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KUKA brings hands-on industrial automation to the classroom
KUKA is expanding its education portfolio and specifically strengthening technical training in automation at (vocational) schools and universities. With modular robot learning cells, AI-supported applications, and hands-on training, KUKA supports educational institutions in integrating industrial automation into the classroom in a way that is understandable, application-oriented, and future-focused. The goal is to prepare young people early on for the demands of modern production environments.
23 June 2026
Comprehensive Approach to Getting Started with Industrial Automation
The demands on technical education are changing noticeably: automation, mobile robotics, image processing, and software-based applications are becoming increasingly important in industry. This is exactly where KUKA’s expanded education offering comes in: schools and universities receive a comprehensive concept that simplifies the introduction to industrial automation and teaches current technologies in a practical way. It combines hardware, software, training, and didactically prepared learning content into a holistic educational concept for direct use in the classroom. To make cutting-edge automation accessible to a broader audience, KUKA is specifically lowering prices for educational institutions and educational integrators, offering an attractive 50 percent discount on the list prices of products as well as teacher training.
Modular learning cells for direct classroom use
The portfolio consists of modular robot training cells, such as the iiQKA Education Cell. The systems were developed specifically for the education sector. This allows educational institutions to design their training environments to meet their specific needs and integrate automation step by step into existing learning concepts.
The AMR KMP 250P Education Kit already complements the portfolio with practical applications in the field of mobile robotics. It teaches fundamental concepts such as navigation, transport tasks, and interaction with stationary robots, thereby providing a clear introduction to modern intralogistics processes.
The iiQKA Education Cell lite can be used to demonstrate typical robotics tasks.
Portfolio expanded to include additional cells
Starting in July 2026, this portfolio will be expanded to include additional products. The iiQKA Education Cell lite can be used to demonstrate typical robotics tasks, such as following paths or picking up and palletizing objects. With its compact design, an integrated gripper, and the KUKA smartPLUG handheld controller, the iiQKA Education Cell lite cobot offers versatile opportunities to learn the specific features of a cobot in the classroom. The applications are always based on real-world industrial processes and provide students with fundamental knowledge such as coordinate systems, axis movements, point-to-point programming, and the integration of an optional vision system.
Additional features for engaging lessons
Additional functions can be integrated as options—such as protective doors and safety concepts, gripper and camera systems, a wave table for programming three-dimensional contours, or load-distribution plates for use on sensitive floors. This allows the learning cells to be adapted to different spatial and pedagogical requirements.
With a cobot, students can get hands-on experience and learn through practical application.
Train-the-Trainer Concept Empowers Teachers
A central component of the offering is the training specifically designed for teachers. During a one-week training course, they learn how to operate the systems and how to use them independently in the classroom. “Our goal is to empower teachers so that they can integrate automation into their lessons in a practical way and without major entry barriers,” says Andrea Herold, Global Lead Education at KUKA. “To this end, we offer not only the right technology but also training concepts and learning materials that enable rapid and sustainable implementation in everyday education.” In addition to the technical introduction, teachers receive didactically prepared learning materials for the classroom. The content is tailored to different learning levels, and a concrete curriculum is also available.
Simulation, mobile robotics, and AI applications
The offering is complemented by the iiQWorks.Sim simulation software. This allows training cells to be virtually planned, tested, and optimized before practical use. The software creates a digital twin of the robot system, offering students and teachers additional opportunities for preparing and analyzing applications. For example, the software offers the ability to automatically generate collision-free robot paths and perform energy consumption or feasibility analyses. This creates a learning environment that is closely aligned with current industrial requirements and imparts the essential fundamentals of modern automation processes.
With iiQWorks.Sim, training cells can be planned virtually.
The combination of robotics and AI enables training that is closely aligned with real-world industrial practice. This gives students early insights into technologies that are already relevant in modern production environments today.
Discover KUKA’s complete education portfolio!
KUKA Education offers hands-on training solutions for high school and college students using industry-standard hardware and software - at discounted rates for educational institutions.
