Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Robotic device or system
Robots are mechanical, programmable self-controlling machines used widely in engineering and related applications where location, work environment, costs, accuracy, quality, repeatability and reliability dictate their use in preference to human or other machines. The robot may be networked so as to serve an automated environment
Industrial robotic applications
Industrial robotic applications vary widely. Examples include:
palletising and depalletising robots
welding and cutting robots
packaging robots
transfer robots
interactive remote surgery robots
interactive nuclear fuel cell robots
Mobile robotic applications
Mobile robotic applications may include:
military robots, including land mine detection and improvised explosive demolition
police bomb detection robots
automated guidance vehicles
Review features and functions of robotic applications
Features and functions may be assessed by analysis of specifications and drawings, ‘reverse engineering’ of robotic applications and performance analysis using simulation and dynamic performance software. The review may include motion control but does not require validation of dynamic stability which is included in other units and dependant on solution of differential equations
Sensor and actuator interfacing techniques
Sensor and actuator interfacing techniques include the use of:
signal conditioning techniques and ADC, power interfacing and DAC and PWM
Controller programming techniques for motion control and load handling
Controller programming techniques may include the use of various motion pathway methods, including:
‘teach’ mode or coordinate and path programming
use of variable velocity algorithms
provision for input variables, such as contact, proximity, measured distance or load and vision, pressure and temperature, and open and closed loop actuator control
Sustainability
Sustainability is used to mean the entire sustainable performance of the organisation/plant, including:
meeting all regulatory requirements
conforming to all industry covenants, protocols and best practice guides
minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product
maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community
minimising the negative WHS impact on employees, community and customer
Analysis
Analysis may include:
static and dynamic analysis of loads
the stresses and deformations resulting
graphical and mathematical methods and software options
WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures may include:
WHS Acts and regulations
relevant standards
codes of practice from Australian and overseas engineering and technical associations and societies
risk assessments
registration requirements
safe work practices
state and territory regulatory requirements
Standards and codes
Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular robotic application
Automation safety
Automation safety refers to the reliance on emergency stop, failsafe design, redundancy, interlocks, guarding and data integrity. Standards apply to general plant design and use as well as the functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems
Appropriate technical and professional assistance
Appropriate technical and professional assistance may include:
licensed electrical tradespersons
technical support and advice relating to elements which have intrinsic dangers, such as:
high pressure
energised fluid vessels
high temperatures and heat energy capacity
wiring with high current control voltages above extra low voltage
professional support for technologies, such as:
specialist electric motor drives and controllers
specialist materials, plastics, metal alloys and nano materials
special processes, foundry, alloy welding, heat treatment, sealing and fastening

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to evaluate industrial robotic applications and integration into automation systems. This includes working individually and as part of a team in accordance with organisational procedures.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
identify WHS, regulatory and risk management requirements, and compliance with particular emphasis on automation safety
investigate sustainability implications of robotic applications
identify, review and classify features and functions of robotic applications and robotic devices, robotic principles and techniques, analysis techniques and software
evaluate robotic hardware
evaluate robotic motion, load capability, accuracy, precision and repeatability
evaluate system integration, networking, data sharing, control and human machine interfaces, software and programming
apply mock-up, prototyping and virtual techniques for robot and subsystem testing
report and document results.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.