Unimate Labs – Strategic partner for robotics education of the future in Brazil

23 June, 2025 | Joanna Kowalkowska

Unimate Labs, educational institution from Tubarão, Brazil, on the basis of many years of experience in robotics, introduces solid and creative training ideas for engineers of many professions and of all ages. The founder and owner of Unimate Labs is Antonio Beluco, robotics engineer by profession and passion. He invited Astorino, an educational robot designed to teach industrial robotics, to become the most important link in supporting Unimate Labs in realization of company’s vision.

Antonio Beluco, the founder and owner of Unimate Labs, robotics engineer by profession and passion. Source: Unimate Labs

Astorino ideas has reached Unimate Labs through Tiesse Robot from Italy. Its representative, Stefano Molinari, Export Sales Area Manager, says:

“We’ve known each other for years. Antonio was trained here in Tiesse Robot in Italy and became a technician for Kawasaki robots acting in Brazil for our systems, which he’s still supporting whenever needed. Lately he had the intuition to set up a school for robotics engineers and for quite some time we tried many solutions. Then, finally, Astorino came into the picture so it all became much easier. Currently he’s offering classes to schools, universities and educational institutions”.

Unimate Labs is a robotics and technology laboratory, where kids can learn robotics based on Astorino robot. Source: Unimate Labs

We have interviewed Antonio Beluco about his history, experience and vision for meeting challenges of Industry 4.0 in the field of education for engineers.

Joanna Kowalkowska, ASTOR: Have you wanted to be an engineer since you were a child? When did you decide to become a robotics engineer?

Antonio Beluco, Unimate Labs: As a child, I always liked to disassemble and reassemble cars and objects. I believe that, subconsciously, an engineer was emerging from that. I started working with robotics in 2011, after I had completed my degree in Control and Automation Engineering.

JK: Where have you work before you decided to open Unimate Labs? Have you ever worked with Kawasaki robots?

AB: I have been working with Kawasaki robots since 2011, performing activities such as installation, programming, maintenance and training. Unimate Labs was born from a long-standing desire to share robotics experience and knowledge in a collaborative and innovative environment.

JK: What do you like most about being an engineer and robotics professional?

AB: Engineering introduced me to robotics, and robotics introduced me to industry. All the experience I have gained and the network of contacts I built is very rewarding now. This journey has brought me clients and also many friends.

Astorino educational robots are programmed just like Kawasaki Robotics industrial robots. Source: Unimate Labs

JK: How do you recognize the role of education in the development of young engineers?

AB: I believe that education is the main pillar in the formation of an individual.

JK: Do you think robotics education can be transformed by a safe educational robot?

AB: Currently, the vast majority of elementary schools use systems with Lego and similar tools to teach robotics. These are fantastic tools that make it possible to begin the journey in the world of robotics. When it comes to industry knowledge, few schools or universities have industrial robots in Brazil.

The arrival of Astorino creates a link between these two worlds, offering safe technology, with a robotic arm model exactly like the one we use in the industry. This greatly facilitates learning and allows the introduction of this technology to even younger people, allowing the creation of a more solid knowledge base and the preparation of new professionals for the future of this fascinating area of robotics.

JK: How has the Astorino robot helped you launch the laboratory in line with your ideas and vision?

AB: The Astorino was the missing piece for the Unimate Labs project. Its configuration, programming mode and user safety were key factors in determining its use in our laboratory. The integration with other devices like Arduino and the possibility of creating other accessories through 3D printing were also highlighted in the decision process.

JK: What is your vision for the development of the laboratory? Who will your laboratory be for?

AB: Our commitment is to be a strategic partner in education, offering specific training and collaborating with schools to train individuals capable of facing the challenges of Industry 4.0.

We believe that robotics goes far beyond machines – it is a powerful tool for stimulating logical reasoning, creativity and teamwork, preparing the professionals of the future.

JK: Thank you for the interview. We wish you success!