KLE Technological University Launches Automation and Robotics Program Using MATLAB and Simulink

“Our teaching and learning process has become more streamlined since adopting MATLAB and Simulink for the undergraduate program in Robotics and Automation. The software’s ability to integrate all aspects of our course—including design, modeling, validation, simulation, and verification—has resulted in an industry-relevant and simplified workflow.”

Key Outcomes

  • Completing MATLAB Onramp and Simulink Onramp enabled students to follow industry-standard workflows
  • Using Model-Based Design, students gained essential skills in systems engineering
  • Mechanical engineering graduates with familiarity in MATLAB and Simulink experienced improved employability prospects
A four-legged robot used to teach automation and robotics at KLE Technological University.

Hardware used to give mechanical engineering students a hands-on learning approach to automation and robotics at KLE Technological University.

Industry 4.0 has revolutionized the manufacturing industry with smart systems, robotics, and Internet of Things. As such, curricula in various engineering departments—including mechanical engineering, instrumentation and control, and industrial manufacturing—need to be updated to train students for careers in core industries such as design, manufacturing, and R&D.

At KLE Technological University (KLE Tech), Professor Arunkumar Giriyapur has launched a program in automation and robotics, which provides an integrated, hands-on learning experience. Many of the courses offered in the Automation and Robotics program use MATLAB®, Simulink®, Stateflow®, Robotics Systems Toolbox™, Deep Learning Toolbox™, and System Composer™. Students are encouraged to use a systems thinking approach, which involves conceptualizing an engineering system, synthesizing requirements, using modeling and simulation tools, building and testing prototypes, and designing projects using Model-Based Design. They also complete self-paced online courses, such as MATLAB Onramp and Simulink Onramp, while carrying out practical projects in which they design and implement real robotics systems following industry-standard workflows. Finally, students are provided with an end-to-end framework to execute projects using Model-Based Design—going through the design, simulation, validation, and implementation phases.

The Automation and Robotics program has provided KLE Tech students with plenty of opportunities to explore, learn, and apply their knowledge. For example, in addition to drawing attention from potential employers, several students have also launched their own startups. Furthermore, many companies and institutions have shown interest in collaborating with KLE Tech and its students to identify talent and replicate the program at their respective institutions. This course is the first of its kind in India and fully adopts MATLAB and Simulink workflows using the Model-Based Design and systems engineering approach.