🧭 Learning Roadmap: Robotics & Industrial Automation
A modular, project-based learning plan covering the full Industry 4.0 skill set — from PLC programming to system integration — aligned with IEC, ISA, and global automation standards.
This roadmap reflects my commitment to mastering industrial automation and robotics through hands-on, portfolio-ready projects.
It is both a personal skill development path and a transparent view of the capabilities I bring to employers — bridging theory with real-world implementation.
🔌 Module 1 — PLC Programming & Control Logic
Core Skills:
- Ladder Logic, Structured Text, FBD (IEC 61131-3)
- Timers, counters, analog scaling, PID loops
- Modular design using UDTs, AOIs, and state machines
- Interlocks, fail-safe logic, and simulation testing
Outcome: Design and test industrial-grade PLC programs that are reusable, scalable, and production-ready.
Tools: Rockwell Studio 5000 + Emulate, Siemens TIA Portal, CODESYS
🖥️ Module 2 — HMI & SCADA Development
Core Skills:
- Operator interface design with live indicators, alarms, and trends
- PLC-HMI tag mapping and real-time data handling
- Alarm acknowledgment and reset logic
- SCADA architecture fundamentals
Outcome: Deploy user-friendly, data-driven HMIs fully integrated with PLC systems.
Tools: FactoryTalk View ME, Siemens WinCC, Ignition SCADA
🌐 Module 3 — Industrial Networking & Communication
Core Skills:
- Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA, MQTT
- PLC-HMI-Robot data exchange
- Network diagnostics and simulation
- Intro to MES integration and ISA-95
Outcome: Configure, troubleshoot, and secure industrial networks for reliable automation.
Tools: Wireshark, RSLinx, UaExpert, TIA Diagnostics
🦺 Module 4 — Functional Safety & Diagnostics
Core Skills:
- E-stop, interlocks, and safety device logic
- ISO 13849, IEC 61508/61511 standards
- SIL/PL verification and safety validation
- Safety PLC programming and fault diagnostics
Outcome: Develop and validate compliant safety systems that meet industrial standards.
Tools: Rockwell GuardLogix, Siemens Safety PLC
🤖 Module 5 — Robotics Programming & Integration
Core Skills:
- Jogging, teaching, and motion programming
- Tool center point (TCP) setup and frame management
- PLC-robot handshaking and sequence control
- Pick-and-place, palletizing, and cycle optimization
Outcome: Program and integrate robots into automated workflows with precise coordination.
Tools: FANUC RoboGuide, KUKA.Sim, ABB RobotStudio
📸 Module 6 — Vision Systems & Adaptive Control
Core Skills:
- Object detection, camera calibration, lighting setup
- 2D/3D vision for robot or PLC guidance
- Adaptive logic based on visual feedback
- AI-assisted inspection systems
Outcome: Implement vision-guided automation for inspection, sorting, and adaptive control.
Tools: Cognex In-Sight Explorer, FANUC iRVision, Keyence VisionTech
🧪 Module 7 — Digital Twin & Simulation
Core Skills:
- Virtual commissioning of PLC-HMI-Robot systems
- Process and alarm simulation
- KPI alignment, downtime analysis, and optimization
- Predictive control in simulated environments
Outcome: Validate and refine automation systems before physical deployment.
Tools: Factory I/O, PLCSIM, KUKA.Sim
📁 Module 8 — Project Integration & Documentation
Core Skills:
- End-to-end automation project delivery
- Organized I/O maps, tag databases, and subroutines
- Functional Design Specifications and commissioning documentation
- Public project publishing and version control
Outcome: Deliver fully documented, production-ready automation projects.
Tools: Studio 5000, TIA Portal, GitHub, draw.io
📌 Closing Note
This roadmap is modular and ongoing, with each module producing a portfolio-ready project.
It demonstrates my ability to plan, build, test, and document automation systems to industry standards — a skillset ready to be applied in real-world projects.