Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut adopts the JAKA Education Kit for its own vocational training and plans robotics courses for employees of Volkswagen and external companies from January 2027. 

Fürth, 26 October 2026 – Operating robots, programming applications and implementing automation in manufacturing: these are the skills JAKA Robotics and Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut GmbH aim to teach together. The JAKA Education Kit is already in place at the Volkswagen training centre in Zwickau. It is intended for use in vocational training and degree programmes and will form the basis of a modular course offering scheduled to launch from January 2027. The courses will cater to employees of Volkswagen and external companies, from beginners to experienced professionals. 

JAKA will present the learning solution at the AMZ joint stand at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg from 27 to 29 October 2026. Representatives of Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut will also be on site. 

“Companies looking to advance automation need people who understand the technology and can put it into practice. With our Education Kit, we want to make it easier to get started while also providing scope for demanding industrial applications,” says Wolfgang Lienke, Head of JAKA Europe. “Our collaboration with Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut brings together our robotics technology and its training expertise. This helps turn initial experience with a robot into practical workplace skills.” 

Hands-on learning with the JAKA Education Kit 

The JAKA Education Kit combines the six-axis JAKA MiniCobo collaborative robot with a machine vision camera and hands-on training modules. Participants can practise operating and programming the robot and work through typical manufacturing tasks, such as identifying and placing components, palletising and simulated gluing processes. 

Participants can get started through graphical programming or by manually guiding the robot arm to teach it movements. Virtual simulation and interfaces to industrial control systems enable progression to more complex automation tasks. 

According to Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut, the combination of modern cobot technology, strong practical relevance and a compelling educational approach was decisive in choosing JAKA Robotics. Other factors included the flexible collaboration and the expandability of the learning solution. 

“The systems combine an intuitive introduction with considerable scope for advanced technical learning. Graphical programming, drag teaching, virtual simulation, interfaces to PLC systems and the option to add cameras and application equipment enable practical learning pathways from a first introduction to robotics through to industrial applications,” says Michel Götze, Head of Automation and Digitalisation Training at Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut. “For small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, this offers an accessible route to modern automation at a reasonable price-performance ratio.” 

Modular courses from January 2027 

The planned training programme ranges from introductory digital learning options and two- to three-day operator training to longer programming courses based on the graphical programming language Scratch. Advanced courses cover Python, SDK interfaces and PLC integration using TIA Portal and PROFINET. One-day application training sessions focus on specific manufacturing tasks such as welding, vision-based recognition, palletising and machine loading. 

A combination of in-person, online and self-paced learning is planned. Content requiring extensive practical work will preferably be taught on site. For suitable courses, online participation using loan equipment is planned. 

Individuals will be able to book places on open courses. Companies will also have access to dedicated group training tailored to their teams’ requirements. This is intended to help small and medium-sized enterprises in particular develop their own automation expertise. 

An initial capacity of around 80 participants per year is planned for the launch from January 2027. The offering can be expanded in response to demand. Course information will be published through channels including www.vw-bi.de. 

Embedding robotics in vocational training and degree programmes 

In addition to professional development, the technology is intended for use in vocational training and degree programmes. JAKA technology is to become a compulsory part of vocational training for IT specialists. Wherever possible, the fundamentals will be introduced in the first year of training, followed by more advanced programming, integration and application modules. 

In mechatronics and vocational training for electronics technicians specialising in automation technology, the initial plan is to use the technology as a supplementary resource in line with the relevant training plans and requirements. It is also intended for use in degree programmes combining academic study with practical training in computer science, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. 

JAKA is also involved in the Edulife project, which is being developed in collaboration with Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut. The platform is currently under development and aims to make knowledge about automation, robotics and artificial intelligence accessible to companies, students and other interested audiences. 

Visit us at IZB 

Companies, interested visitors and media representatives can explore the Education Kit at IZB and speak with JAKA Robotics and representatives of Volkswagen Bildungsinstitut about the partnership and the planned course offering. 

Dates: 27–29 October 2026 

Venue: International Suppliers Fair (IZB), Wolfsburg 

Stand: AMZ joint stand, Hall 2, Stand 2506