Industrial Automation and Robotics

The Industrial Automation and Robotics Degree at Lakes Region Community College consists of 9 major core courses, 5 of which are the core courses of our Computer Information Systems program. Successful students will have the necessary skills to enter the workforce as a Manufacturing Production Technician, Robotics Technician, Process Control Technician, or an Automation Technician. Students will have acquired skills in networking, programming, fabrication, and electronics. Students will also gain the knowledge to design, implement, and troubleshoot automation and robotics in the industry.

Program Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate the use of strong mathematical skills.
  • Demonstrate a foundation of Computer Information Systems technical skills, knowledge and a basic understanding of computer applications.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of computer networking operations.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of various forms of programming languages and how to construct programming logic.
  • Demonstrate basic fabrication skills including reading blueprints / engineering drawings, CAD / CAM design, machine tool operations, and CNC machining operations.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of electricity, electronic components, and electronic circuits.
  • Demonstrate skills understanding a variety of microcontrollers (including PLC’s) and how to program them with real world logic.
  • Demonstrate how to successfully apply automation and robotics to industrial applications including “Lights Out” manufacturing.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

IARB116L: Fabrication Technologies

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of basic fabricating and machining skills used to create objects from an idea into to a finished product. Students will learn how to use computer aided design (CAD), blueprint reading, computer aided manufacturing (CAM), the use of precision measuring instruments, 3D print prototypes, material selection, machine shop tools, and in-depth coverage of CNC equipment.

IARB126L: Introduction to Electronics

This course is designed to introduce the basic concept of electricity, electronics circuits, and electronic components. Topics, which span from the sources of energy and Ohm's Law to diodes, circuits, switches, and sensors are covered in a logical sequence with information building upon itself.

IARB236L: Introduction to Microcontrollers

In this course students will be introduced to various microcontrollers, learn how to program them, build functional input/output circuits, and learn how microcontrollers are used in robotics. Students will gain the knowledge of building and implementing “Internet of Things” (loT) devices to solve real world problems.

IARB276L: Industrial Robotics and Automation

Students will be introduced to the principles, systems, and applications for industrial robotics or automated machines. These topics include movement systems, sensing and end-of-arm tooling, control systems and maintenance, coverage of industry 4.0, PLC, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). Students will use these skills to design, implement, and demonstrate “Lights Out” manufacturing.