Abstract:

In the context of current technical and engineering education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) principles are increasingly being applied. Studies show that the systematic introduction of STEM activities has a demonstrable impact on the development of the competencies of both students and educators. The dynamic development of additive technologies and robotics creates space for new forms of teaching in which students become familiar not only with the theoretical principles of 3D printing, but also with the practical application of robotic systems in industrial practice. The integration of collaborative robots into the additive manufacturing process makes it possible to present modern manufacturing processes in a way that is safe, technically accurate, and didactically effective. Collaborative robots, unlike traditional industrial robots, bring a number of advantages, including high flexibility, easy programming, increased safety when working near humans, and the possibility of direct interaction without the need to build extensive safety barriers. The aim of the article is to present the possibilities of using collaborative robots in the field of additive technologies and to propose a functional solution that would be able to autonomously perform tasks associated with the production and manipulation of a print. The designed educational workplace used a UR5 robot equipped with a modified E3D Hemera extrusion print head capable of 3D printing, while the second Dobot M1 robot handles the printout and transfers it to the measuring device. Through the RoboDK simulation environment, movement trajectories, robot reach, collision situations, and compliance with safety limits were verified, which made it possible to create a realistic teaching model of an industrial workplace. This approach supports the development of technical thinking, robotics skills, and an understanding of modern manufacturing processes. The result is a comprehensive methodology that connects additive manufacturing with robotic systems and provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with technologies that shape the future of both industry and technical education.

Keywords:

Technology, collaborative robotics, additive technology, technical education, skills and thinking, modern manufacturing processes.