Future of the Technician Workforce Study

AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS TECHNICAL SKILLS General:

TOOLS Software:  National Instrument LabVIEW Software (Machine Vision, Motion Control, Feedback Control, Simulation with hardware, Data Acquisition, FPGA [field programmable gate array])  Siemens SINUMERIK Run MyRobot/ Director Control (i.e., software package for robotic kinematics and CNC control)  Robotic programming soft- ware packages for robotic kinematics and CNC control For example:  ABB Simplified Robot Programming (SRP)  Siemens SINUMERIK Run MyRobot/Director Control Hardware:  Collaborative robotics (e.g., FANUC robot systems)  Peripherals (conveyors, part hoppers, things to integrate w/ control system)  Robot fixtures  High-speed camera Metrology/Data Acquisition:  Logic analyzers (i.e., MyDAQ by National Instruments)  Oscilloscope Other tools/resources:  Training materials/documen- tation  AI/ML tools  Industry application examples for hands on experience

 Basics of automation and robotics:  Axis of motions  Clamping systems  Mechanical/electrical  Conveyance; packaging; and manipulation  Loads/deflection  Logic controls  Servos  Systems integration; Systems knowledge  Autonomous equipment: controls, operation, material handling, and communication of data  Reliable/repeatable setup of workpiece fixtures  Identification & management of singularities (skill for robotics)  Programming:  Programmable logic controllers (PLC)  Human-machine interface (HMI) programming  Quality assurance; Quality audit standards  Fanuc or Staubli training (Programming level 1 & 2, Maintenance training)  In-situ metrology  Safety training  Control system debugging and troubleshooting (electrical, pneumatic)  Exposure to multiple robot controllers (i.e., variety of robot vendors) Analytics & Modeling:

 Computer skills (advanced)  Datum mapping and modeling

 System data collection & distribution  Machine learning (ML) algorithms  Machine vision training: Cognex; Keyence

 Visio and business process design  Workflow and process mapping

SOFT SKILLS  Troubleshooting/problem solving skills

 Ability to multitask  Order of operations

 Problem solving  Strong work ethic  Ability to communicate with people virtually and via computer  Reinforcement learning

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