The "Robotics and Automation of the Semiconductor Industry" Laboratory was established as a result of long-term collaboration between the Robotics Section of the Department of Electric Drive Automation at the Faculty of Automation, Technical University – Sofia, and Nidec Genmark Automation Inc., thanks to the efforts of specialists and students who have had the opportunity to work in this field over the years. The ambition of Nidec Genmark Automation Inc. and Technical University – Sofia is to periodically modernize the laboratory's equipment through new developments, installation of new products and systems, reflecting the latest trends in the field.
The long-term goal is oriented towards improving the quality of education, as well as inspiring and motivating students to come into contact with the products of a high-tech company such as Nidec Genmark Automation Inc. They will be given the opportunity for joint work with the company – one of the leaders in the field of semiconductor industry automation.
The specialized laboratory is equipped with high-class industrial robots for handling silicon wafers (in English: “wafers”). It is equipped with various robotic systems produced and provided by the American company Nidec Genmark Automation, Inc. The laboratory bridges the academic environment and the high-tech industry, contributing to the training of specialists in strategic areas such as robotics and industrial automation. One of the main motivations for its creation is the aim to encourage students' research activities, as well as to provide the opportunity for in-depth study and use of modern robotic systems operating in many specialized production environments (in English: “semiconductor fabs”) worldwide.
Currently, it houses seven industrial robots with diverse characteristics (structure, mobility, reachability, type of working environment, etc.), three devices for centering and aligning silicon wafers (in English: “prealigners”), one input-output device for 200 or 300-millimeter wafers (in English: “load port”), as well as additional equipment – controllers, cassettes, silicon wafers of various sizes, measuring instruments, and tools. For the purpose of effective implementation of research activities, as well as for the full conduct of exercises, experiments, and discussions in the laboratory, 12 workstations, numerous desktop and portable computer systems, and a multimedia projector have been provided.
Experiments will be conducted in the laboratory, and new knowledge will be acquired in the following fundamental areas:
- Structure of manipulator systems
- Kinematic and dynamic analysis
- Drive of industrial robots
- Servo systems
- Motion planning in various spaces
- Motion control
- Programming of specialized languages
- Diagnostics, etc.
The listed areas cover a complete cycle of knowledge considered critical for providing high-quality education to robotics students.
The opening was attended by the former President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, representatives of the company, members of the Rectorate leadership, deans, faculty members, and students.
