integration.

Day 1 (6 Hours): Industrial Robot Safety & Lockout/Tagout

Lecture (2.5 Hours)

• OSHA safety overview
• Hazard identification
• Electrical safety fundamentals
• Low-voltage vs high-voltage systems
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Lockout/Tagout procedures
• Robot-specific hazards

Hands-On Lab (3.5 Hours)

• Digital multimeter usage
• Electrical verification
• LOTO exercises
• Conveyor isolation procedures
• Safety inspection exercises
• Hazard assessment walkthrough

Day 2 (6 Hours): Collaborative Robot Safety & Interlocking

Lecture (2 Hours)

• Cobot vs industrial robot safety
• Safety planes and protected spaces
• Collision detection systems
• Presence sensing devices
• Safety barriers and guarding
• Emergency stop architecture
• Commissioning procedures

Hands-On Lab (4 Hours)

• Configure electronic safety zones
• Test collision detection
• Emergency stop verification
• Safety circuit tracing
• Workcell commissioning checklist
• Full workcell validation exercise

RMF Certification Day 3

RMF Modules
Robot Safety (20%)

• 3.1 General OSHA Standards
• 3.1.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 3.1.5 Lockout/Tagout
• 3.2 Types of Safety Devices & Barriers
• 3.2.1 Safety Guards
• 3.2.2 Interlocked Barrier Guards
• 3.2.3 Presence Sensing Devices
• 3.2.6 Alarms
• 3.2.7 Emergency Stops
• 3.2.8 Light Curtains
• 3.4 Pinch Points
• 3.5 Robot Safety Guidelines & Standards
• 3.5.2 Types of Robot Accidents
• 3.6 Cobot vs Industrial Robot Safety

Supporting RMF Modules
Robot Hardware & Software

• 5.6 Collision Sensors
• 5.6 Monitoring Workspaces & Protected Spaces

Robot Programming & Operations

• 6.4.3 Device Configuration