Automation & Robotics Technology

The Automation & Robotics Technology program offers an engaging education encompassing all aspects of advanced manufacturing systems.  In many industries today, and definitely in the future, electro-mechanical integration is and will be the main component of mass production.  Skilled technicians will be needed to create, install, and maintain these automated systems.  The Automation & Robotics Technology program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

The program prepares students for multidisciplinary, multi-skilled employment in the manufacturing sector with coursework focused on installing, calibrating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing manufacturing systems.  These systems incorporate electricity, electronics, robotics, fluid power, sound safety practices, workplace organization, problem solving, and maintenance reliability.  This program is designed to provide students the opportunity to pursue careers as highly-skilled advanced manufacturing technicians who have the technical knowledge and abilities to perform well, communicate effectively, think critically, work in teams, and behave professionally. A required internship is included in the summer semester between the first and second years.

A grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses in order to continue and graduate in the Automation & Robotics Technology program.

To view program outcome data, visit https://statetechmo.edu/automation-robotics-program-facts/. 

Program Mission

The mission of the Automation & Robotics Technology program is to provide students with the technical and interpersonal skills and knowledge that qualify them to work as a technician in today's automated manufacturing industries.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop:

• Oral and written communication skills.
• An analytic approach to problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Proven professionalism and safety skills required by industry standards.
• Proven technical competency in managing and maintaining automated manufacturing systems.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 15.0613

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
AUT	100	Industrial Codes, Standards and Safety	5
AUT	120	Introduction to Electricity and Electronics	6
AUT	140	Mechanical and Fluid Power Transmission	3
AUT	150	Basic Programmable Logic Controller Programming	3
AUT	160	Industrial Systems	4
AUT	170	Industrial Sensors and Actuators	4
AUT	190	Internship I	2
AUT	200	Industrial Robotics	4
AUT	220	Transformers, Industrial Motors, and their Controls	4
AUT	230	Human Machine Interface	2
AUT	250	Advanced Programmable Logic Controller Programming	3
AUT	260	Mechanical and Electronic Device Troubleshooting	3
SUB-TOTAL			43

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
General Education Requirements			19
Must Include:
PHY	101	College Physics	4
PHY	102	College Physics Lab	0
NST	101	Network Fundamentals	3
SUB-TOTAL			19

Program Requirements

			Credit Hours
DDT	135	Introductory Drafting Fundamentals	3
PMT	196	Machining Essentials	3
WLT	128	Basic Welding	3
SUB-TOTAL			9

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
It is a graduation requirement of the Automation & Robotics Technology (AUT) program for students to earn a grade of "C" or better in all "Core Curriculum" and "Program Requirements" courses.
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

72

Courses

AUT 100: Industrial Codes, Standards and Safety

The course begins the study of electrical industry standards with the development of terminology, then builds on students' developing experience to form proper interpretations of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as it pertains to wiring methods. National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Standard Number 79, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and other related codes and standards are covered. Students will earn Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid certifications.

Credit Hours: 5

AUT 120: Introduction to Electricity and Electronics

This course introduces and develops the concepts necessary for understanding the use of electrical components and circuitry as well as the basic electronic circuit skills needed to understand how industrial automation devices interface. Both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) are covered. Students will study topics such as shop safety, hand tools, and measuring instruments. Technical math including fractions, unit conversions, and basic trigonometry will be introduced and developed throughout the course. Students are also introduced to reading electrical schematics. Devices covered will include diodes, digital to analog converters, analog to digital converters, meters, AC solid state devices, DC solid state devices, and relays. PNP and NPN interfacing is also covered.

Credit Hours: 6

AUT 140: Mechanical and Fluid Power Transmission

This course includes mechanical power transmission topics such as brakes, clutches, gears, couplings, shafts, chains and sprockets, cams and bearings. Hydraulic topics include liquid properties, cylinders, motors, pumps, valves and math for proper sizing of components. Pneumatic topics include physical principles, cylinders, motors, compressors and control valves. Simulation of circuits will be performed before any laboratory work is done. Laboratory exercises are provided to enhance classroom topics.

Credit Hours: 3

AUT 150: Basic Programmable Logic Controller Programming

This course includes a review of number systems, programmable logic control addressing, use of software, system control, and an in-depth study of ladder logic programming. Programming topics include: discrete and analog inputs and outputs, internal registers and tables, editing, timers, counters, comparison functions, computational functions, data move functions, subroutines, and data manipulation.

Requisite:
Prerequisite AUT 120 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

AUT 160: Industrial Systems

This course familiarizes students with the correct methods of equipment installation, interconnection of systems, and interoperations. Topics include wiring and installation of equipment, fieldbus networks, data exchange, and safety systems. Hands-on skills developed will include installation of conduit, cabling, cable trays, and similar devices.

Requisites:
Prerequisite AUT 100 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite AUT 120 minimum grade C
Corequisite AUT 150 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

AUT 170: Industrial Sensors and Actuators

This course familiarizes students with the application, installation, and troubleshooting of industrial sensors and actuators. Discrete sensors, analog sensors, and specialty sensors will be introduced. Actuators for the control of fluid power, positioning, and other applications will be discussed. The use of such sensors and actuators in a manufacturing environment will be studied and demonstrated.

Requisite:
Prerequisite AUT 120 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

AUT 190: Internship I

The internship is comprised of 300 hours of work experience in a manufacturing or laser applications setting requiring the student to perform a variety of tasks. The student is expected to apply learned skills to be a productive employee, and the employer is expected to provide an environment that enhances the student's exposure to the industry.

Requisites:
Prerequisite AUT 150 minimum grade C
Prerequisite AUT 160 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite AUT 170 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

AUT 200: Industrial Robotics

The course is an introduction to state-of-the-art industrial robotics. The course is focused on installation, repair, and maintenance of robots and robotic manufacturing systems. Robotic mechanisms and sensors will be reviewed along with interfacing and programming of the controls to perform intermediate manufacturing tasks.

Requisite:
Corequisite AUT 250 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

AUT 220: Transformers, Industrial Motors, and their Controls

This course introduces the students to various types of industrial transformers, motors, and controls. The student will identify, select, install, wire, and troubleshoot three phase alternating current (AC) transformers (delta and wye), motors and their controls; single phase AC transformers, AC motors and their controls; direct current (DC) motors and their controls; servo and stepper motors and their controls. Calculations required by the National Electric Code to properly install these devices will also be covered.

Requisite:
Prerequisite AUT 120 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

AUT 230: Human Machine Interface

This course will familiarize students with the design, programming, installation, and troubleshooting of human machine interfaces (HMI).

Requisite:
Corequisite AUT 250 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 2

AUT 250: Advanced Programmable Logic Controller Programming

This course introduces students to the use of advanced features of modern programmable automation controllers. Programming topics include proportional, integral, and derivative control; events; handlers; messaging; sequential function charts; structured text; function blocks; remote device control; custom functions; processor tasks; and program management.

Requisites:
Prerequisite AUT 150 minimum grade C
Corequisite AUT 230 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

AUT 260: Mechanical and Electronic Device Troubleshooting

This course will emphasize the troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of automation devices such as robots, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining centers, positioning tables, and programmable logic controller (PLC) control systems. Students will be instructed on factory recommended procedures and will be expected to apply proper procedures to different types of industrial equipment.

Requisites:
Prerequisite AUT 200 minimum grade C
Prerequisite AUT 230 minimum grade C
and
Prerequisite AUT 250 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

DDT 135: Introductory Drafting Fundamentals

This course is designed to develop the basic skills required for visualizing and interpreting industrial drawings.

Credit Hours: 3

PMT 196: Machining Essentials

This course teaches how to safely perform fundamental machining operations using mills, lathes, and other machine shop equipment. Precision measurement skills are also included.

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 128: Basic Welding

Basic principles and fundamentals of SMAW, Oxy-fuel (welding, cutting and brazing), GTAW and GMAW.

Credit Hours: 3