Mechatronics Technology – Automation & Robotics Track (AAS)

Program Objectiv

The Automation & Robotics concentration in the Mechatronics Technology program prepares graduates for entry-level roles in industrial automation by building proficiency in PLC/HMI programming, robotic system integration, sensors/vision, motion, and pneumatics. Emphasis is on safe commissioning, troubleshooting, and documentation of automated cells using Industry 4.0 concepts.

Career Opportunities

Automation and robotics technicians work across many industrial environments, including automotive, food and beverage, packaging, logistics/warehousing, and medical device manufacturing. They often split time between production lines and controls areas, working on commissioning equipment, tracing PLC/robot signals, and supporting automated cells.

Program Learning Goals

Goal 1: Graduates will possess the skills needed to obtain an entry-level technician position in the mechatronics field.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Demonstrate the ability to set up and operate electronic equipment safely.
• Demonstrate safe setup and operation of various electro-mechanical, digital fabrication, and kinematic systems.

Goal 2: Graduates will be able to troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems using theoretical principles and measured values to resolve operational issues.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Demonstrate competence with circuit identification.
• Demonstrate competence with print reading.
• Demonstrate competence in using various pieces of test equipment to gather information about a circuit or system’s operation.
• Demonstrate the correct use of hand tools, power tools, and safety equipment (PPE).

Goal 3: Graduates will be able to safely program and troubleshoot an industrial robotic arm to meet defined production and safety requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Explain the safety hazards in the robotic cell and the safeguards used to control the risk.
• Explain the motion path issues (singularities, joint limits, collisions) and the program changes used to resolve them.
• Demonstrate a safe sault-recovery routine that returns the cell to service without hazards.

Goal 4: Graduates will design, program, commission, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, and integrate HMIs and safety circuits to meet defined functional, safety, and production requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes – Students will:

• Demonstrate ladder and function block diagram logic to implement a sequenced program.
• Demonstrate fault injection and recovery, returning the system to a safe state within a specified time.
• Produce a robot/PLC code package with backups, a change log, and comments meeting program standards.

Mechatronics Technology- Automation & Robotics Track

2026-2027 Program Scope

Mechatronics Technology- Automation & Robotics Track

2026-2027 Program Sequence