Automation & Robotics

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Automation and Robotics instructional program prepares students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills for industrial automation control systems and technologies with the artificial intelligent management of machines on production lines in the manufacturing industry. Industrial automation and robotics are about the control of physical processes: using physical machines, robots, and control systems to automate motions as part of an industrial process.

This program includes instruction in the principles of robotics, design, operational testing, system maintenance, repair procedures, robot computer systems, and control languages. Specific system types may include mechanical applications, hydraulics (oil systems), pneumatics (air systems), quality inspection, troubleshooting, installations, or repair of robotic systems and machines that apply to specific industrial tasks.

The Automation and Robotics program will familiarize the students with the roles, strengths, and capabilities of robotics and automation technologies, as well as how to achieve these skills. Throughout the Automation and Robotics instructional program, students will enhance their technical knowledge and skills utilizing robots and automated systems in carrying out various tasks on manufacturing systems. This can include understanding management information systems, production planning, documentation, preventive maintenance, technical problem solving, and quality control for automated manufacturing. The program will cover different fundamental computational techniques associated with the operation of a robotic manipulator and a general automated system.

The Automation and Robotics Career and Technical Education program is delivered as a coherent sequence of courses designed to offer students’ knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the workplace. The Professional Skills developed by business and industry leaders across Arizona are integrated throughout the program. Automation and Robotics students develop leadership, social, civic, and career skills through participation in the state-recognized Career and Technical Student Organizations, SkillsUSA.

The Automation and Robotics instructional program prepares students for entry-level employment, further training, and/or post-secondary education for these and other occupations: Electro-Mechanical Technician, Mechanical Technician, Electro-Mechanical Technician, Robotics Technician, Robot Programmer, Control panel builder, Maintenance Mechatronics Technician, Equipment Maintenance Technician, Automated Systems, Technician, QA Automation tester.

INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS: The following credentials have been approved for the A-F CCR and are CTED eligible for the Automation and Robotics instructional program:

Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
Machining Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) - Certified Production Technician (CPT)
Machining Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) – Green Production Certification
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Electronics Systems Technician (EST) - Level
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Electronics Systems Technician (EST) - Level 2
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Level 1

The following industry credentials have been approved to meet CTED eligibility for the Automation and Robotics instructional program:

Electronics Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) - Electronics Systems Technician (EST)
International Society of Automation (ISA) - Certified Automation Professional
International Society of Automation (ISA) – Certified Control Systems Technician
IPC and the Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA) J-STD-001 Certification
National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) Level 1
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) - FANUC Certified Robot Operator 1
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) - FANUC Certified Robot Operator 2
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) - FANUC Certified Robot Technician 1
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) - FANUC Certified Robot Technician 2
OpenSpan Developer
Robotics Engineering Curriculum (REC) – ROBOTC

CTSO: SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. We help each student excel. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA Arizona has over 15,000 members. For more information, go to www.skillsusaaz.org.