Course overview
Turn ideas into smart manufacturing. Smart Robotic Production is a 20 ECTS professional course designed for engineers, makers, and innovators who want to work smarter with robotics. You’ll design, build, and optimize robotic systems that make production more efficient, flexible, and intelligent. At the AUAS Robot Lab, you’ll work directly with industrial robots, automation tools, and computational design techniques.
Professional context
Automation is reshaping every part of production. From precision engineering to large-scale manufacturing, companies need professionals who can connect design thinking, robotics, and digital intelligence. SRP helps you future-proof your career or your organization by developing practical skills in robotics integration and smart production. You’ll learn to: [1] Apply industrial robotics in real manufacturing contexts, [2] Create scalable, data-driven automation solutions, [3] Bridge the gap between digital design and physical production. For companies, SRP offers a unique opportunity to bring your own innovation challenge and develop it hands-on with expert guidance in our Robot Lab.
- Key topics
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Industrial Robotics in Manufacturing: How automation transforms production systems and workflows.
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Hardware & Software Foundations: Work with manipulators, sensors, actuators, and robot programming.
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Smart Manufacturing Concepts: Explore Industry 4.0 & 5.0, IoT integration, and cyber-physical systems.
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Computational Design for Robotics: Use parametric design and algorithms for adaptable robotic setups.
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System Integration & Safety: Integrate robots into production lines with a focus on human-robot collaboration.
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Advanced Robotics Technologies: Experiment with cobots, computer vision, and machine learning.
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Professionals
Advance your robotics and automation skills. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, maker, or technician. Gain the expertise to thrive in smarter, data-driven production environments.
Companies
Enroll employees or collaborate with us on a company-specific robotics challenge. Our experts collaborate with you and your team in turning your production challenges
Teachers
Teachers can join SRP to update their expertise and learn how to bring robotics and automation into their educational practice.
Admission
To enroll, you must have at least one of the following: MBO Level 4 diploma, HAVO or VWO diploma. Or, if you’re 21+ without one of these diplomas, you can apply via the 21+ admission test. However, this course is aimed at professionals with a background in engineering or related fields, so having prior knowledge of basic engineering principles or related experience would be beneficial. The course is conducted in English. A background in engineering, design, or production helps, but curiosity and motivation are what matter most.
Coursedates, Study load and Language
Coursedate edition 2: February – June 2026 Every Monday, 12:00–19:00 Coursedate edition 3: September – January 2027 Every Monday, 12:00–19:00. Smart Robotic Production is a 20 ECTS (≈ 560 hours over 5 months) course. This includes time for: Interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, weekly assignments and challenges. The course is offered in English and/or Dutch depending on the participant group.
Note for Non-EU Citizens
Admission to this course does NOT meet the Immigration and Naturalisation Service requirements for a residence permit for study purposes. The AUAS is, therefore, not in a position to help you get a visum or a residence permit.
Learning Methodology
Forget passive learning, you’ll work in a real robotic production environment, guided by experienced lecturers and industry partners.

- Interactive Lectures: Learn theory through real-world application.
- Hands-on labs: Design, build, and test robotic prototypes.
- Collaborative and Multidisciplinary projects: Work with peers and companies on live challenges.
- Digital tools: Gain proficiency in design, simulation, and robot programming platforms.
- Robot Lab practice: Apply your learning directly to your own context.
What will you learn?
By the end of this SRP course:

- You will be able to understand robotics principles and apply them effectively in manufacturing environments.
- You will gain the skills to design and implement robotic solutions tailored to specific production needs, using computational design techniques for optimization and customization.
- You will learn how to integrate smart manufacturing concepts to boost productivity and flexibility in production processes.
- You will be equipped to evaluate and optimize robotic production systems for improved performance, quality, and safety, utilizing computational tools for simulation and analysis.
- You will master industry best practices for maintaining, troubleshooting, and continuously improving robotic systems.
Location not yet known
Location will be announced soon
Do you have a question?
Our team is here to help.
- For questions about the course contents, please contact Marco Galli, Program Coordinator and Lecturer.
- m.r.galli@hva.nl(opens in new window)
- For questions about the process or any matters not related to content, please contact Nedzjla Tran from the Education Administration Office
- llo-ft@hva.nl(opens in new window)

