Master’s in Industrial Robotics & Cobots Engineering
Industrial Robotics & Cobots Engineering focuses on the development and optimisation of advanced mechatronic systems for automated industrial environments, integrating PLC fundamentals, ROS 2, machine vision, and adaptive control based on PID and MPC. The approach covers CAD/CAE design, multibody dynamics, differential kinematics and trajectory-planning algorithms, applied to collaborative robots (cobots) that work safely alongside operators on automated assembly lines and in autonomous transport systems. Simulation and digital modelling methodologies, together with interoperability frameworks, ensure the precision and efficiency required for repetitive and technically complex tasks.
The associated laboratories support HIL/SIL testing, real-time data acquisition and vibration analysis, and integrate functional safety protocols in line with applicable international standards that ensure reliability in heterogeneous industrial scenarios. Assessments include safety validation based on ISO 10218, IEC 61508 and ISO/TS 15066, covering operational risks and ergonomic aspects. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Automation Engineer, Robot Integration Specialist, Industrial Safety Technician and Embedded Software Developer, with career paths in aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing.
Target keywords (used naturally in the text): industrial robotics, cobots, PLC, ROS 2, ISO 10218, IEC 61508, HIL simulation, functional safety, automation, adaptive control.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Mastering Industrial Robotics & Cobots: Design, Programming and Optimisation
Advanced Robot Modelling: Kinematics, Dynamics and Performance
User-centred integrated design and validation (from modelling to deployment)
Design and Optimisation of Industrial Robotics & Cobots: Modelling and Performance
Industrial Robotics & Cobots: Modelling, Simulation and System Optimisation
Industrial Robotics & Cobots Engineering: Advanced Modelling and Performance Optimisation
Industrial Robotics & Cobots: Modelling, Design and System Optimisation
Industrial Robotics & Cobots Engineering: Modelling, Programming and Performance Optimisation
Who it's for
- Engineers with degrees in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical engineering or related fields.
- Professionals in the manufacturing industry, automation and robotics companies looking to upgrade their skills.
- Technicians and engineers working with cobots, robotic systems and automated production lines.
- People interested in designing, programming, integrating and maintaining industrial robotics and cobot systems.
What you'll work with
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with ISO 10218-1/-2, ISO/TS 15066, ISO 13849-1, IEC 62061, IEC 61508 and ISO 12100 from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with robot and cobot cells, force/pressure measurement for collaborative limits, HIL/SIL, vibration analysis.
- Evidence-driven final project: safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
- Industry mentoring: faculty with experience in automotive, aerospace, intralogistics and robot integration.
- Flexible format (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and safety: safety-by-design, OT cybersecurity, responsible human–robot collaboration and compliance as pillars.
10 modules
1.1Fundamentals of industrial robotics and cobots: ISO 8373 definitions, history and applications1.2Cobots: collaborative operating modes, human–robot interaction1.3Robotic system architectures: manipulators, controllers, interfaces and networks1.4Sensor and actuator technologies: types, selection and basic control1.5Programming industrial robots and cobots: teach pendant, offline and common languages1.6Safety and regulatory compliance: ISO 10218-1/-2, ISO/TS 150661.7Modelling and simulation of robotic systems: tools and workflow1.8Integration with manufacturing systems: PLC, SCADA, OPC UA, I/O1.9Maintenance, reliability and technical support: diagnostics and preventive maintenance1.10Case clinic: go/no-go with risk matrix
2.1Robot design fundamentals: kinematics, dynamics and interfaces2.2Robot and cobot architectures: modularity, integrability and scalability2.3Actuator and sensor selection: performance and compatibility criteria2.4Control and design algorithms: models and control strategies2.5Safety and ergonomics in design: standards, operator protection2.6Cobot integration: human–robot interaction and collaboration limits2.7Preliminary modelling and behavioural simulation2.8Design standards: ISO 9283 performance criteria, ISO 9409 flanges, ISO 12100 risk assessment2.9Design evaluation methods: MTBF, MTTR, availability, total cost of ownership2.10Case studies: go/no-go with risk matrix
3.1Introduction to robot programming: online and offline paradigms, history and scope3.2Cobots vs industrial robots: advantages, limitations and use scenarios3.3Basic architectures and components: manipulators, end effectors, sensors, controllers3.4Safety and regulatory compliance: ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, risk assessment3.5Robot configurations: Cartesian, SCARA, articulated, delta, dual-arm3.6End effectors and grippers: handling tools, quick-change, adaptation3.7ROS 2 fundamentals: nodes, topics, services, actions and MoveIt 23.8Integration with automation systems: PLC, HMI, industrial networks and interoperability3.9Simulation and digital twins: Gazebo, RoboDK, RobotStudio, validation of programmes3.10Use cases and trends in industrial robotics & cobots: manufacturing, logistics and services
4.1Introduction to robot control: joint-space and task-space control architectures4.2Cascaded servo loops: current, velocity and position control with PID tuning4.3Computed-torque and feedforward control based on dynamic models4.4Impedance and admittance control for contact and hand guiding4.5Force/torque control: compliance, polishing and assembly tasks4.6Model predictive control (MPC) for constrained motion4.7Adaptive and robust control: payload variation and disturbances4.8Modelling and design in MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape Multibody4.9Real-time implementation: EtherCAT, ROS 2 control and latency analysis4.10Case studies and assessment: controller benchmarking and acceptance criteria
- **Module 5 — Functional Safety and Risk Assessment in Collaborative Robotics**
5.1Machinery safety framework: ISO 12100 and the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/12305.2ISO 10218-1 and -2: requirements for robots and robot systems5.3ISO/TS 15066: power and force limiting, speed and separation monitoring5.4Biomechanical limits: contact pressure and force thresholds by body region5.5Safety functions and performance levels: ISO 13849-1 and IEC 620615.6IEC 61508 and safety integrity levels (SIL) for programmable systems5.7Safeguarding devices: safety PLCs, laser scanners, light curtains, ISO 138555.8Risk assessment and validation of a collaborative application5.9Cybersecurity of robotic cells: IEC 62443 and secure remote access5.10Case study: safety case and compliance dossier for a cobot cell
- **Module 6 — Machine Vision, AI and Human–Robot Interaction**
6.1Fundamentals of machine vision: optics, lighting and image formation6.22D and 3D vision sensors: stereo, structured light and time-of-flight6.3Camera calibration and hand–eye calibration6.4Image processing with OpenCV and industrial vision libraries6.5Deep learning for detection and pose estimation: PyTorch and ONNX6.6Vision-guided picking and bin-picking6.7Learning-based robot skills: imitation and reinforcement learning6.8Human–robot interaction: hand guiding, gesture, voice and intent recognition6.9Ergonomics and human factors in collaborative workstations6.10Future trends: foundation models, edge AI and intelligent automation
- **Module 7 — Robotic Cell Integration and Industrial Networks**
7.1Architecture of an automated robotic cell: layout, interlocks and utilities7.2PLC programming with IEC 61131-3: ladder, structured text and function blocks7.3Fieldbuses and industrial Ethernet: PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP7.4OPC UA (IEC 62541) and MQTT for MES and cloud interoperability7.5Robot–PLC interfaces: handshaking, I/O mapping and fieldbus profiles7.6Peripherals: conveyors, feeders, tool changers and CNC machine tending7.7Time-Sensitive Networking and deterministic communication7.8Commissioning: FAT/SAT, virtual commissioning and acceptance protocols7.9Electrical safety and documentation: IEC 60204-1 and EMC7.10Case studies: integrating a multi-robot cell into a production line
- **Module 8 — Mobile Manipulation and Autonomous Systems Fundamentals**
8.1Introduction to mobile manipulators and AMRs: history, uses and trends8.2Locomotion platforms: differential, mecanum and omnidirectional8.3Sensing: LiDAR, IMU, depth cameras and wheel odometry8.4Coordinate frames and homogeneous transformations (TF2)8.5Localisation and mapping: SLAM, AMCL and Nav28.6Mobile manipulation: base–arm coordination and whole-body motion8.7Fleet management and traffic control in intralogistics8.8Driverless vehicle safety: ISO 3691-4 and ISO 13849-18.9Docking, charging and automatic tool-change workflows8.10Case study: AMR with cobot for machine tending- **Module 8 — Advanced Dynamics and Vibration of Robotic Structures**
8.1Multibody dynamics: Newton–Euler and Lagrange formulations8.2Flexible-link and joint-compliance modelling8.3Strain-wave gearing, backlash and friction models8.4Payload identification and inertial parameter estimation8.5Experimental modal analysis of arms and bases8.6Vibration suppression: input shaping and notch filters8.7Thermal drift and accuracy compensation per ISO 92838.8Cable fatigue and wear in dress packs8.9Co-simulation with Simscape Multibody and ADAMS8.10Case study: improving the repeatability of a six-axis arm- **Module 3 — Integration and Simulation of Robots**
3.1Introduction to integrating industrial robots and cobots3.2Robot simulation software: ROS 2, Gazebo, RoboDK3.33D modelling of robots, work cells and environments3.4Robot programming: languages, strategies and tools3.5Trajectory and motion simulation3.6Robot–environment interaction: sensors, actuators and communication3.7Integration with peripherals: conveyors, machines and tools3.8Collision analysis and fault detection3.9Simulation of industrial processes: welding, painting, assembly3.10Validation and optimisation of simulated robotic cells- **Module 4 — Robotic Design and Optimisation**
4.1Robotic system design: specifications, requirements and constraints4.2Robot selection: criteria, tools and methodologies4.3Cell layout design: ergonomics, safety and efficiency4.4End-effector and tool design: functionality and versatility4.5Trajectory optimisation: time, energy and accuracy4.6Parameter optimisation: velocity, acceleration and jerk4.7Design for manufacture (DFM): ease of assembly and maintenance4.8Performance optimisation: programming and control4.9Design verification and validation4.10Case studies: design and optimisation of robotic systems- **Module 5 — Modelling and Optimisation of Systems**
5.1Introduction to modelling robotic systems5.2Mathematical modelling of robots: kinematics and dynamics5.3Modelling of sensors and actuators5.4Modelling of work environments and obstacles5.5Simulation of complex robotic systems5.6Trajectory and motion optimisation5.7System performance optimisation5.8Sensitivity and robustness analysis5.9Optimal controller design5.10Case studies: modelling and optimising systems- **Module 6 — Engineering and Performance Optimisation**
6.1Robotic engineering principles: methodologies and tools6.2Requirements analysis and robotic system design6.3Selection of robots and components6.4Modelling and simulation of robotic systems6.5Robot programming and control6.6Performance optimisation: time, energy, accuracy6.7Implementation and commissioning of robotic systems6.8Failure analysis and maintenance6.9Automation and optimisation of industrial processes6.10Case studies: engineering and performance optimisation- **Module 7 — Modelling, Design and Optimisation of Systems**
7.1Requirements and specification of the robotic system7.2Modelling robots and components: kinematics and dynamics7.3Robotic cell design: layout, safety and ergonomics7.4Simulation of robotic systems: trajectories, motion and processes7.5Robot programming and control: languages and strategies7.6Performance optimisation: time, accuracy, energy7.7Design for manufacture: ease of assembly and maintenance7.8Integration of robots with peripherals and vision systems7.9Design verification and validation7.10Case studies: modelling, design and optimisation of systems- **Module 8 — Programming and Performance Optimisation**
8.1Introduction to programming industrial robots and cobots8.2Robot programming languages: syntax and functions8.3Motion programming: points, trajectories and speeds8.4Sensor and actuator programming8.5Control logic programming: conditionals, loops, subroutines8.6Programme optimisation: cycle time, efficiency and accuracy8.7Offline and online programming: tools and methods8.8Simulation and debugging of robot programmes8.9Integration of robots with vision systems and other peripherals8.10Case studies: programming and performance optimisation
- **Module 9 — Robotics Fundamentals and Legislation**
9.1Introduction to industrial robotics and cobots9.2Principles of robot kinematics and dynamics9.3Structures and components of industrial robots9.4Sensors and actuators in robotics9.5Fundamentals of robot programming9.6Safety standards in robotics: ISO 10218, ISO/TS 150669.7Legislation and legal aspects of industrial robotics: CE marking and product liability9.8Introduction to ergonomics and occupational safety in robotic environments9.9Case study: robotic implementation and legal considerations9.10Future trends in robotics and legislation: AI Act and machinery rules- **Module 9 — Advanced Robot Mechatronics**
9.1Fundamentals of servo drives and motion control9.2Electric motor selection: PMSM, BLDC and torque–speed curves9.3Gear and transmission analysis: harmonic, cycloidal and planetary9.4Encoders and feedback: absolute, incremental and torque sensing9.5Robot performance analysis: payload, reach and repeatability9.6Thermal and power-electronics considerations in joint modules9.7Vibration and noise modelling in robot joints9.8Optimisation of arm design: tools and methodologies9.9Simulation and case analysis: design and analysis of a specific manipulator9.10Emerging technologies in robot design: soft robotics and variable-stiffness actuators- **Module 3 — Integration and Simulation of Robots**
3.1Robotic system architectures and communication3.2Hardware and software selection and configuration3.3Design of robotic cells and work environments3.4Robot programming: languages and tools3.5Robot simulation: software and methodologies3.6Modelling environments and objects for simulation3.7Integration of sensors and external devices3.8Trajectory analysis and motion control3.9Simulation and optimisation of robotic tasks3.10Validation and commissioning of robotic systems- **Module 4 — Robotic Design and Optimisation**
4.1Design principles for industrial robotics4.2Selection of robots and end-effectors4.3Design of machine vision systems for robotics4.4Design of gripping and handling devices4.5Trajectory optimisation and motion planning4.6Design of efficient and safe robotic cells4.7Cycle time and productivity analysis4.8Cost optimisation and return on investment (ROI)4.9Design for additive manufacturing in robotics4.10Case studies: design and optimisation of specific robotic systems- **Module 5 — Modelling and Optimisation of Systems**
5.1Modelling robotic systems: methodologies and tools5.2Modelling components and subsystems5.3Simulation of robotic systems: performance analysis5.4Sensitivity and robustness analysis5.5Parameter and system design optimisation5.6Failure modelling and reliability analysis5.7Discrete-event simulation of robotic processes5.8Workflow optimisation and sequencing5.9Case studies: modelling and optimising industrial systems5.10Trends in modelling and optimising robotic systems- **Module 6 — Engineering and Performance Optimisation**
6.1Robotic engineering principles and methodologies6.2Performance analysis of robotic systems6.3Cycle time optimisation and energy efficiency6.4Advanced control of industrial robots6.5Advanced programming and diagnostic tools6.6Design of supervisory and control systems6.7Data analysis and big data in robotics6.8Predictive maintenance and reliability optimisation6.9Integration of robotics and Industry 4.0 automation6.10Best practices and case studies: performance optimisation- **Module 7 — Design and Optimisation of Systems**
7.1Design of integrated and flexible robotic cells7.2Selection of robots and peripherals for specific applications7.3Design of intelligent machine vision systems7.4Design of custom end-effectors7.5Layout optimisation of robotic cells7.6Design of human–machine interfaces (HMI)7.7System simulation and design validation7.8Optimisation of robotic manufacturing processes7.9Case studies: design and optimisation of complete systems7.10Innovations in robotic system design- **Module 8 — Programming and Performance Optimisation**
8.1Introduction to advanced robot programming8.2Robot programming: languages and paradigms8.3Robot programme optimisation8.4Motion control and complex trajectories8.5Integration of sensors and machine vision in programming8.6Programming collaborative robots (cobots)8.7Programme debugging and diagnostics8.8Simulation and validation of robot programmes8.9Cycle time analysis and productivity optimisation8.10Case studies: programming and performance optimisation
- **Module 1 — Foundations and Legislation in Industrial Robotics**
1.1Introduction to industrial robotics and cobots: history and evolution1.2Key components of industrial robots and cobots1.3Robot control architectures: hardware and software1.4Fundamentals of robot kinematics and dynamics1.5Sensors and actuators in industrial robotics1.6Robot safety: international standards and regulations1.7Legislation applicable to industrial robotics1.8Principles of safe design for robots and cobots1.9Risk assessment and management in robotic environments1.10Future trends in industrial robotics- **Module 2 — Advanced Robot Mechatronics and Dynamics**
2.1Fundamentals of manipulator dynamics: inertia, Coriolis and gravity terms2.2Modelling robot links: geometry, mass properties and CAD export2.3Structural analysis of arms: FE and stiffness mapping2.4Modelling joint forces and torques2.5Design and selection of motors and drives for joints2.6Design of joint control systems2.7Advanced materials for robot structures: aluminium, CFRP and magnesium2.8Design optimisation of arms: methods and tools2.9Vibration analysis in robot structures2.10Practical cases of manipulator modelling- **Module 3 — Robotic Integration and Simulation**
3.1Introduction to integrating industrial robots and cobots3.2Selection and configuration of robots for specific applications3.3Machine vision systems for robotics3.4Programming industrial robots: languages and tools3.5Robotic simulation: software and virtual environments3.6Robotic cell design: layout and safety considerations3.7Synchronisation and control of multiple robots3.8Integration of robots with peripherals: grippers, sensors, etc.3.9Validation and verification of robotic systems3.10Case studies: successful integration across industries- **Module 4 — Robotic Design and Optimisation**
4.1Design principles for industrial robots and cobots4.2Design for manufacture: considerations and best practice4.3Optimisation of the robot workspace4.4Optimisation of trajectories and cycle times4.5Design of grippers and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT)4.6Selection and design of sensors for specific applications4.7Design of robotic safety systems4.8Optimisation of energy efficiency in robotics4.9Optimisation methods in robotics: algorithms and techniques4.10Practical cases of robotic design and optimisation- **Module 5 — Modelling and Optimisation of Systems**
5.1Modelling robotic systems: representations and mathematical models5.2Design of control systems for robots5.3Robot trajectory optimisation5.4Robotic task planning5.5Performance optimisation of the robotic system5.6Sensitivity and robustness analysis of systems5.7Integration of robotic systems with other production systems5.8Design of supervisory and control systems5.9Simulation and optimisation tools5.10Case study: optimising robotic systems in industry- **Module 6 — Engineering and Performance Optimisation**
6.1Robotic engineering principles: design, implementation and maintenance6.2Selection of industrial robots and cobots for specific applications6.3Advanced robot programming: techniques and tools6.4Performance optimisation: cycle times and energy efficiency6.5Design and selection of sensors and actuators6.6Machine vision systems for process optimisation6.7Failure analysis and predictive maintenance in robotics6.8Optimisation of robot trajectories and movements6.9Continuous improvement and optimisation of robotic processes6.10Case studies: engineering and performance optimisation applications- **Module 7 — Design and Optimisation of Systems**
7.1Robotic cell design: layout and safety considerations7.2Integration of robots with peripheral equipment7.3Robot programming for different applications7.4Optimisation of trajectories and movements7.5Selection of tools and grippers7.6Cycle time and efficiency analysis7.7Simulation and validation of robotic systems7.8Design of safety systems7.9Implementation and maintenance of robotic systems7.10Practical cases and case studies- **Module 8 — Robotic Programming and Optimisation**
8.1Fundamentals of robot programming8.2Industrial robot programming languages8.3Advanced programming: logic, loops and subroutines8.4Motion and trajectory programming8.5Integration of sensors and peripherals in programming8.6Code optimisation: cycle times and performance8.7Simulation and testing of robot programmes8.8Debugging and diagnostic tools8.9Programming for human–robot collaboration8.10Practical cases and programming and optimisation exercises
How you'll learn
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (subject to licences/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), ROS 2/MoveIt 2, Gazebo/NVIDIA Isaac Sim, RoboDK, ABB RobotStudio, Simscape Multibody, OpenCV/PyTorch, CODESYS/TIA Portal, SolidWorks/ANSYS Mechanical.
- SEIUM laboratories: industrial robot and cobot cells, force/pressure measurement for ISO/TS 15066, vibration analysis, HIL/SIL for robot controllers and safety PLCs, data acquisition with encoder, current and force/torque signals.
- Standards and compliance: ISO 10218, ISO 13849-1, IEC 62443, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Profile: Background in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics or Computer Engineering, or related fields; practical experience in automation, PLCs or robot programming is valued.
- Documentation: Up-to-date CV, academic record, SOP/statement of purpose, project or code samples (optional).
- Process: application → technical assessment of profile and experience → technical interview → review of practical cases → final decision → enrolment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 instalments: no fees; 30% on enrolment + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
- Monthly payment: available with a 7% surcharge on the total; annual review.
- Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial circumstances and the promotion of inclusion; agreements with industry partners for partial or full scholarships.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we offer international certification.
Yes: experimental robot models, real production data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer bridging tracks and tutoring.
Absolutely. It covers cobot deployment, PLC/OPC UA integration and machinery regulation (ISO 10218, EU 2023/1230).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortia.
Yes. Online/hybrid format with scheduled laboratories and visa support (see “Visa & residence”).
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