Automation & Robotics Technician

The Automation and Robotics Technician program provides an introduction of industrial automation including the use of CAD SolidWorks software, PLC programming, Industrial Motors and Controls, and the operation and programming of robotics systems. The program examines applications and examples of automated manufacturing systems including both classroom and hands-on lab exercises.

Robotics Technicians build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems. They also make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, encoders, or servomotors.

robotic arm

Career Opportunities

  • Automation and Robotics Operator
  • Automation and Robotics Technician
  • Automated Process Specialist
  • Robotics Technician
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Machine Operator
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Suggested Degree Plan for Automation & Robotics Technician Certificate
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
CAD 101 Introduction to Drafting and Blueprint Reading for CAD Details 3
Introduces the student to basic tools and techniques needed in the drafting and blueprint reading profession as applied to CAD. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
CAD 114 Introduction to Parametric Modeling Details 3
This course is an introduction to engineering design and graphics, including design problems, sketching, dimensioning, tolerancing, multi-view orthographic representations, auxiliary views, section views, and working drawings using SolidWorks. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 135 Programmable Control Details 3
A practical and theoretical approach to the installation, programming, and maintenance of programmable control (PC) equipment. The course develops skills in the application of PC equipment and computers in manufacturing processes. Practical laboratory activities are provided. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: IMT 120 or consent of department
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 103 Introduction to Manufacturing Maintenance Details 2
This course provides a basic understanding of tools and equipment used in manufacturing and knowledge of how to improve productivity through predictive and preventive maintenance. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M4 - Maintenance Awareness Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 145 Introduction to Robotics Operations Details 3
This course covers the evolution of robotics and how they are used in a manufacturing or distribution facility. Students will learn the various classifications of robots, understand work-cell sensors, end-of-arm tooling, and the various types of robotics programming. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
IMT 120 Industrial Motors & Controls Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of motors and controls and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about motor control systems, devices, circuits and troubleshooting. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 104 Quality/Continuous Improvement Details 3
This course provides an introduction to controlling and improving quality in a manufacturing setting. It explores ways that manufacturers use data and analysis to improve quality and introduces students to lean manufacturing techniques. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M2 - Quality and Continuous Improvement Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 113 Introduction to Manufacturing & Industrial Safety Details 3
This course provides students with an introduction to the manufacturing world and provides specific instruction to facilitate safe work practices in industrial environments. It introduces manufacturing specializations such as mechatronics, precision machining and welding and covers fire safety, pressurized gases, electrical hazards, safe machine usage, and lock out tag out. Students learn concepts of industrial noise, machine guarding, electrical safety, chemical exposure, hazardous waste, Worker's Compensation laws, liability, and general safety precautions for the workplace. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum and OSHA standards. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M1-Safety Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 150 Handling Tool Operations/Programming Details 3
This course is intended for an operator, technician, engineer or programmer who must setup and record programs on a robot. The course covers the tasks required to set up the specific application, test, run and refine the program and production setup. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations and lab exercises. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.

Gainful Employment: For more information about graduation rates, cost, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other information, please view our Gainful Employment information for the particular certificate of study.