Robotics and Automation Minor

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Minor Advisor
Mary Ann Donato, Academic Advisor
585‑475‑7603, madast@rit.edu

Offered within the
Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology

Overview

The robotics and automation minor provides students with a foundation in the professional study and practice of programming, using, and working with industrial robots and the industrial automation systems used in the manufacturing environment. It provides a broad perspective that includes automation components, automation systems (hardware and software), industrial robots (hardware and software), and specific issues to implementing industrial robotic systems in the electronics manufacturing environment. It also includes learning and practice in developing automation/robotic code to accomplish specific functions across the major industrial automation software tools.

Notes about this minor:

  • This minor is closed to students majoring in robotics and manufacturing engineering technology.
  • Posting of the minor on the student's academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.
  • Notations may appear in the curriculum chart below outlining pre-requisites, co-requisites, and other curriculum requirements (see footnotes).

Curriculum

Course
Required Courses
Choose one of the following
  CVET-210
   Statics
An introduction to the analysis of static structures covering free-body diagrams, forces, moments, vectors, equilibrium, friction, and analysis of structures and truss members. Applications are drawn from civil engineering technology.
  MCET-220
   Principles of Statics
This course provides an introduction to the analysis and design of structures and machines. Students learn to calculate unknown forces using the concept of equilibrium and free body diagrams and to calculate simple stresses and deflections for axially loaded members. Topics include forces, moments, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, stress, strain, and deflection. Examples are drawn from mechanical, manufacturing, and civil engineering technology.
  MECE-103
   Statics
This basic course treats the equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies under the action of forces. It integrates the mathematical subjects of calculus, vector algebra and simultaneous algebraic equations with the physical concepts of equilibrium in two and three dimensions. Topics include concepts of force and moment, friction, centroids and moments of inertia, and equilibrium of trusses, frames and machines.
MFET-340
Automation Control Systems
This course will provide a thorough understanding of the manufacturing automation principles, practices and system integration. Students will design a fully automated control system from selection of components, specifying the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and developing the ladder logic required to operate the system. Students will have the tools to effectively be able to fully design an automated control system as in done in varying industries.
MFET-341
Automation Control Systems Lab
This course will provide a thorough hands-on experience in using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for manufacturing automation and system integration. Industry best practices for programming PLCs and the essentials of Human Machine Interface (HMI) for data entry, manipulation, and recording system status will be included.
MFET-460
Integrated Design for Manufacture & Assembly
Integrated design for manufacture and assembly manufacturing processes are expanded and applied to the design process. Part concepts will be considered for various manufacturing processes to determine which process will yield the lowest cost part that meets all product functional requirements. Students will learn the DFMA methodology for making decisions to analyze the costs associated with their product concepts. Designs will consider the tooling that is required in product build and will understand the interrelationships between decisions and the cost associated with manufacture and service of the product. At the conclusion of the course students will be able to effectively design parts and assemblies for manufacture, assembly, and service. Costing will be considered at every step of the design process.
MFET-545
Electronics Manufacturing
This course provides a thorough understanding of the technology, components, equipment, materials and manufacturing process for through hole technology and surface mount technology electronics manufacturing. Students will develop a strong foundation needed for advanced work in surface mount technology (SMT). Topics in Design for Manufacturing are also considered for high volume vs. low volume manufacturing. Students may only receive credit for this course or MFET-655, not both.
MFET-585
Robots & Automation
This course deals with the technology and application of robots and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) in a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) environment. It will provide a thorough understanding of robotic and CNC hardware and software. The hardware aspects include robot and CNC configurations, drive mechanisms, power systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, and servo actuators), end-effectors and end-of-arm-tooling, sensors, control systems, machine vision, programming, safety, and integration. The software aspect deals with the various methods of textual and lead through programming. Digital Interfacing of robots with other CIM components such as programmable logic controllers, computer-controlled machines, conveyors, etc. will be introduced. Robotic cell design and the socio-economic impact of robotics will also be discussed. A strong laboratory hands-on training component is a co-requisite for this course – MFET-446.
MFET-586
Robots & Automation Lab
This laboratory course provides hands on experience with robotics and CNC in manufacturing.