Robotics MSc studies

Are you a BSc robotics graduate? Then you have already taken the first step towards a career in one of the most exciting and growing fields of our time. But if you want to develop your knowledge and skills and take your career to the next level, then a Master in Robotics is the perfect choice for you.

Are you an engineering graduate (e.g., automation, electrical, electronic or computer engineering)? Then you already have a solid foundation in some of the key disciplines that underpin robotics. But if you want to specialize in this growing field and lead your career in an area of professional differentiation in the market, then a Master in Robotics is the right choice for you.

Are you a graduate in a field other than engineering? Are you looking for a career that combines your current skills and knowledge with cutting-edge technology? A Master in Robotics may be right for you! Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that draws on a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, and more. Even if you have a degree in a field other than engineering you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired so far to a career in robotics. The demand for robotics professionals is increasing, and with a master degree in robotics, you can take advantage of this high demand profession and enter in a dynamic and exciting field where you will work on challenging projects at the forefront of technological advancement. The applications of robotics are vast and diverse, from healthcare to transportation, manufacturing to agriculture, and more; you can specialize in an area of high interest and apply your knowledge and skills in an area you are passionate about. Additionally, the earning potential for robotics professionals is high. A Master in Robotics can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities with competitive salaries. Don’t let your undergraduate training stop you from pursuing a career in the exciting field of robotics. Join our Master program in Robotics and take the first step towards a rewarding career in this growing field!

Prof. Dr. Eng. Dr. Ec. Stelian Brad

Director of the Master Program in Robotics

Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the latest technologies and techniques in robotics, including industrial robot programming languages, relational databases, computer-aided manufacturing, robotics applications, vision in robotics, distributed control, medical robotics, digital transformation and more.

With our program, you’ll learn from subject matter experts who are actively working in the industry and have a wealth of experience to share. You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as the opportunity to work on practical projects that will give you real-world experience. Our program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to design, develop, and control robots for a wide range of applications, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare, agriculture and services.

In addition, our program has a strong focus on industry connections, meaning you’ll be well-positioned to take advantage of the many job opportunities in robotics.

By comparison, other topics such as “Artificial Intelligence” may be more appealing at the first glance, but it is important to remember that Robotics is the backbone of AI in manufacturing. By choosing this Master program in Robotics, you will be able to develop a solid foundation in the field of engineering and you will be able to specialize if you wish also in artificial intelligence through optional courses within the master’s program or through programs accessible online. But Robotics cannot be learned and deepened online; access to laboratories is required.

Only the “Industrial Robot Programming Language” course will cost you approx. 5000 euros if you do it in the private environment. You will work with ABB, Fanuc, Motoman, UR Factory, Kuka, Nao, Pepper, UR, Furhat, etc. robots. We have 7 modern laboratories covering these technologies.

If the previous arguments are aligned with your professional ideals, if you are interested in combining your passion for computer science with cutting-edge technology in the field of robotics, then we invite you to seriously consider the opportunity to follow our master’s program in robotics. With this degree program, you will have the opportunity to learn the latest developments in robotics programming languages, database systems and computer-aided manufacturing specifically designed for industrial robots.

Consider it a unique chance to develop your skills and knowledge in areas where few people are prepared, but also practical experience working with robots, PLCs, sensors, and other state-of-the-art equipment in modern and well-equipped laboratories. This is a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire robotic process, from design and programming to monitoring and control.

For PLC programming, training costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the vendor and the depth of the training program. For industrial robot programming, the cost can vary widely, with some providers offering courses for a few thousand dollars, while others can charge tens of thousands of dollars for more comprehensive training programs. The cost may also depend on the specific technology used, as some technologies may be more complex and require more specialized training. With us you get these qualifications for free. The opportunity to work with robots, PLCs and other equipment in a structured setting while pursuing a Masters in Robotics is extremely valuable. This hands-on experience can provide a deeper understanding of technologies and how they work in practice, and can also help you develop those practical skills that are highly sought after by employers. In addition, access to robots, automation equipment, and smart technologies during the program can be prohibitive for many people who would like to learn these things, but the context no longer allows them to do so. By pursuing a Masters in Robotics, you can take advantage of these resources.

To learn robotics, you need a material base. Advanced robotics cannot be learned online, because this technology also involves complex hardware, as well as the ability to understand how software and hardware fit together. From this point of view, this program gives you a competitive edge in the job market, as industries around the world increasingly rely on robotics and automation to improve their processes and operations. With a Master degree in Robotics, you will have a wide range of career options, including working as a robotics engineer, systems analyst, or intelligent control systems specialist in a variety of industries.

Considering a Master in Robotics offers not only academic knowledge, but also personal and professional development opportunities. The program can provide opportunities to work on projects with other students and professionals, attend workshops, conferences and seminars and build your industry network. All these experiences can help you develop as a complete professional, expand your skill set and increase your competitiveness on the job market. In addition, as a graduate of this degree program, you will have a competitive advantage when it comes to driving innovation and finding new and creative solutions to industry problems. You will have the necessary knowledge and skills to take on challenging projects and push current boundaries. By being at the forefront of the industry, you will have a significant positive impact in shaping the future.

So, if you’re looking for a program that will challenge you to develop both professionally and personally, consider taking our Master program in Robotics. Overall, the Master in Robotics program gives you the skills, knowledge, and experience to drive innovation in industry.

Concept of the MSc Program in Robotics

At master level, courses, seminars and practical applications in Robotics are carried out in the afternoon, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., in order to offer students the possibility to hold jobs in companies. The master degree in Robotics is mainly focused on industrial robotics because companies request this knowledge most.

The study program must comply with the Romanian legislation, which requires a certain number of hours and a well-defined relationship between courses, projects and practical applications. Essentially, the disciplines have an accentuated practical character. Technologies currently met in industry are used. The exams are of vocational nature (based on practical problems). Students need to know how to apply knowledge in concrete problems, not to memorize theories.

The study program has 4 semesters, of which the last semester is dedicated entirely to the elaboration of the final project (the dissertation project). The program runs in English in Cluj-Napoca and in Romanian at the Bistrita extension.

In order to create competences appropriate to the requirements of the companies and considering that the design part of the robots is addressed in the BSc study program, the master study program emphasis is placed on the exploitation of robots in specific processes of production-driven companies.

In this sense, a package of disciplines refers to the programming of robots and their communication with other robots or other peripherals (e.g. computer, mobile phone) through client-server technologies (TCP / IP) or through the cloud using IoT technologies. Another package of disciplines refers to the design of systems in which robots are integrated and mechatronic interfaces of robots with other intelligent systems.

The third package of disciplines deals with the control of robotic processes and their extension towards industrial automation with the help of PLCs. The fourth package of disciplines is intended for the planning of robotic applications for various specific cases in the industry, their maintenance and appropriate use.

The most common robotic technologies used at this master’s study program are met in companies from Romania and Europe.

The master study program in Robotics is designed to be accessible to any graduate from the engineering field, not just to the graduates of bachelor’s degrees in robotics.

Key Course Units

Industrial Robot Programming Languages

Ability to master at least one programming language specific to industrial robots and collaborative robots [emphasis is placed on RAPID, ABB, RobotStudio environment; ABB robotic cells are used]

Computer Aided of Industrial Robotics

Ability to design robotic systems in various industries [emphasis is placed on Delmia or Process Simulate or Visual Components environments, depending on the context]

Computer Aided Manufacturing

Ability to program CNC machines, design parts in CAD environments and transfer the execution to CNC machines [emphasis is placed on Catia, Solid Works, and several types of CNC machines in 4 and 5 axes]

Relational Data Bases and Web Interfaces

A relational database is a collection of data items with pre-defined relationships between them. This data can be accessed in many different ways without reorganizing the database tables themselves.

Advanced Applications with PLCs

Ability to integrate robots into production processes and automated processes [emphasis on Siemens, Bosch, and SMC technologies]

Robotic Process Monitoring and Control

Ability to collect data from automated processes [it is complementary to PLC programming, here the emphasis is on National Instruments’ technologies]

Robotic Applications in Industrial Processes

Ability to develop robotic applications for assembly, welding, video inspection, handling, contouring, etc., and to deepen into learning more technologies of industrial robot programming [emphasis is placed on Fanuc, ABB, Kuka, Yaskawa / Motoman, UR technologies]

Robot Maintenance and Safety

Ability to develop a maintenance plan, to understand how mastering operations are performed for various robotic technologies, to understand the transmission mechanisms and how to regulate them, as well as the maintenance of the control units [emphasis is placed on the practical aspects through direct interventions on robotic systems, e.g. Fanuc]

Distributed Control of Robotic Systems

Ensuring communication between various equipment and units in production systems [modern technologies such as ROS – robot operating system, but also other communication technologies and IoT are promoted]

Medical Robotics with Applications

Capability to understand the requirements of systems’ development in the medical field [parallel kinematic chains], as well as HMI issues and specific command and control models

Vision Systems in Robotics

Developing and integrating vision systems for intelligent inspection and manipulation [skills in C / C ++, and Octave programming language are also acquired in the meantime]

Digital Transformation in Industry

Digital disruption is a force that is changing the industrial landscape, and organizations must rapidly transform to keep pace. Succeeding in this volatile environment requires not only a thorough understanding of what disruption is and how to deal with it, but also the knowledge of how to proactively disrupt others. In this course unit you’ll be provided with a comprehensive view of digital transformation and learn how to leverage it to become a disruptor in the industry.

Path Planning of Industrial Robots

Ability to optimize the workloads of industrial robots under the constraints of time, workspace, and robot configuration [emphasis is placed on the Matlab programming environment and testing is done on Fanuc robots]

Quality Assurance in Robotized Systems

Ability to control the quality of production by accumulating knowledge of quality management according to various standards in the field [emphasis is placed on SPC, specialized software tools, control plans, etc.]

Drone Design and Control for Logistics

The design and control of drones remain an area of active research, and here we review recent progress in this field. Design objectives and related physical scaling laws are discussed, focusing on energy consumption, agility and speed, and survivability and robustness. Control of such vehicles is broken into low-level stabilization, and higher-level planning such as motion planning, and we argue that a highly relevant problem is the integration of sensing with control and planning

Curricula Robotics MSc study program
Contact us for details:
Prof. Stelian Brad (program director) : stelian.brad [at] staff.utcluj.ro; Dragos Bartos: dragos.bartos [at] muri.utcluj.ro
Useful link: International Relations Office of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca – please click here

Learning Outcomes

From the point of view of practical skills, at the end of the master studies, our graduates are able:

  • To program industrial robots ABB, Fanuc, Motoman, Kuka, UR
  • To program social robots in Java, Python, C # (e.g. Nao, Pepper, Furhat)
  • To develop completely new robotic systems and robotic architectures with ROS (robot operating system)
  • To develop distributed systems in industry and IoT technologies
  • To use and integrate vision systems in robotics
  • To program in Matlab, Octave, Java, Python, C / C ++, C#
  • To develop client-server systems for robots
  • To program Siemens and SMC PLCs
  • To develop robotic applications in systems such as Delmia, Visual Components, or Process Simulate
  • To use communication protocols in the industry
  • To use the advanced RAPID programming language for ABB robots and the offline Robot Studio programming environment

 

 

  • To develop multi-tasking applications (master-slave systems in which robots collaborate) and client-server applications for industrial robots
  • To design robots, mechatronic units for robots and robots dedicated to medical applications
  • To program CNC machines
  • To use CAD systems, such as Solid Works and Catia
  • To use National Instruments’ technologies for process control
  • To use ERP platforms for production planning and PLM platforms
  • To use methods and tools for quality management in production
  • To develop robotic industrial applications in handling, welding, contouring, video inspection, assembly, gluing, etc.
  • To develop applications with collaborative robots
  • To develop maintenance programs for robots and to perform maintenance interventions
  • To calibrate industrial robots
  • To design and control drones for logistic purposes