11-10-2012, 01:20 PM
Automation Project
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Course Description:
This course is dedicated to a student created project in automation control systems. Each student is required to concept, propose, design, program, commission, document, and demonstrate a functional automation project. Each independent project must integrate a PLC, Industrial Robot, material handling system, human machine interface and automatic identification system, as a minimum. The system must provide a user-friendly order-entry system utilizing industrial networks to perform an automated flexible task. The student showcases and challenges their previously gained automation controls knowledge by independently designing and delivering a unique project (compared to current classmates). Milestones and progress demonstrations will be set to keep the student on track through several stages. The course begins with each student creating a project proposal in accordance with guidelines provided by the professor. The project will focus upon the programming and integration of multiple automation technologies in our fully functional lab facility. Students are required to demonstrate their automation project two weeks before the end of the semester, allowing ample time for final project documentation. A control system safety component is included in this course that focuses upon control system safety applications and components. Topics such as safety sensors, safety PLC’s and two-strand safety circuits will also be covered in this section of the course.
Rationale:
North American manufacturing must embrace industrial automation to compete in the global market. Today’s modern factories consist of numerous, flexible, efficient and automated machines, systems & “workcells” that are integrated to meet the production needs of the enterprise. These factories utilize robotics, PLC’s, industrial networks, human-machine-interfaces, and numerous other “automation technologies”. Personnel responsible for industrial automation must be fluent with a wide variety of software used to program and troubleshoot the "automated system". Personnel must also be competent in time management and documentation skills.