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Bring Industrial Robotics to Your Classroom with the VEX CTE Workcell Automation Course

By Aimee DeFoe Aug 21, 2024

The CTE Workcell Automation Course gives students the opportunity to explore the fundamental concepts of robotics in manufacturing from their own classrooms. This course builds on the Introduction to the 6-Axis Arm course, as students add the EXP Brain to function as a Programmable Logic Controller. They gradually add components and functionality to their Workcell throughout the course as they gain valuable experience they can take with them into their future careers.

Additionally, teachers are provided with extensive support materials that complement the Workcell Automation Course and make it seamless and easy to implement.

Real World Concepts in the Workcell Automation Course

  • The EXP Brain as a Programmable Logic Controller In Unit 1 of the course, students add the EXP Brain to their Workcell, and begin learning to code it to function as a PLC. They lay the foundation for future course experiences by coding the Brain to move the 6-Axis Arm to pick up and drop off Disks to a specific location.
  • Industrial Safety Unit 2 of the course is all about safety. Students are exposed to essential safety devices and procedures, such as controlled stops and signal towers.

VEX CTE Workcell STEM Lab Unit - Course 2 - Workcell Automation

  • Sensors are introduced first in Unit 3, where students add the Optical Sensor to their build, and code it to palletize Disks by color. In later Units, they will also add an Object Sensor and a Distance Sensor to the Workcell, and gain first-hand experience in using sensors to automate product sorting and material handling.
  • Conveyors and their operation are introduced in Unit 4. Students learn to synchronize the operations of multiple conveyors using time-based movements, as would be required in a real world setting.
  • Pneumatic Systems are another key element in industrial robotics. Students first take a deep dive into how the pneumatic system on the CTE Workcell functions by building a pneumatics testbed in Unit 5. Once they have completed this experience, they continue to code and use pneumatics throughout the rest of the course.
  • Units 6-8 of the course stress Automation and Systems Integration. Students now begin to engage in collaboratively solving a series of real world, open-ended challenges where they act as Automation Technicians in the Pack ‘N Ship Company. They are tasked with automating the sorting of products to their correct Loading Dock locations using Shipping Manifests. The challenges in each of these units require students to apply all of their knowledge from this course (as well as the Introduction to the 6-Axis Arm Course). They must successfully coordinate the interactions between the various systems of the Workcell to optimize the sorting of products. The challenges get more complex as they advance through the units, so that by the end of Unit 8, they must use sensors to sort randomly ordered products to three Loading Docks by color.

VEX CTE Workcell STEM Lab Unit - Course 2 - Workcell Automation - Unit 8 Shipping Manifest SAMPLE Document

Capstone and Extension Challenges

The course ends in a complex Capstone Challenge where students pull together everything they have learned to automate the sorting of three types of products to three different loading docks as quickly and accurately as possible. The Capstone, as well as the previous open-ended challenges, require students to use not only the knowledge of industrial manufacturing they have gained throughout the course, but also the soft skills that employers value. To have success in these open-ended challenges, they must be able to successfully communicate and collaborate with their teams, persist through difficulty, follow a problem solving process, and think flexibly.

Teachers can also choose to extend the course with an additional open-ended challenge. In the Extension Unit, students learn about collaborative systems by connecting two Workcells. Students partner up with another group to create a highly collaborative project to sort products from the pallet and Disk Feeder on the first system to Loading Docks on both systems, requiring both intense planning and precise communication.

Teacher Supports for the Workcell Automation Course

A variety of supporting materials are available to help you implement the Workcell Automation Course, no matter your level of experience in teaching CTE.

  • The Workcell Automation Intro Course in PD+ is the ideal place for teachers to start when preparing to implement the Workcell Automation Course. The four course chapters introduce teachers to the main components of the Workcell, including the EXP Brain, Conveyors, Sensors and Pneumatics. The rationale behind teaching with open-ended challenges is also provided. The course is self-paced, so as to fit into any busy teacher’s schedule. Units can be completed just ahead of where students are in the Workcell Automation course if needed, so you can stay one step ahead of your students.
  • Teacher Facilitation Guides are provided for each Unit of the Course. These function like a teacher’s manual, and provide direction for course implementation. They can be found in the Teacher Portal located at the top of the CTE STEM Labs page. Essential questions, Unit Understandings, implementation procedures and advice for classroom preparation are all provided. Additionally, the facilitation guides include vital information about implementing student-centered assessment throughout the course.
  • The CTE section of the VEX Library is another essential support for the Workcell Automation Course. Whether you are looking for technical information, such as how to use a particular sensor, or classroom support, such as how to co-create learning targets, there are a wealth of articles available.
  • The PD+ Community is another rich resource for CTE Workcell teachers. Any questions that may arise as you teach the course can be asked here, and a community of VEX Experts and CTE teachers will be there to provide guidance and answers.

Finally, If you are a PD+ All Access member, signing up for a 1-on-1 Session is a fantastic way to ask questions about implementing the Workcell Automation Course. 1-on-1 Sessions offer customized professional development that you can access to get targeted help with any aspect of teaching with the VEX CTE Workcell. Sign up for a 1-on-1 Session here.

Two industrial shipping workers on a shipping boat with steel pallets behind them are looking at a tablet together. The man on the left is pointing at the screen and the woman on the right is looking at the screen. Both are wearing yellow high visibility jackets and yellow hard hats.

The VEX CTE Workcell Automation Course blends hands-on learning with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for the modern workforce. Students gain technical proficiency while developing invaluable skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance through practical challenges. By engaging in this comprehensive course, students are equipped with the tools and knowledge to excel in future careers in industrial robotics and beyond.