By Heather Hamilton, contributing writer
Dr. Mary Walshok, associate vice chancellor for Public Programs and dean of Extension at the University of California, San Diego, recently spoke at the TEDx event in San Diego, emphasizing the need for HEART in STEM education. HEART, she explained, stands for Hands-on, Engaged, Applied, Relevant Training, something she believes that educators don’t fully recognize the need for in a changing workplace. It’s why, Walshok believes, we have millions of unfilled jobs that require hands-on training — and the key to making us more competitive as a country in a global economy.
According to data from a 2015 poll of 200 senior corporate executives, 81% believe that robotics is a major source of jobs in the United States, identifying it as the top area of job growth. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of qualified people lining up for these highly technical jobs.
Enter programs like FANUC America Corporation, which recently unveiled four new robotics and advanced automation manufacturing national training certifications, the first for robot operations, integrated vision, and programming.
The four national certification programs, developed with Nocti Business Solutions, include two levels of FANUC Certified Robot Operator and two levels of FANUC Certified Technician.
After 18 months of collaboration among 150 subject matter experts from throughout the industry, educational institutions, and FANUC America, the certifications were introduced and remain focused on the need for adequate preparation via the talent pipeline of workers possessing the necessary skills to work in manufacturing at this level.
In a press release, FANUC America says that they’ve “led the effort to address the critical challenge caused by a shortage of skilled workers and helped change the perceptions of careers in manufacturing.” They hope that new certifications will provide a way to measure applicable skill sets involved in advanced automation technology for better-prepared workforces.
“The national certifications include two skill levels for robot operators and two skill levels for robot technicians. Students who receive the new certifications are qualified to fill a variety of high-demand and high-paying careers in robotics and advanced manufacturing,” says FANUC America director of education Paul Aiello. “Most employers agree that hiring individuals with relevant industry credentials allows them to quickly become a valued asset to the company and leads to greater employee retention.”
The certification will be available at secondary and post-secondary schools and training institutions that offer FANUC CERT. There are currently approximately 640 such programs.
The specifics
FANUC Certified Robot Operator Certifications will indicate that students have a basic understanding of robot operations and programming, material handling, and Roboguide simulation software and are designed for entry-level or incumbent workers.
Operator 1 certification requires completion of a written assessment, which allows the candidate to show knowledge in robot operations, frame setup, writing, modifying and executing basic motion programs, program offsets, backups and restorations, and creating and modifying simulations.
Operator 2 , as well as Certified Robot Technician 1 and 2 (each described below) are not currently available, but, according to FANUC America, will be soon.
Operator 2 certification consists of a performance assessment designed for an entry-level robotics associate in manufacturing position. This exam shows a student’s ability to perform robot operations, frame setup, writing, modifying and executing basic motion programs, program offsets, backups and restorations, and creating and modifying simulations.
FANUC Certified Robot Technician Certifications focus on showing a technical level of skill and knowledge and are more advanced than robot operator certifications, allowing students to demonstrate an understanding of robot operations and programming, material handling, technical system components, 2D integrated robot vision guidance and part inspection process, relevant Roboguide simulation software skills, production operations, and robotic systems engineering.
FANUC Certified Robot Technician 1 requires a written assessment for technical-level positions for robotics engineering associates in manufacturing. The test shows a student’s proficiency in single-axis mastering on all six axes, how to create and execute a pick-and-place program for load and unload applications, and the setup and programming of 2D Integrated Vision for part offset and inspection.
Certified Robot Tech 2 is, again, a performance assessment for a technical-level position as a robotics engineering associate in manufacturing and allows candidates to demonstrate skills in the same areas described for Certified Robot Technician 1.
Sources: Industry Week, Machine Design, FANUC America, Business Wire
Image Source: Shutterstock
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