Robotics and Automation Technology is a growing profession which combines components of engineering (mechanical & electrical), computer science and programming. There is an emphasis on problem solving in the design, debugging, and troubleshooting of systems. Students learn Computer Aided Design Drawing (CAD) as well as rapid prototyping through 3-D printing. The program includes hands-on and theoretical curriculum that covers analog and digital control electronics. Also included are Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their use in automation and manufacturing.
This curriculum incorporates elements and principles of mathematics, physics and chemistry as they apply to the design and operation of electromechanical systems. Robotic systems are utilized for many applications in manufacturing and assembly, defense, space and underwater exploration, and the constantly changing service applications. Students will have the opportunity to compete in numerous SkillsUSA District, State and National competitions while progressing through this program.
Career opportunities in Robotics and Automation continue to play an increasing role in manufacturing and the manufacturing industry trained professionals who can improve processes, design and develop new machines and products, and manage repairs and operations.
Students completing this program will have a strong background preparing them to go on to college for an engineering degree or move on to a career as a technician.
Upon graduation, students are employable as:
- Robotics Technicians
- Industrial Automation Maintenance Technicians
- Field Service Technicians
- Plant Maintenance Technicians
- Electronics Assembly Technicians
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND AFFILIATIONS:
- OSHA 10-hour Occupational Health and Safety Construction Industry Training
RAX Grade 9 Exploratory 1.4 credits
Grade 9 students are introduced to the Robotics and Automation field and its many career opportunities. Basic electrical concepts and circuits are introduced and demonstrated in the shop. Through the hands-on construction of simple electronic projects, microcontrollers and educational robots, students learn proper hand tool use. Students also perform activities and exercises exposing them to computer programming and robotic fundamentals.
RAXF Grade 9 Shop 3.0 credits
Grade 9 students continue with basic electrical concepts and circuits after the shop has been chosen. Students continue to perform activities and exercises using computer and robotic fundamentals. OSHA safety certification is performed and safe operating practices in shop are discussed in detail.
RA2 Grade 10 Shop 37.5 credits
Grade 10 students cover AC/DC electronic circuits and components, including the use of Ohm’s Law, Watt’s Law, and Kirchhoff’s Laws and network theorems in the study of series, parallel, series/parallel and voltage divider circuits. Study continues through the more advanced topics of AC/DC electronics, including the use of such components as capacitors, resistors, transistors, diodes, inductors and LED’s. Students are also introduced to integrated circuits such as the 555 timer and 4017 decade counter. Students will be introduced to mechanical concepts and fluid power.
RA2R Grade 10 Related 7.5 credits
Grade 10 students are introduced to industrial DC circuits and components while learning the proper industrial wiring and layout techniques. Use of proper hand tooling and electronic test equipment is taught for troubleshooting skills. Combining their knowledge of discrete electronic components, and integrated circuits, projects are wired and completed using breadboarding techniques. Students learn to program a PLC (programmable logic controller) and apply the program to real world simulation exercises. Student will also build projects using proper fabrication and soldering techniques.
RA3 Grade 11 Shop 45.0 credits
Grade 11 students build upon their knowledge of both semiconductor and digital components and circuits. Projects are chosen to enable student proficiency in the construction and trouble-shooting of digital and analog circuits. Students will design, layout and fabricate their own printed circuit boards. Students will work in the robotics and mechatronics areas through use of actual factory trainers by constructing real world scenarios using PLC programming combined with electric pneumatic and hydraulic power.
RA3R Grade 11 Related 7.5 credits
Grade 11 students move from the introduction to basic semiconductor devices and digital concepts to more advanced circuits. The students spend time on semiconductor devices and circuits, including the study of diodes, LEDs, bipolar junction transistor BJTs, field effect, transistor FETs, operational amplifiers and rectifiers. Students discover how these devices are used in power supplies, voltage regulators, small and targe signal amplifiers, oscillators and control circuits. Another focus is digital devices and circuits, ranging from binary and hexadecimal numbering systems and basic gates to more advanced devices and circuits such as flip-flops, shift registers, and binary counters. Truth tables, timing diagrams, Boolean algebra and Karnaugh Maps will be used in analyzing of digital circuits. Students are also introduced to Microprocessors, microcontrollers, and programmable logic devices. Students will learn fluid power such as pneumatics and hydraulics.
RA4 Grade 12 Shop 45.0 credits
Grade 12 students become more proficient in projects covering advanced semiconductors and digital electronics. Advanced manufacturing scenarios using PLCs, mechatronics trainers, and industrial robots. The knowledge gained throughout previous courses will be used to complete projects to industry standards. Students who are eligible for co-op spend their shop weeks gaining valuable on-the-job training at various manufacturing firms.
RA4R Grade 12 Related
Grade 12 students continue the study of the semiconductors and digital electronics started in Junior year. Advanced semiconductor topics in the areas of amplifiers, oscillators, and switching and control circuits are studied. Students get more involved with microcontrollers, programmable logic devices and advanced topics in industrial automation. Students will continue with the study of mechanical concepts. Students prepare for careers by learning employability skills, automation career, and portfolio/resume preparation.