2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Providing engineering students with hands-on experience using industrial-grade robot hardware is vital for developing practical competencies for students seeking a career in robotics. However, many instructional robotics teaching labs face barriers due to software dependencies, Linux-based configurations, and the steep learning curve associated with robotic software platforms such as Robot Operating System. To address this challenge, we use MATLAB, a platform widely taught in engineering undergraduate programs, to develop a control pipeline for robotic teaching laboratories. The framework targets Universal Robots’ open-source e-series hardware and runs entirely in a Windows environment. The proposed workflow leverages the Robotics System Toolbox in MATLAB to enable live communication via the Real Time Data Exchange protocol over TCP/IP. Explanation of the operation workflow is presented, and preliminary validation demonstrates that the workflow is stable, reproducible, and requires no additional hardware beyond a standard Ethernet connection. This MATLAB-based infrastructure not only enhances accessibility and safety but also establishes a scalable foundation for laboratory modules in topics such as forward kinematics to efficiently onboard students in robot fundamentals. By lowering technical barriers and leveraging widely adopted educational software with a Windows-compatible, MATLAB-centered workflow, this framework enhances robotics education across a broad range of undergraduate engineering programs and promotes deeper student engagement in robotics and automation.