Kawasaki Robotics unveils affordable Astorino Platform to boost robotics dducation in North America

Kawasaki Robotics has introduced Astorino, a new educational robotics platform designed to make industrial robotics education more accessible and affordable for educators and students across North America. 

The Astorino platform, which will debut at the 2024 IMTS Smartforce Student Summit in Chicago, aims to equip students with essential skills for modern manufacturing environments.

Astorino is designed to mirror the capabilities of modern industrial robots while being significantly more affordable than other educational platforms on the market. The robot, which features a 1kg payload and a 6-axis structure, is lightweight and easily integrated into any classroom setting. 

Paul Marcovecchio, Director of General Industries at Kawasaki Robotics, emphasised the importance of making advanced robotics education accessible:

 “With this new cost-effective and dynamic robotic platform, we eliminate many barriers to entry that have kept educators from providing advanced robotics design tools to their students. Our accessible price point and ease of use will enable more educators to offer the valuable hands-on experiences so critical to success in today’s manufacturing environments.”

The Astorino platform is priced at $5,000, making it slightly easier for educational institutions to offer a low student-to-equipment ratio, ensuring that each student gains ample hands-on experience. 

Kawasaki Robotics has also developed extensive training resources to support educators in integrating Astorino into their teaching. The company's training department, known for its expertise in industrial robotic systems, offers courses ranging from basic programming and operations to advanced repair and maintenance. Additionally, a Train-the-Trainer course specifically for Astorino is in development, ensuring educators are well-prepared to teach the next generation of technicians, operators, and engineers.

Marcovecchio added:

“Not only do we provide state-of-the-art robots, tools, and training to our customers, but Astorino is further proof of our commitment to helping prepare the next generation of technicians, operators, and engineers. With Astorino and our extensive training resources, like-minded educators can take their teaching to a higher, more interactive level as they prepare the next generation of workers.”