Robotics & Automation Workforce Bootcamp Series: Bootcamp 1 – Robotics Programming & Motion Fundamentals

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 1

Introduce students to robot anatomy, coordinate systems, motion planning, and foundational robot programming using the Standard Bots Core collaborative robot and Dorner conveyor.

Day 1 (6 Hours): Robot Fundamentals & Coordinate Systems

Lecture (2.5 Hours)

• Parts of a robot
• Links, joints, axes, and degrees of freedom
• Cartesian coordinate systems
• Joint coordinates vs. world coordinates
• Tool Frames and User Frames
• Tool Center Point (TCP)
• Robot origin and workspace concepts

Hands-On Lab (3.5 Hours)

• Core startup and navigation
• Joint jogging exercises
• World coordinate jogging
• TCP positioning exercises
• Coordinate frame challenges
• Manual robot movement exercises

Day 2 (6 Hours): Motion Programming & Pick-and-Place Operations

Lecture (2 Hours)

• Joint motion vs. linear motion
• Path planning principles
• Waypoints and path confirmation
• End-of-arm tooling overview
• Conveyor integration concepts
• Pick-and-place cycle fundamentals

Hands-On Lab (4 Hours)

• Lead-through programming
• Waypoint recording
• Conveyor obstacle avoidance
• Program path playback
• Static pick-and-place operation
• Conveyor loading exercise

RMF Certification Day 3

Primary RMF Modules
Robot Programming & Operations (30%)

• 6.2 Coordinate Systems
• 6.2.1 Cartesian Coordinate System & Robot Positioning
• 6.2.1.4 Joint Frame
• 6.2.1.5 Tool Frame
• 6.2.1.6 Tool Center Point (TCP)
• 6.2.1.11 Degrees of Freedom
• 6.4.2.6 Motion Programming
• 6.4.2.13 Path Confirmation & Playback
• 6.4.2.14 Pick and Place Cycle
• 6.4.5 Robot Motion
• 6.5 Basic Robot Programming
• 6.5.1 Teach Pendant & Lead-Through Programming

Supporting RMF Modules
Robot Hardware & Software

• 5.1 Parts of a Robot
• 5.1.5 End Effectors
• 5.9 Conveyors

Robot Applications

• 2.2 Assembly
• 2.3 Material Handling