The Growing Role of Intelligent Robots in Education
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, computer technology, and related fields, intelligent robots are becoming increasingly popular in education. Many universities and colleges have introduced robotics courses, and the demand for high-quality PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) in this industry is growing steadily.
Our company specializes in PCB and PCBA manufacturing, and we recently partnered with a U.S. customer to jointly develop a high school teaching robot project. After successful sample testing, we began production of 500 sets for trial orders.
Project Challenges and Manufacturing Process
One of the main difficulties in producing this educational robot was the large number of components—over 60 resistors, most of them coil resistors requiring direct insertion. Workers carefully inserted the resistors onto the PCB before wave soldering, ensuring stable performance as shown in the reference samples.
The entire project, from receiving the customer’s plan to final delivery, took about three months. Initially, the BOM (Bill of Materials) was confirmed within the first week. The power connector package was originally 2.25.5mm and passed sample testing. However, after two weeks, the customer revised the design, adding 32 more plug resistances and changing the connector size to 2.05.5 mm.
After re-proofing, the design passed testing successfully. The customer then placed an order for 500 sets of sample boards, which we manufactured and delivered in the following month. The timeline was as follows:
- Substrate production: 12 days
- Component procurement: in parallel
- SMT (Surface Mount Technology) patch production: 3 days
- DIP plug-in assembly: 5 days (extra time due to small resistors)
- Wave soldering: 1 day
- Inspection and testing: 2 days
Finally, the goods were shipped to the United States via DHL.
Improving Efficiency for Future Production
During the final project discussions, both parties agreed to design a fixture to optimize resistor placement on the board. This improvement will save assembly time, reduce costs, and streamline DIP processing. The customer accepted our recommendation, and we will implement it in the next mass production order.
Application of PCBAs in Educational Robots
The PCBA boards we produced are used in educational robots that are sold to high schools and universities for teaching purposes. Educational robots typically come in two categories:
- Learning Robots: These provide various programming platforms, can be disassembled and reassembled, and allow students to design and customize their own components.
- Competition Robots: These come with standard devices and programs, allowing only minor modifications. They are mainly used by beginners and students participating in competitions.
Educational robots play an important role in teaching, providing hands-on learning experiences for students in programming, electronics, and robotics.
Market Outlook and Customer Cooperation
While many educational robots already exist, robot enthusiasts often prefer to design their own PCBs, select parts, and write programs independently. Our customer is actively developing new educational and home robots, and plans to visit our factory in Dalian at the end of June. During this visit, they will bring their latest robot models for further collaboration.
We have already invested in higher-end SMT equipment, automated glue dispensing machines, and other advanced tools to meet future customer requirements. Our goal is to build a streamlined robot production line to serve large-scale projects.
Partner With Us for Your PCB and PCBA Needs
The demand for PCB boards in educational robots is expanding rapidly, and our factory is fully prepared to meet the growing needs of customers worldwide. With advanced equipment, skilled engineers, and proven project experience, we can support your educational, competition, and home robotics projects.
Contact us today to discuss your PCB/PCBA requirements and send us your inquiry. Our engineers are ready to answer all your questions and provide professional solutions.
