Connect industrial collaborative robotics with computer science, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, and advanced engineering through the FANUC CRX University ROS 2 & Python Bundle. This university-focused solution expands the FANUC CRX platform beyond conventional robot operation and teach-pendant programming, giving students and researchers new ways to develop, simulate, and test intelligent robotic applications.
Students can begin with FANUC’s intuitive CRX programming environment and progress to ROS 2, Python, motion planning, machine vision, sensor integration, data analysis, and physical AI. This creates a flexible platform for instruction, capstone projects, applied research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Give students experience with FANUC collaborative robots, controllers, programming methods, safety concepts, I/O, vision, and automation workflows used in modern manufacturing.
Connect supported FANUC CRX robots to the ROS 2 ecosystem for external control, motion planning, simulation, visualization, sensor integration, and advanced robotics development.
Use Python to develop robotics, AI, data-processing, communication, and automation applications through ROS 2 or directly on supported FANUC R-50iA controllers.
FANUC supports different Python development methods depending on the controller, software configuration, and project requirements.
In a ROS 2 configuration, Python applications generally run on an external Ubuntu computer connected to the FANUC robot controller. Students can develop ROS 2 nodes that exchange information with the robot, command supported motion, control I/O, and connect other ROS-compatible hardware and software.
Supported FANUC R-50iA controllers can execute Python programs directly on the controller without requiring a separate computer for program execution. FANUC provides dedicated Python libraries for accessing robot data, I/O signals, and register values.
Students can learn both the industrial robotics skills used in manufacturing and the open software-development methods driving the next generation of intelligent automation.
Use MoveIt 2 to plan robot trajectories, evaluate motion, and develop applications involving obstacle avoidance and complex manipulation.
Visualize supported FANUC robot models in RViz and develop virtual applications using ROS 2 simulation tools before working with physical equipment.
Connect robotics projects with vision systems, sensors, end-of-arm tooling, mobile platforms, machine-learning applications, and other ROS-compatible technologies.
A FANUC CRX ROS 2 and Python configuration can provide a shared platform for projects across several departments and academic pathways.
Modern robotics careers increasingly require more than traditional robot programming. Employers need technicians, engineers, and developers who can connect industrial robots with software, sensors, vision systems, artificial intelligence, and other automation technologies.
The FANUC CRX ROS 2 and Python capabilities give university students an opportunity to work with widely used programming tools while learning on an industrial collaborative robot. Students can develop both practical robotics skills and the software knowledge needed for emerging automation careers.
Students gain experience connecting industrial robotics with modern software development—preparing them to help design, integrate, and support the next generation of automated systems.
| ROS 2 | FANUC’s official ROS 2 driver connects supported robots to the ROS 2 ecosystem. |
|---|---|
| Supported ROS Environments | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with ROS 2 Humble or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with ROS 2 Jazzy. |
| Motion Planning | MoveIt 2 integration for planning and executing trajectories. |
| Visualization | Robot visualization and application development using RViz. |
| Simulation | Support for virtual prototyping using RViz, Gazebo, mock hardware, and available FANUC simulation tools. |
| External Python | Python-based ROS 2 applications developed and executed on a compatible external computer. |
| Controller-Based Python | Direct Python execution is available on supported FANUC R-50iA controllers. |
| Development Tools | ROS 2 development tools, GitHub resources, FANUC libraries, and Visual Studio Code support for applicable Python configurations. |
The required hardware and software depend on whether the program will use simulation, a physical CRX robot, external ROS 2 control, controller-based Python, or a combination of these capabilities.
Exact bundle contents, robot models, controllers, software options, computer hardware, curriculum, and training services should be confirmed during system configuration.
The CRX platform allows a program to begin with accessible lead-through and drag-and-drop programming while maintaining a path toward advanced software development and research. Students can build foundational skills with an industrial collaborative robot, then expand into perception, adaptive automation, motion planning, AI, and physical interaction.
This progression makes the platform suitable for introductory laboratory exercises, upper-level robotics courses, multidisciplinary capstone work, graduate research, and industry-sponsored projects.
Tech-Labs can help your institution configure a FANUC CRX system around your courses, research interests, software environment, lab requirements, and faculty-development goals.
Learn more about FANUC’s ROS 2 driver.
Learn more about Python programming on FANUC controllers.
ROS is a trademark of the Open Source Robotics Foundation. Python is a registered trademark of the Python Software Foundation. GitHub is a registered trademark of GitHub, Inc.
