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 the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, 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.



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 a master's degree or more.

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.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. 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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