Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology
Robotics Students Fire Fighting Robot Competition
Andrew Miller, an AETM RCSY major, recently edited a video of the mobile robotics students’ journey as he and his fellow students worked in teams of two to complete their research and development final project. The students were challenged to develop firefighting robots that seek out and extinguish a randomly placed candle in an 8’ x 8’ maze. The challenge in modeled after an international robotics competition called The Trinity College Home Fire Fighting Robot Contest which has been held in Hartford, Connecticut annually since 1993. The purpose of the challenge is gain experience designing autonomous systems with real-time data acquisition for known environments while mastering programming in C++. "This is no easy task. Simulation is one thing, but designing real-world autonomous robots that are reliable is quite another” says Dr. John Wright, course instructor and ARET Program Coordinator. The challenge is one of the capstone experiences for all AETM RCSY and ARET majors within the AEST Department.
Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Tech
Hands-on experience integrating of computer science, robotics, and controls engineering.
Degree
Bachelor of Science, (B.S.)
Automation & Intelligent Robotics
Engineering Technology (ARET)
Students in the ARET degree are introduced 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. Click here to see the ARET course descriptions.
Click here to view a typical 4-year program of study. This is provided for reference only. You will work closely with your advisor to determine the best way to complete your degree.
Clubs & Activities
Association of Technology, Management & Applied Engineering (ATMAE) Student Chapter (aka MU Robotics Team) The MU Robotics Team has earned more than 30 awards since 2001 in national or international robotics competitions. The team boasts winning the 2010 and 2013 ATMAE 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: 2019 Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition team photo.
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Alumni Spotlight: Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology
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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Hours of Operation
Office Hours:
7:30am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday -
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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ARET can become...
- Controls Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- Robotics Technicians
- Process Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Test Engineers
- Software Engineers
- Field Engineers
- Programmers
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Top Three Reasons
Top 3 Reasons to Choose
Automation and Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology at Millersville U.- Opportunity to learn about automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer programming techniques.
- Excellent starting salaries for automation/control/robotics engineers.
- According to O*Net Resource Center, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment Training, the Robotics Engineer and related occupations, is identified as have a "bright outlook" with a score of 100/100.
Source: O*Net (2011). Summary Report for 17-2199.08-Robotics Engineers. O*Net
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ARET Program Coordinator
Dr. John Wright is the program coordinator for the Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology program. Please email Dr. Wright if you have any questions about the ARET program, or if you would like more information. His email address is John.Wright@millersville.edu.
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Laboratory Facilities
There are multiple laboratory facilities dedicated to supporting the Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology degree. Specific facilities include:
- Adaptive Computing
- Automation/Robotics
- CADD
- Electronics
- Fluid Power
- Humanoid
- Intelligent Machines
- Materials Processing
- Rapid Prototyping
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Accreditation
The Automation & Intelligent Robotics Engineering Technology degree is a new degree program. It is a hybrid study of Applied Engineering and Computer Science. The Applied Engineering & Technology Management (AETM) degree is accredited by The Association of Technology Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), and the Computer Science degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).