Bedfordshire-based RARUK Automation Ltd, which specialises in collaborative robots, industrial robots, automation and feeding systems, has opened the UK’s first Universal Robots Authorised Training Centre at its new base in Shefford.

One of the company’s main reasons for moving to new premises was to extend its applications engineering facilities in order to help customers develop bespoke solutions based on off-the-shelf automation elements.

To lower the barrier to automation, Universal Robots’ products have been developed to be easy to install and set up. As users become more knowledgeable and confident, they would benefit from on-line training modules created by the Universal Robots Academy (www.rarukautomation.com/training).

Establishing a network of Authorised Training Centres, which now includes RARUK Automation, allows these modules to be delivered in a classroom environment.

They cover core to advanced cobot programming, preventative maintenance, system troubleshooting and parts replacement.

Mark Gray, Universal Robots UK sales manager, said: “Universal Robots has helped companies address the automation skills gap by providing on-line training modules through its Academy for a couple of years now.

"Through our partnership with application specialists, such as RARUK Automation in the UK, we can now expand that training to hands-on classes, so manufacturers can extend their use of collaborative robots and drive even more value from their automation investments and employees.”