Make Production More Efficient with Automation and Robotics

You’ll be at the forefront of technological advancement with a job in Automation and Robotics. Under the umbrella of electromechanical engineering, this field is responsible for everything to do with robotic assembly lines, including: machine design and building, manufacturing, application support, components testing, systems integration, maintenance, technical sales and services. If you think about it, automation and robotics is used virtually in every industry today (for example, automotive, aircraft, communications and consumer goods), therefore, it provides job opportunities and room to move up for those who are interested.

As mentioned, there is a wide range of jobs in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology – Automation and Robotics. If you prefer a hands-on career, you have the option of designing, programming and installing robotic systems and the associated interfacing with other factory control systems including programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces and supervisory control and data acquisition software. This type of job requires a great deal of creativity to ensure that technology continues to improve and that robots are created to efficiently assemble their designated products. However, if the thought of design isn’t appealing to you, but you still enjoy the hands-on component, you may try a job in maintenance. This career will see you fixing assembly lines and ensuring that the people operating them are aware of the malfunction that occurred so, if possible, it can be prevented in the future. Another option is technical sales and service, which will see you selling assembly lines to companies.

The Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology – Automation and Robotics PTY program is three years in length (and one year of work experience) and offers students an education that combines practical and theoretical training. Within the program, you will explore the field of precision controls and the total electronic integration of modern, complex automated systems. Faculty in the Automation and Robotics PTY program, ensure that students are knowledgeable in a full range of automation theory and mechanics — from basic circuitry to its application in a manufacturing system. Students also learn: hydraulics, electrics, robotics, electronics, pneumatics and Programmable Logic Controllers. Lastly, special attention is given to industrial robots, which are increasingly used in manufacturing.

All of these courses prepare students for their Professional Training Year (PTY), which sees students work in the field for an entire year. This is a paid placement that not only has students working along side professionals but also networking and becoming comfortable in a professional environment. The PTY is also helpful is helping students to determine which path they will take upon graduation. In order to be eligible to participate in this feature of the Automation and Robotics program, students must: achieve a minimum C grade in COMM-170/ 171, minimum 2.5 GPA and 80 per cent of year 1 and 2 courses of COOP-221.

Centennial College expects students applying to present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. Students must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. Upon successful entry, students will be placed in the appropriate English and math level based on skills assessment results.