Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$11,025* (estimated)

Design, program and troubleshoot smart machines

Shape how machines interact with the world. An associate degree in Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics (A.R.M.) at CLC is your two-year pathway to a rewarding career solving problems and working with modern mechanical, electrical and control systems.

You'll learn to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair the smart systems powering today's industries—from industrial robots and automated manufacturing lines to ATMs, home sensors and smart appliances.

Graduate with the skills employers want. Start your career as a service technician with automation companies in Illinois, Wisconsin and beyond. As you gain experience, you can move into specialized roles or work with emerging technologies.

Get more information

Earn industry-recognized SACA certifications

CLC is one of the few schools where you learn within the Siemens mechatronics apprenticeship model. Immerse yourself in the technical world of mechatronics with a guide that teaches the principles applicable to all automation systems.

You can qualify to take the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certifications, which give you industry-standard recognition for what you’ve learned. Current plans are to offer the following SACA certifications:

  • Electrical Systems
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Pneumatics and Hydraulic Systems
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Robotics

Highlights

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ARM 110

    ARM 110 Mechatronics Math Fundamentals

    Class Description

    This is a basic review of arithmetic and fractions held the week before classes start during the fall and spring semesters. It is designed for 1st semester mechatronics students who have been out of school for a while or who just need brushing up on their basic math skills. It is held the week prior to the first week of classes for first semester students.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 111

    ARM 111 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing I

    Class Description

    This course will cover Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards, industrial hazards, personal protective equipment, fire and emergency response, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and ergonomics.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 112

    ARM 112 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing II

    Class Description

    This course will cover basic manufacturing and production, basic measurement devices, manufacturing efficiency techniques and industrial supply chain systems.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 113

    ARM 113 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing III

    Class Description

    This course will cover simple machines, basic electrical and fluid power systems, basic troubleshooting and problem solving techniques, and basic preventive and total productive maintenance.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 151

    ARM 151 Mechanical Systems I

    Class Description

    This course covers basic safety protocol, the role of mechanical components in complex mechatronic systems, the flow of energy in a mechatronic system, calculation of force, accelerations, speed, torque, etc. and basic maintenance and systems-level troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 152

    ARM 152 Mechanical Systems II

    Class Description

    This course covers gears and gear drives, chain and sprocket systems, power transmission, pulley drives, synchronous drives, lubrication requirements of mechanical components, analyzing technical data sheets, and basic troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 153

    ARM 153 Mechanical Systems III

    Class Description

    This course will cover mechanical shafts, couplings and bearings, lubrication, preventative and predictive maintenance of shafts, couplings, bushings, seals and bearings, alignment and troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 156

    ARM 156 Electrical Systems I

    Class Description

    This course will cover the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered will include electrical safety; current, voltage, resistance and power in AC and DC circuits; principles of resistance, inductance, capacitance, impedance, frequency, magnetism and transformers; basic function of AC/DC power supplies; operation of multimeters, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, wiggys, logic probes and amp clamps.
         		1
    ARM 157

    ARM 157 Electrical Systems II

    Class Description

    This course will cover fundamentals of parallel circuits, balancing bridges, reed switches, current dividers, voltage dividers, relays, indicators, solenoids and troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 158

    ARM 158 Electrical Systems III

    Class Description

    This course will cover electromagnetism; switches; photoelectric, capacitive, and inductive sensors; DC motor and generator introduction; AC motor and circuitry introduction; waveforms; instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.
         		1
    ARM 171

    ARM 171 Automation I

    Class Description

    This course will cover electrical safety, fundamentals of DC motor operations, starting methods for DC motors, speed control, and troubleshooting DC motors, introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC terminology, hardware components and general classification of PLCs.
         		1
    ARM 172

    ARM 172 Automation II

    Class Description

    This course will cover fundamentals of AC motors, intro to 3-phase distribution, transformers, PLC architecture, peripheral support devices, analog and digital circuit structures, and Boolean algebra.
         		1
    ARM 173

    ARM 173 Automation III

    Class Description

    This course covers AC induction motors, AC motor starting methods, AC motor speed control, and PLC input/output module devices and symbols.
         		1
    ARM 115

    ARM 115 Photonics for Mechatronics

    Class Description

    The subject matter covered in this course includes topics such as laser welding; laser drilling, cutting and marking; test and measurement applications; forensic science and homeland security; and basic spectroscopy principles. Course topics have a strong manufacturing orientation.
         		3
    • Course Code ARM 110
      Course Title

      ARM 110 Mechatronics Math Fundamentals

      Class Description

      This is a basic review of arithmetic and fractions held the week before classes start during the fall and spring semesters. It is designed for 1st semester mechatronics students who have been out of school for a while or who just need brushing up on their basic math skills. It is held the week prior to the first week of classes for first semester students.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 111
      Course Title

      ARM 111 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing I

      Class Description

      This course will cover Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards, industrial hazards, personal protective equipment, fire and emergency response, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and ergonomics.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 112
      Course Title

      ARM 112 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing II

      Class Description

      This course will cover basic manufacturing and production, basic measurement devices, manufacturing efficiency techniques and industrial supply chain systems.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 113
      Course Title

      ARM 113 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing III

      Class Description

      This course will cover simple machines, basic electrical and fluid power systems, basic troubleshooting and problem solving techniques, and basic preventive and total productive maintenance.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 151
      Course Title

      ARM 151 Mechanical Systems I

      Class Description

      This course covers basic safety protocol, the role of mechanical components in complex mechatronic systems, the flow of energy in a mechatronic system, calculation of force, accelerations, speed, torque, etc. and basic maintenance and systems-level troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 152
      Course Title

      ARM 152 Mechanical Systems II

      Class Description

      This course covers gears and gear drives, chain and sprocket systems, power transmission, pulley drives, synchronous drives, lubrication requirements of mechanical components, analyzing technical data sheets, and basic troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 153
      Course Title

      ARM 153 Mechanical Systems III

      Class Description

      This course will cover mechanical shafts, couplings and bearings, lubrication, preventative and predictive maintenance of shafts, couplings, bushings, seals and bearings, alignment and troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 156
      Course Title

      ARM 156 Electrical Systems I

      Class Description

      This course will cover the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered will include electrical safety; current, voltage, resistance and power in AC and DC circuits; principles of resistance, inductance, capacitance, impedance, frequency, magnetism and transformers; basic function of AC/DC power supplies; operation of multimeters, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, wiggys, logic probes and amp clamps.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 157
      Course Title

      ARM 157 Electrical Systems II

      Class Description

      This course will cover fundamentals of parallel circuits, balancing bridges, reed switches, current dividers, voltage dividers, relays, indicators, solenoids and troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 158
      Course Title

      ARM 158 Electrical Systems III

      Class Description

      This course will cover electromagnetism; switches; photoelectric, capacitive, and inductive sensors; DC motor and generator introduction; AC motor and circuitry introduction; waveforms; instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 171
      Course Title

      ARM 171 Automation I

      Class Description

      This course will cover electrical safety, fundamentals of DC motor operations, starting methods for DC motors, speed control, and troubleshooting DC motors, introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC terminology, hardware components and general classification of PLCs.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 172
      Course Title

      ARM 172 Automation II

      Class Description

      This course will cover fundamentals of AC motors, intro to 3-phase distribution, transformers, PLC architecture, peripheral support devices, analog and digital circuit structures, and Boolean algebra.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 173
      Course Title

      ARM 173 Automation III

      Class Description

      This course covers AC induction motors, AC motor starting methods, AC motor speed control, and PLC input/output module devices and symbols.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 115
      Course Title

      ARM 115 Photonics for Mechatronics

      Class Description

      The subject matter covered in this course includes topics such as laser welding; laser drilling, cutting and marking; test and measurement applications; forensic science and homeland security; and basic spectroscopy principles. Course topics have a strong manufacturing orientation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Instead of ARM 115, students can choose ARM 116, ARM 117 and ARM 118.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ARM 181

    ARM 181 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration I

    Class Description

    This course is the first of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
         		1
    ARM 182

    ARM 182 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration II

    Class Description

    This course is the second of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
         		1
    ARM 183

    ARM 183 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration III

    Class Description

    This course is the third of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
         		1
    ARM 155

    ARM 155 STEM Workplace Professional Skills

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to principles of professional behavior in the industrial workplace. It covers the individual attitude and behavioral skills that are important to a person's success in an industrial environment. Students are typically enrolled in STEM technical career areas such as mechatronics, environmental technology, machine tool trades and other similar career areas.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 174

    ARM 174 Automation IV

    Class Description

    This course will cover regenerative braking, National Electrical code (NEC) standards for installation and overload protection of motors, relay logic and ladder logic diagrams, circuit diagrams, scan time, and fundamentals of PLC programming.
         		1
    ARM 175

    ARM 175 Automation V

    Class Description

    This course will cover entering and editing a PLC program, monitoring a program, component addressing, analog to digital conversions, PLC program troubleshooting and troubleshooting codes.
         		1
    ARM 176

    ARM 176 Automation VI

    Class Description

    This is course will cover PLC data manipulation instruction, closed loop systems, arithmetic functions, and technical limits in implementation and how to overcome and improve them.
         		1
    ARM 191

    ARM 191 Pneumatics and Hydraulics I

    Class Description

    This course will cover basic safety rules and standards when working with mechatronic systems, introduction to fluid power, basic principles of hydraulics, fluid power components, hydraulic fluids and basic principles of pneumatics.
         		1
    ARM 192

    ARM 192 Pneumatics and Hydraulics II

    Class Description

    This course will continue coverage of basic pneumatics and will also cover power supplies, vacuum pumps, circuit diagrams and system tracing, pneumatic components, and system operation and troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 193

    ARM 193 Pneumatics and Hydraulics III

    Class Description

    This course will cover electronic controls, hydraulic cylinders and directional control valves, technical documentation, measurements and adjustments on a fluid system, troubleshooting and predictive/preventative maintenance.
         		1
    ARM 196

    ARM 196 Mechatronics Capstone I

    Class Description

    This is the first module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
         		1
    ARM 197

    ARM 197 Mechatronics Capstone II

    Class Description

    This is the second module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
         		1
    ARM 198

    ARM 198 Mechatronics Capstone III

    Class Description

    This is the third module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
         		1
    • Course Code ARM 181
      Course Title

      ARM 181 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration I

      Class Description

      This course is the first of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 182
      Course Title

      ARM 182 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration II

      Class Description

      This course is the second of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 183
      Course Title

      ARM 183 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration III

      Class Description

      This course is the third of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 155
      Course Title

      ARM 155 STEM Workplace Professional Skills

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to principles of professional behavior in the industrial workplace. It covers the individual attitude and behavioral skills that are important to a person's success in an industrial environment. Students are typically enrolled in STEM technical career areas such as mechatronics, environmental technology, machine tool trades and other similar career areas.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 174
      Course Title

      ARM 174 Automation IV

      Class Description

      This course will cover regenerative braking, National Electrical code (NEC) standards for installation and overload protection of motors, relay logic and ladder logic diagrams, circuit diagrams, scan time, and fundamentals of PLC programming.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 175
      Course Title

      ARM 175 Automation V

      Class Description

      This course will cover entering and editing a PLC program, monitoring a program, component addressing, analog to digital conversions, PLC program troubleshooting and troubleshooting codes.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 176
      Course Title

      ARM 176 Automation VI

      Class Description

      This is course will cover PLC data manipulation instruction, closed loop systems, arithmetic functions, and technical limits in implementation and how to overcome and improve them.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 191
      Course Title

      ARM 191 Pneumatics and Hydraulics I

      Class Description

      This course will cover basic safety rules and standards when working with mechatronic systems, introduction to fluid power, basic principles of hydraulics, fluid power components, hydraulic fluids and basic principles of pneumatics.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 192
      Course Title

      ARM 192 Pneumatics and Hydraulics II

      Class Description

      This course will continue coverage of basic pneumatics and will also cover power supplies, vacuum pumps, circuit diagrams and system tracing, pneumatic components, and system operation and troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 193
      Course Title

      ARM 193 Pneumatics and Hydraulics III

      Class Description

      This course will cover electronic controls, hydraulic cylinders and directional control valves, technical documentation, measurements and adjustments on a fluid system, troubleshooting and predictive/preventative maintenance.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 196
      Course Title

      ARM 196 Mechatronics Capstone I

      Class Description

      This is the first module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 197
      Course Title

      ARM 197 Mechatronics Capstone II

      Class Description

      This is the second module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 198
      Course Title

      ARM 198 Mechatronics Capstone III

      Class Description

      This is the third module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 115

    MTH 115 Applied Mathematics with Trigonometry

    Class Description

    This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra, practical geometry and right-angle trigonometry.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 115
      Course Title

      MTH 115 Applied Mathematics with Trigonometry

      Class Description

      This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra, practical geometry and right-angle trigonometry.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available

    Course options: Students can choose MTH 117, MTH 123, MTH 144 or MTH 145 instead of MTH 115.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 222

    ARM 222 Manufacturing Process Design

    Class Description

    This course covers process management and design in the field of manufacturing and mechatronics. The primary emphasis is process design, with an emphasis on manufacturing constraints. Topics include cycle time, production time, barrier identification, first pass yield, quality, benchmarking, cost analysis, continuous improvement and training in working effectively in team environment. A critical component of this class is one or more realistic factory simulations where students are assigned a role in a design project team and are given a timeline, a budget, a ?customer? and other manufacturing parameters. After completing the project, students present their results and learning outcomes.
         		3
    ARM 242

    ARM 242 Reverse Engineering of Mechanical Systems

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the design of mechanical components in complex mechatronics systems. It covers an overview of statics, dynamics, and design of machine elements. Topics include force system analysis; study of equilibrium, translation, and rotation; friction; and stress, strain, and wear analysis. It also covers reverse engineering and the design of machine elements in mechanical systems.
         		3
    ARM 244

    ARM 244 IIoT and Smart Sensors

    Class Description

    This course covers the use of smart sensors in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Topics include IIoT, Cloud Computing, RFID systems, and smart digital and analog sensor configuration and monitoring.
         		3
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 222
      Course Title

      ARM 222 Manufacturing Process Design

      Class Description

      This course covers process management and design in the field of manufacturing and mechatronics. The primary emphasis is process design, with an emphasis on manufacturing constraints. Topics include cycle time, production time, barrier identification, first pass yield, quality, benchmarking, cost analysis, continuous improvement and training in working effectively in team environment. A critical component of this class is one or more realistic factory simulations where students are assigned a role in a design project team and are given a timeline, a budget, a ?customer? and other manufacturing parameters. After completing the project, students present their results and learning outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 242
      Course Title

      ARM 242 Reverse Engineering of Mechanical Systems

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the design of mechanical components in complex mechatronics systems. It covers an overview of statics, dynamics, and design of machine elements. Topics include force system analysis; study of equilibrium, translation, and rotation; friction; and stress, strain, and wear analysis. It also covers reverse engineering and the design of machine elements in mechanical systems.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 244
      Course Title

      ARM 244 IIoT and Smart Sensors

      Class Description

      This course covers the use of smart sensors in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Topics include IIoT, Cloud Computing, RFID systems, and smart digital and analog sensor configuration and monitoring.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other Humanities or Fine Arts courses instead of HUM 127.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 266

    ARM 266 Advanced Motor Control

    Class Description

    This course covers advanced motor control as a continuation of Electrical Systems I, II, and III. The first part of the course covers general machine operations, types of braking and loads on a motor, and improving motor efficiency and power. The second part of the course covers control techniques, the role of different sensors in relation to motor operation, troubleshooting techniques and preventive measures that can be taken in order to protect motors. This course is one of the courses required for the Siemens Level 2 certification in mechatronics.
         		3
    ARM 295

    ARM 295 Mechatronics Troubleshooting

    Class Description

    This course is designed to develop the troubleshooting process applied to mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and networked/Internet of Things systems found in automated manufacturing. System and component troubleshooting applying top-down, divide/conquer, and backward approaches are covered. Students will test and repair systems at the component, system, and network level.
         		2
    ARM 288

    ARM 288 Process Control Technologies

    Class Description

    This course covers topics in closed-loop control and technologies used in process control in the context of a complex mechatronic system. Students will be trained to characterize a system by its step response function and to create and interpret charts with diagrams for time-based changes of measured values. Students will learn how to establish controller operating parameters and learn the difference between the types of controllers that are typically used in mechatronic process control systems. This course is one of the courses required for the Siemens Level 2 certification in mechatronics.
         		3
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 266
      Course Title

      ARM 266 Advanced Motor Control

      Class Description

      This course covers advanced motor control as a continuation of Electrical Systems I, II, and III. The first part of the course covers general machine operations, types of braking and loads on a motor, and improving motor efficiency and power. The second part of the course covers control techniques, the role of different sensors in relation to motor operation, troubleshooting techniques and preventive measures that can be taken in order to protect motors. This course is one of the courses required for the Siemens Level 2 certification in mechatronics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 295
      Course Title

      ARM 295 Mechatronics Troubleshooting

      Class Description

      This course is designed to develop the troubleshooting process applied to mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and networked/Internet of Things systems found in automated manufacturing. System and component troubleshooting applying top-down, divide/conquer, and backward approaches are covered. Students will test and repair systems at the component, system, and network level.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 288
      Course Title

      ARM 288 Process Control Technologies

      Class Description

      This course covers topics in closed-loop control and technologies used in process control in the context of a complex mechatronic system. Students will be trained to characterize a system by its step response function and to create and interpret charts with diagrams for time-based changes of measured values. Students will learn how to establish controller operating parameters and learn the difference between the types of controllers that are typically used in mechatronic process control systems. This course is one of the courses required for the Siemens Level 2 certification in mechatronics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of SOC 121.

Total Credit Hours

63


Female student taking notes in class

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have post-graduate degrees.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.


Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Frequently asked questions

High-tech labs for hands-on learning

Get career-ready skills by mastering the same equipment used by major manufacturers and distributors in the region.

You'll train on an extensive array of robotic, automation and smart-technology systems at CLC labs in Grayslake, Waukegan and Gurnee. Equipment includes:

  • Fanuc 6-axis industrial robotic arms
  • Delta industrial spider robot
  • Automation training stations with industrial-grade sensors and Siemens programmable logic controllers
  • Pneumatic training stations featuring valves, cylinders and electrical control integration
  • AC/DC electrical training stations
  • Industrial motor control, mechanical drive and conveyor systems for modern manufacturing
  • The Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics Lab at Grayslake Campus

    A.R.M. Lab at Grayslake Campus

    Learn hands-on to manage hydraulic, pneumatic and automation control systems. Code programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for robotic equipment. Grow your knowledge of smart and collaborative technologies training on Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) smart sensors and a Baxter humanoid collaborative robot.

    The Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics Lab at Grayslake Campus
  • Student working on high-tech equipment in Mechatronics lab in Waukegan, Ill.

    Mechatronics Lab at Lakeshore Campus, Waukegan, IL

    Train on industrial robotic arms, sensors and conveyor systems for modern manufacturing. Gain job-ready skills working with mechanical, electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic system equipment. Evening classes at Lakeshore Campus accommodate students who work during the day. 

    Student working on high-tech equipment in Mechatronics lab in Waukegan, Ill.
  • Female student working in the Industrial Technology Lab at the ATC.

    Advanced Technology Center, Gurnee, IL

    Some of your courses may take place at the ATC. The 170,000-square-foot center is home to CLC's Industrial Technology lab and the largest welding and fabrication lab in Illinois. Get hands-on with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated logistical systems, process control systems and more.

    Female student working in the Industrial Technology Lab at the ATC.
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Excel in a high-demand field

Discover what students love about the automation, robotics and mechatronics program at CLC.

What students say about CLC


  • Gabewil Mattheau Chan Sanoria in the ARM lab

    Gabewil Mattheau Chan Sanoria

    Student

    "We want to live in a society where everyone's taken care of and I think robotics could push that forward."

    Gabewil is earning a degree in automation, robotics and mechatronics. He sees opportunity for robotics to advance the caregiving profession. Eventually, he plans to start his own business.

    Learn about manufacturing careers

    Gabewil Mattheau Chan Sanoria in the ARM lab
  • Kylie Kundert in the ARM lab

    Kylie Kundert

    Student

    "I knew I would come out of it with the skills necessary to enter into the workforce."

    Kylie is earning a degree in automation, robotics and mechatronics. After touring the lab at CLC, she knew advanced manufacturing was her future. And that she'd gain the skills here to succeed.

    Learn about manufacturing careers

    Kylie Kundert in the ARM lab
  • Chad Holt, CLC student

    Chad Holt

    Adult Learner

    "I have a lot of technical skills, but I didn't have the formal education side. I've connected a lot of dots (in this program), and it's really helped me to polish and hone my skills."

    Chad is a full-time employee striving to earn associate degrees in automation, robotics and mechatronics and mechanical engineering technology. His goal is to upskill and advance in his field.

    Read Chad's story

    Chad Holt, CLC student
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Related programs

This associate degree is just one possible way to study Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

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