Industrial Automation: Introduction to Robotics (Fanuc & Universal Robotics Cobot)

May 11, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Instructor: Michael Klote

Spots remaining: 15

Course Overview:

Introduction to Industrial Robotic Programming provides a hands on foundation in operating and programming industrial robots, including FANUC systems and Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots). Participants learn core concepts such as robot motion, coordinate systems, end of arm tooling, and safe work practices. Through guided programming exercises, the course builds confidence in developing and testing basic robotic tasks used across modern manufacturing and automation environments.

This course is part of the Industrial Automation micro-credential series. Participants may complete it as a stand-alone certificate of completion or take all four micro-credentials to earn the Industry 4.0 Certificate in Industrial Automation. A discounted rate is available when enrolling in the full four-course bundle.

Learning Outcomes:

• Operation of FANUC industrial robots and Universal Robots cobots

• Introduction to robot coordinate systems and motion fundamentals

• Overview of end of arm tooling and common tooling applications

• Safe work practices for industrial and collaborative robot environments

• Programming instruction in point teaching, motion commands, and basic I/O integration

• Hands on exercises that simulate real manufacturing and automation tasks

Course Format:

This course includes three hours of online coursework completed at the day and time that fits your schedule, followed by an eight-hour, in-person, hands-on learning day in the Industry 4.0 Lab at Mizzou Engineering.

The online coursework will be available starting May 11th and must be completed prior to the in-person learning day.

The in-person learning day in the Industry 4.0 lab will be on May 28th from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Topics:

• Foundational skills in operating and programming both industrial robots and cobots

• Understanding of coordinate systems, motion control, and end of arm tooling concepts

• Ability to create and test basic robotic programs using point to point motion and simple I/O

• Confidence working safely around robotic systems in industrial settings

• Practical experience that prepares you for more work with advanced robotic programming and automation

Course Materials:

All course materials are included with enrollment.

Instructor(s):

Mike Klote, associate teaching professor for both Engineering and Information Technology and Industrial and Systems Engineering at MU College of Engineering. Klote brings over 45 years of mechanical, electrical and mechatronics experience to both programs. He couples his industrial experience with over 35 years of experience teaching industrial technology.

Department:

MU College of Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering Department

Credit:

Participants who complete this course are eligible for 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and/or 12 Professional Development Hours (PDHs), which may be applied toward continuing education requirements for licensed engineers.

Audience:

Individuals who have completed foundational PLC training and want to build foundational skills in operating and programming industrial robots and cobots—such as technicians or maintenance professionals, controls or automation specialists, skilled trades apprentices, machine or production operators, quality technicians, manufacturing engineers. PLC technicians, industrial electronics or mechatronics technicians, and team leads or supervisors.

Accommodations

University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with participation in an educational program or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. All requests must be made a minimum of 14 days before course start date. MU Extension will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met.

Cancellations and Refund Requests

Access MU Extension’s Course Cancellation and Refund Policy for details.

Full course description