Automation Technology A.S. Degree

The Automation Technology degree program provides an introduction to industrial automation including digital electronic, process control and programming of PLCs, robotics and data acquisition systems (SCADA). The program examines applications and examples of automated manufacturing systems including both the theory and function of digital and industrial electronics, hydraulics and pneumatics, robotics systems, digital programming languages and alarm management.

Students completing this degree will be able to describe and apply current safety rules and regulations while working on various manufacturing and automation systems. Students will also be able to configure and program manufacturing systems and modules including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and industrial robots.  Finally, students will demonstrate an understanding of electrical systems and devices related to manufacturing and automation systems.

Career opportunities for those obtaining this degree include maintenance technician, automation technician, industrial machinery mechanic, electronics technician, electro-mechanical technician, or as a robotics technician.

In the first year (2020-2021), 12 students are projected to earn the degree.  By the second year and each year thereafter, 24 students are projected to earn this degree.

The goal of the Automation Technology A.S degree is to provide students an opportunity to secure high wage employment in local industries.  The Automation Technology degree program provides an introduction to industrial automation including electronics, motor controls, programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, and robotics manufacturing systems.  The program involves a significant amount of hands-on projects and lab work. Students who complete this program will have a good understanding of how automation systems work including safety systems, motor or fluid power controls, PLC troubleshooting and programming, and how to operate, program, and troubleshoot industrial robots.  Students completing the program also receive Fanuc certification in Material Handling and iRVision systems. Industry is relying more heavily on automated systems to manufacture, process, and package consumer goods and products. Developing a well trained workforce is critical to many of these industries.

One of the main goals of the California Strong Workforce/Doing What Matters for Jobs™ program is to train students in jobs related to Advanced Manufacturing.  This degree is a direct response to that objective. Students will receive hands on training using multiple high tech tools in an environment that encourages both soft skill development and technical competency.

The Automation Technology A.S degree program has three major goals and objectives for the student.  The first is that the students will be able to describe and apply current safety rules and regulations while working on various manufacturing and automation systems.  Students will be able to ensure the safety of their workplace by following the standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Hazards Administration (OSHA), National Electricians Code (NEC), and the Robotics Industrial Association (RIA).  Secondly, students will be able to configure and program manufacturing systems and modules including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and industrial robots. Students completing this degree will know how to write ladder logic programs that control the inputs and outputs of an automated system that is controlled by a PLC.  Student will also know how to write and modify “teach pendant” programs that control industrial robots. Thirdly, students will demonstrate an understanding of electrical systems and devices related to manufacturing and automation systems. Students will show technical competency with wiring and troubleshooting both low voltage (< 24 Volts) and industrial voltage (24 - 600 V) systems that incorporate various electronic sensors, motors, pneumatics, and similar industrial equipment.

The Automation Technology A.S degree program supports the mission of the college in that it will provide state of the art career technical education that is in response to local community and industry needs.  Students completing the program will have an opportunity to earn a high wage in a industry that is in need of a strong and talented workforce. In the attached Labor Market Information report, there is an employment gap of 192 students in our local area, 1,512 students in the North Bay region.  This need is apparent by the number of industry requests for potential graduates and interns being received on a weekly basis to the CTE department and the college’s internship and career center.

Students graduating with an Automation Technology degree will have the opportunity to gain employment as a maintenance technician, automation technician, industrial machinery mechanic, electronics technician, electro-mechanical technician, or as a robotics technician.  The median hourly wage for these jobs is just over $30 per hour.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
CIS 001	Introduction to Computer Science	3	S1
IT 101	Introduction to Mechatronics	3	S1
IT 151	Vocational Math	3	S1
MT 121	Electronics	3	S1
MT 162	Robotics Manufacturing Systems	3	S2
MT 163	Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Systems	3	S3
MT 164	Programmable Logic Controllers	3	S2
MT 165	Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers	3	S3
MT 132 * elective	Fluid Power Systems	3	S2
MT 142 * elective	Industrial Machinery	3	S3
MT 166 * elective	CNC Programming	3	S1/S2
IT 174 * elective	Makerspace Electronics	1	S1/S2

CIS 001:  Introduction to Computer Science

3 Units

Course Description: An introduction to the hardware and software components of basic computer information systems.  Also, an examination of information systems and their role in business. A review of historical, social and cultural implications of computer technology in today’s society.  Course content will include “hands-on” familiarization with a computer operating system and common application software. Additionally, the course includes an introduction to computer programming using the Visual Basic .Net language.  Students will learn to develop problem specifications, detailed analysis, design algorithms, and construct structured computer programs.

IT 101:  Introduction to Mechatronics

3 Units

Course Description:  Provides an understanding of how mechatronic technology in our lives works using only basic science and math concepts.  This course explores basic mechatronic systems commonly found in industry and focuses on their principles of operation, histories, and relationships to one another.  Topics will include an exploration of and science behind basic mechanics, fluid power, electrical power, and control systems. Students will learn about these mechatronic technologies through lecture, classroom discussion, and laboratory experiments and projects.

IT 151:  Vocational Math

3 Units

Course Description: Focuses on mathematical functions, plane and solid geometry, measurement systems, algebra, and trigonometry applied to specific vocational areas.

MT 121:  Electronics

3 Units

Course Description: Introduces the topics of analog and digital electronics. Studies include an introduction to DC and AC circuitry as well as specific analog and digital electronic components, circuits, and instruments used in the operation, installation, and troubleshooting of electronic systems.

MT 132:  Fluid Power Systems

3 Units

Course Description: Introduces the topic of hydraulic and pneumatic systems as they apply to mechatronics. Studies include fluid power systems theory, pumps, actuators, accumulators, filters, meters, valves, control devices, and mathematics applied to fluid power systems. Includes studies in manufacturing technology using modern manufacturing equipment and software simulators.

MT 142: Electrical Machinery

3 Units

Course Description: Introduces the topic of electrical machinery as it applies to mechatronics. Studies include direct-current and alternating-current generators, alternators, transmission equipment, and motors. Students will complete labs and electrical machinery projects. Lab, electrical and work site safety is emphasized.

MT 162: Robotics Manufacturing

3 Units

Course Description: Presentation of physical principles applied to automated manufacturing systems. Students will develop solutions to manufacturing problems using robots, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing machines. Students will also apply safety-oriented work habits to the completion of laboratory projects while working individually and in groups.

MT 163: Advanced Robotics Manufacturing

3 Units

Course Description: Advanced programming, vision recognition systems, PLC and HMI integration, and hardware concepts associated with industrial robots. Students in this course will program several robots to work together and with other common automation systems to increase the efficiency and throughput of industrial automation processes. Robot safety procedures including Dual Check Safety (DCS) and other industry standards will be emphasized throughout the course.

MT 164:  Programmable Logic Controllers

3 Units

Course Description: Introduces the student to process control via Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's). Content includes the popular Allen-Bradley PLC systems and the most common command instructions for the RSLogix 5, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Micrologix 1000, SLC5 and SLC 500 as well as ControlLogix processors. Troubleshooting and electrical safety are emphasized.

MT 165:  Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers

3 Units

Course Description: For PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) programmers, electricians, maintenance and instrumentation technicians, automation students and professionals that have some experience with basic PLC programming. Topics include Tag-Based programming with ControlLogix PLCs along with the RSLogix 5000 programming suite, process control methods, variable frequency drives, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and HMI's (Human Machine Interface).

MT 166:  CNC Programming

3 Units

Course Description: Operational and theory of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery, with a focus on skill building, safety practices and maintenance to work as an operator.  Includes integration of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) as well as manual programming techniques.

IT 174:  Making Things 4 – Basic Electronics

1 Unit

Course Description:  A hands-on introduction to basic electronics and microcontrollers used in a Maker Space environment. Students will learn basic soldering techniques, electronic terminology and circuitry, and simple programming of devices such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

I have met several times with a variety of local industries and they all have a need for technicians and maintenance personnel to keep their automated equipment at their facility operating. They are in full support of a degree program that will potentially bring them a larger pool of trained employees.

Diablo Valley College has an electronics technician program in which some of the courses may be similar to our proposed program. Bruce Brumfield was contacted at DVC and didn't foresee any impact to their program.