Universal Robots Expanded Its Academy to 11 Languages
About Universal Robots Academy
Universal Robots Academy is the training arm of Universal Robots, created to teach people how to work confidently and safely with collaborative robots. Its focus is practical learning: helping operators, engineers, and technicians understand how to set up, program, and use robot arms in real production environments.
The brief
As Universal Robots scaled, so did the Universal Robots Academy, which offers free online training and certified courses in using the company’s robot arms. The training materials include e-learning modules, video scripts, screen text, manuals, and documents produced in multiple formats.
At first, the Academy needed translation into only a few languages. As the company established a presence in more markets, that number grew to 11, with more planned. This created new requirements:
- consistent terminology across all learning materials
- careful handling of e-learning formats
- the ability to align translated text with module timing, screen prompts, and video content
- a partner able to grow with the organisation
- flexibility, accuracy, and strong project coordination
The company needed a provider that could support long-term expansion and maintain the clarity and precision the technical content demanded.
Our approach
Universal Robots wanted a workflow that could handle varied file types and scale to more languages without losing quality. We built a setup that did exactly that.
Project setup
We agreed on a process that allowed Universal Robots to submit training materials in any format, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Regardless of the file type, everything would be processed using:
- a dedicated term base for robot-specific terminology
- a translation memory tailored to Universal Robots’ content
- a preferred team of translators with technical expertise in robotics
This ensured that language remained consistent across e-learning modules, worksheets, scripts, and printed materials. It also reduced proofreading time, as linguists already understood the company’s tone and product range.
Translation workflow
The workflow covers every stage of the content lifecycle:
- extraction of translatable content from each file format
- translation using the shared term base and translation memory
- review to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with module structure
- integration of the translated content back into the e-learning format
- final quality checks to confirm that screen text, timing, and instructions match the original design
This approach ensures that translated modules feel natural in each language and function correctly in the training environment.
Quality and scalability gains
With this setup, Universal Robots gained:
- the ability to add new languages without redesigning the process
- consistent terminology across all Academy materials
- faster turnaround and fewer corrections
- lower long-term costs as the translation memory grows
- clear communication with a single project manager familiar with their needs
The outcome
Linda Erlangsen, who coordinates the translation of the training material, describes the collaboration:
“It is a pleasure to send jobs to AdHoc Translations as I am always welcomed by the same project manager who knows our company and translation needs very well. Personal contact is not to be underestimated. Our day-to-day business revolves around robots, but when it comes to translation, it is important to speak to a real person who understands the challenges involved. AdHoc Translations is professional and attentive, and they know how to find the best solution for each job.”
