Course Details

The Industrial Networking Basics course introduces important Ethernet and TCP/IP concepts and terminology. It teaches students how to implement basic networking concepts. It also provides essential information about the industrial protocols and topology. This course covers Ethernet basics and the concepts necessary for an industrial network. The course includes switch configuration, power over Ethernet, addressing, and wireless Ethernet. Students who complete this course have an understanding and grounding in the basics of industrial network.

The Vision Systems Basic course introduces students to the Cognex Insight Easy Builder and Spreadsheet application interface with an additional emphasis on lighting, lenses, and filters. This course focuses on getting the most from the In-Sight Explorer spreadsheets interface and teaching users how to walk through the process of setting up a vision application using spreadsheet programming best practices. This course covers the use of advanced tools and tools recently added to the spreadsheet environment. Students who complete this course can use basic vision systems.

The Programmable Logic Controller II course introduces students to the Studio 5000 Logix Designer (previously known as RSLogix 5000) and the CompactLogix PLC. It covers how to program using ladder logic for multiple labs based on industrial applications. This course teaches how to wire, program, and troubleshoot various systems and how to program a process on an actual machine as the final project. Students who complete this course are able to apply more complex logic to controllers.

The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) introduces students to HMI. HMI operator stations have become commonplace in modern industry because they eliminate wiring, enable operator functions to be modified in software, and provide the ability for the operator to monitor Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) operations data. This course covers how to convert a PLC program into a graphic HMI Panel. This course teaches application editing, tags and communications, creating data logs, input and output objects, local messages and alarms, diagnostics, and information messages. Students who complete this course can program HMIs to monitor PLC operations data.

The Industrial Networking II course teaches students how to use industrial networks. Device communication can be one of the most challenging aspects of any automated system. In this course, students will network PLCs, remote I/O blocks, sensor systems, servo drives, and robots so they are able to consistently pass information between devices. This is done through configuring network communication between PLCs and I/O block, sensor systems, servos, and robots. Students who complete this course can setup and maintain an industrial network.

The Servo Motors and Drives course introduces students to servomechanisms. It covers the basic operation of a motion control application and introduces how to program a servo drive and motor to perform basic motion commands. It teaches students how to wire and program an electric motor drive to be self-controlled within a process. This course covers how to write a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) program to perform motion control with multiple axes. Students who complete this course are able to write a PLC program.

The Programmable Logic Controllers III course will expand on the Programmable Logic Controller II course. This course covers operation and application of safety programmable logic controllers, safety relays, safety I/O, and risk assessments. It teaches how to program a system using Proportional Integral Derivative control methods. Introduces Structured Text and Function Block programming as well as Add- On instructions. It also teaches how to program using a structured programming method. Students who complete this course are able to program advanced logic into PLCs.

The Integration Capstone course allows students to build and operate a system integrating all the elements they have learned. This course will involve many aspects of an industrial control system. This includes safety systems, risk assessments, and code diagrams. It covers how to integrate the following items: Programmable Logic Controllers, Human Machine Interface, servo drive, network switch, vision system, safety system, and industrial robotic arm. Instructor approval is required for the final project. Students with jobs may propose an on-the-job project contingent on instructor and employer approval. Students who complete this course show they can integrate all the elements of the controls engineering into a single project.

The Programmable Logic Controller Platforms course helps students to practice using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) platforms. This course covers how to choose a PLC platform and how to learn the software and hardware of that system. It also goes over how to set up, configure, and program this PLC in a variety of labs simulating industrial applications to provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills. Students who complete this course demonstrate an understanding and ability to program and troubleshoot PLC platforms.

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) Platforms course covers how to choose a robot platform from a variety of available Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems. It allows students to perform fundamental HMI tasks with the selected unit. The course also introduces students to the interface, tools, and overall operation of the system from manuals and resources provided by the various vendors, with extensive instructor guidance. Students who complete this course are able to organize, operate, and troubleshoot HMI platforms.

The Robot Platforms course covers how to choose a robot platform from a variety of available Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems and perform HMI tasks, such as creating, modifying, and executing various programs. With instructor guidance, the course introduces students to the interface, tools, and overall operation of the system from vendor provided manuals and resources. Students who complete this course demonstrate how to operate, alter, maintain, and troubleshoot robot platforms and perform HMI tasks.

The Robot Simulation Software course introduces procedures for creating a virtual workcell. When completed, the workcell created will contain a robot with end-of-arm tooling, one or more fixtures for holding a part, and a robot TPP Program, which moves the part from one fixture to the other. The course also covers various robot programs and how to run them.

The FANUC Basic Programming course covers the tasks that an operator, technician, engineer, or programmer needs to set up and program a FANUC Robotics Handling Tool Software Package. Students practice programming hands-on pendant labs with industrial-grade FANUC LR Mate 200i D manipulators and FANUC System R-30i B Mate Controllers. It introduces multiple coordinate systems to powerup and jog the robot and covers how to create and execute MACROs. Students who complete this course can perform basic programming on FANUC devices.

The Robot Vision and Safety course covers the basic tasks and procedures required for an operator, technician, engineer, or programmer to set up, teach, test, and modify iRVision applications and FANUC Dual Check Safety (DCS) software. Robot vision systems are among the most advanced components in industry. Students who complete this course, can identify the components of a vision system, install vision hardware, develop an application, program the robot, perform error recovery procedures, and follow recommended safety practices.

The FANUC Advanced Programming course helps students enhance their skills and knowledge from basic programming courses to develop a more complex scenario. FANUC robots are among the most widely used robots in industry. Students will be given a hypothetical example workcell. They will then be given the task of creating all the necessary programs to deal with multifaceted issues using advanced programming techniques. Students who complete this course are able to perform advanced programming and troubleshooting for FANUC robots.

This course brings together the content of many preceding courses and applies that content to the requirements of systems integration. The problems associated with interconnection and interworking of different components will be explored, and typical solutions will be illustrated using conveyors, manufacturing tools, and robotic devices. The course is largely a hands-on experience in an automated manufacturing environment.

The Control Systems and Robotics program prepares qualified students for advanced work as Control System Technicians in an automated manufacturing environment. This certificate provides hands-on training in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), industrial robots, industrial networking, servo system programming, vision systems, and Human Machine Interface (HMI) programming. Students work with teaching staff of industry professionals who emphasize hands-on instruction and provide competency- based training based on industry input for best practices and technological relevance. There is a high demand for employees with these specialized skills.