We invest so you can deliver
East Kent Colleges (EKC) Group continues to invest in industry-standard facilities and services that benefit our community – including providing equipment and space that businesses in the area can use with experts on hand to help and explain.
We’ve set out below some of the key kit that you can access. If you want to use our equipment or spaces, speak to us today and we’ll see what we can do to support today, and into the future.
Manufacturing, Factory 4.0, Mechatronics and Robotics
Industrial Robots
Kuka Robotics has installed a KUKA ready2_educate mobile training cell at EKC Ashford College and EKC Canterbury College, perfectly suited for entry into the world of industrial robotics and a great tool for company training.
This mobile training cell can provide your existing and new employees with hands on experience of a range of tasks from simple stacking to complex continuous path motion and logic programming.
EKC Group has also invested in the Kuka KR22 R1610, a 6-axis robot arm offering a 22kg payload and 1612mm of reach. Common applications include: additive manufacturing, dispensing and remote TCP.
The future of automation lies with collaborative robots and you can experience working with (or alongside) your new robot colleague using our Kuka LBR iwaa robots.
These robots are among the world’s first light weight cobots, specialising in delicate assembly work. They’re also incredibly safe to use, allowing for closer human-robot collaboration in the workspace.
CAD design software
The CAD set up supporting our robot kit at EKC Ashford College and EKC Canterbury College, includes:
ABB RobotStudio Suite
RobotStudio Suite from ABB is the world’s most used offline robot programming and simulation tool for robotic applications. It allows users to build, test and refine their robot installation in a virtual environment.
Kuka.Sim
Kuka.Sim is the smart simulation software from Kuka, one of the world’s biggest suppliers of global robotic companies and an important partner to EKC Group. The software allows users to optimise the operation of their systems and robots outside the production environment.
Autodesk
Autodesk is a global leader in software for architects, builders, engineers, designers, manufacturers and production teams. It allows users to visualise, simulate and analyse designs and layouts.
Mechatronic Training Station
Our Mechatronic Lab is located at EKC Canterbury College. It is part of a brand new learning zone designed to future proof learners and train businesses how to use emerging technologies.
Industrial Printers, Lathes and Mills
We have industrial printers (MarkForged X7, Ultimaker S5) located at our Dover, Ashford and Canterbury college sites, along with a range of other 3D printing facilities.
We also have Siemens CNC lathes and mills available to use across EKC Group.
Health and social care – technology
Our assistive technology suites are designed for care providers to test the latest care technologies and to consider how these can enhance the lives of care users. We also provide bespoke CPD for your team.
Our suites include circadian rhythm lighting, eye gaze and voice control technology, door status monitoring, fall detection sensors, hydration nudge technology, motorised blinds and windows, smart home scenes, smart power and water damage prevention sensors, the PARO seal and care dashboards.
