Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET)
Millersville University offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET) degree and a 2-year Associate of Technology in Applied Engineering & Technology with a concentration in Control Systems Technology (AET-CST). These are described below along with links to the Millersville University Undergraduate Catalog so you can read about the courses you will take in each major. There are general education requirements as well, and you can read about them here.
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Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology
Hands-on experience integrating automation, robotics, control engineering, and computer science.
Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science, (B.S.); 4-year program
The Bachelor of Science in Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET) introduces students to the fundamentals of power, electronic systems, and formal programming techniques common in industry. The curriculum, supported jointly by the departments of Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology and Computer Science, includes in depth technical content of electronics, control systems, mechanical systems, and computer programming and applications to prepare professionals equipped to design, improve, maintain, and manage robotic and automated process and control systems. Laboratory courses require students to design, program, develop and construct projects independently and in small teams.
The study of robotics and controls involves the design, modeling, optimization, documentation, and automation of advanced control problems. This major is designed to produce graduates prepared to work with multiple types of technology to design and implement projects that have advanced programming needs.
Students in the ARET degree program will complete courses from applied engineering, computer science, math, and physics. The ARET degree allows students to choose from an emphasis on computer science or technology management. The link below will open a new tab with course requirements and descriptions.
Bachelor of Science in Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology Catalog Listing
Control Systems Technology
Associate of Technology in Applied Engineering Technology (AET-CST); 2-year program
The Associate of Technology in Applied Engineering & Technology with a concentration in Control Systems Technology (AET-CST) is a 2-year degree program that shares many of its technical core courses with the ARET degree. This abbreviated program is for those individuals who need the hands-on experience with the devices, tools, and technology related to automation and robotics, but don't need either the computer science or management preparation. We designed the associate degree program to get students the education they need in a hurry, and it also seamlessly can be applied towards a bachelor's degree in Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology in the future. The link below will open a new tab with course requirements and descriptions.
Associate of Technology in Control Systems Technology Catalog Listing
Top three reasons to study automation & Robotics Engineering Technology AT MU:
- Learn relevant, in-demand automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, computer programming, and control system engineering skills.
- “[The] demand for robots has never been stronger as more industries look to automation to increase productivity and alleviate ongoing labor shortages”
- Earn one of the highest starting salaries after graduation from the university: automation/controls/robotics engineers $65,000- $75,000 per year.
Laboratory Facilities for ARET Majors:
There are multiple laboratory facilities dedicated to supporting the Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology degree. Some of the laboratories include:
Adaptive Computing
Automation/Controls
Advanced CADD
Electronics
Fluid Power
Robotics R&D
Intelligent Machines
Materials Processing
Rapid Prototyping
Clubs & Activities
Association of Technology, Management & Applied Engineering (ATMAE) Student Chapter (aka MU Robotics Team) The MU Robotics Team has earned more than 45 awards since 2001 in national or international robotics competitions. The team boasts seven winning championships at the National Robotics Competitions.
Epsilon Pi Tau (EPT) – Beta Phi Chapter. Epsilon Pi Tau is an international honor society for professions in technology. At Millersville, this includes Technology & Engineering Education, Applied Engineering & Technology Management, and Occupational Safety & Environmental Health majors.
Pictured: 2022 Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition team photo.
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Job titles of recent ARET graduates
- Application Engineer & Product Specialist
- Assembly Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Automation General Manager
- Automation Programmer
- Automation Specialist
- Certified Machinery Safety Expert
- Control System Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Engineering Supervisor
- Engineering Technician
- Industrial Automation Engineer
- Installation Supervisor
- IT Project Specialist
- Lead Systems Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Plant Service Engineer
- Process Control Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Design Engineer
- Product Manager
- Program Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Project Manager
- Quality Manager
- Robotics/Automation Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Sales Representative
- Site Supervisor
- Software Application Engineer
- Solution Engineer
- Sr. Engineer
- Support Engineer
- Team Supervisor
- Validation Lead
- Vice President Sales & Marketing
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ARET Alumni Spotlight
Michael Graham, AUTomation/Vision Engineer
Berry GlobalWhat I do: I resolve timely production-based issues on our establish automation and robots (robot crash, part wear, control issues, ect.). I specialize in our automated vision systems and so am usually the first one called for any vision-related issues. Another major part of my role is the continuous improvement of our plant by introducing new automation through a process of design, review, and implementation. My job varies greatly from day to day. Some days are quiet research and Solidworks nights while others can be full of production related issues that demand immediate attention.
HEATHER MURRAY, CONTROLs ENGINEER
OMNITECH AUTOMATION INC.What I do: Hired as the roboticist for a large project including four Fanuc robot cells. Two of these are six-axis robots, one equipped with Fanuc’s vision system, iRVision. The other two cells are Fanuc SCARA robots, which work together to create an assembly of plastic container caps with their related parts. Began software development with RoboGuide simulation software and CAD drawings of cell. Next, transferred the software to actual robots; updated payloads and finalized iRvision system; tweaked and tested the motion repeatedly; and assisted to incorporate the robots with the PLC system. Omnitech Automation Inc. is a Fanuc System Integrator, so the company sent me to two week-long training sessions to learn Fanuc programming and vision.
Dan Vazquez, Industrial Automation R&D Engineer
PrecisionForm Inc.What I do: PrecisionForm Inc. is a producer of cold formed and machined parts. As an Industrial Automation R&D Engineer I design and deploy custom automation systems to integrate with existing equipment and processes, as well as develop new processes and equipment to automate production and inspection tasks. I also build prototype equipment to test processes before implementing them into production. The skills I learned through the ARET program and Robotics Team were an excellent foundation to continue learning throughout my career.
QUENTIN KILGORE, SOFTWARE ENGINEER
ENGLE MACHINERY INC.What I do: Engel is a global injection molding machine and automation company. I am a software engineer in the automation department. Engel automation has two main products. They have their own proprietary cartesian robot, as well as six axis KUKA robots. Engel automation sells all kinds of periphery equipment as well to go along with the robots. My main job duties are to create software for standard robots and to create custom software for peripheral automation equipment. I have programmed custom conveyor belts, lasers, vision systems, bowl feeders, etc. I am also responsible for supporting service techs via phone support. I also go onsite to assist in the startup for the more complex projects.
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Download the Info
Click on the image or click here to download the Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology Program Information Sheet.
You can view a copy of the Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology curriculum worksheet: click here. When you become a student, you will use this document to collaborate with your advisor on the best way for you to complete your degree during your time here.
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Meet our ARET Program Coordinator
Dr. John Haughery is the program coordinator for the Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology program. Please email Dr. Haughery if you have any questions about the ARET program, or if you would like more information. His email address is: John.Haughery@millersville.edu.
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Schedule a visit to Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology
University Open House Days and Personal Tours Available.
The best way to get to know us is to come and see us!Several opportunities are available throughout the year for you to come and visit the Millersville University campus to learn about the programs offered, student life, financial aid, and the application process. Please click on Admissions Department to go to their page.
We are also available to meet with interested students and their families at times other than the scheduled open house days. Please email or call us using the information below. We'll schedule a time to meet with you and connect you with a professor who specializes in your area of interest.
Email: AEST@millersville.edu
Phone: 717-871-7237 -
AEST News Blog and Department Information
Keep up on the latest things happening in and around the Department of Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology. You can see what the students and staff are doing right now, and back issues of the former AEST Newsletter, Abbozzare, are available.
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Osburn Hall Building Hours
Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Building Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday
7:30am - 4:30 p.m. Friday