Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics

Associate in Applied Science

Career Degree

Cost: $11,991*

Design, program & troubleshoot smart machines

An Associate in Applied Science in Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics (A.R.M.) is an excellent program for all who enjoy working in a challenging and hands-on environment. The field of A.R.M. combines skills in mechanical, electrical, and control technology to revolutionize how machines interact with the world.

Graduates with a degree in A.R.M. design, program and troubleshoot automated "smart" machines and robots. Smart machines include all types of objects that are used at home and in industry such as automatic vacuum cleaners, ATM machines, artificial limbs, animatronics and industrial robot systems.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics?

With an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in A.R.M., you stand out from the competition and advance in your career. Use the skills you learn in the program to work in a challenging, hands-on environment in field service locations and production facilities worldwide.

After graduation, almost all students work for automation companies as service technicians in Illinois and Wisconsin. Many professional avenues also exist in related fields.

Highlights

Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

State-of-the-art facilities to build career-ready skills
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Degree

Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $61,729
  
  Median
  
  $99,739
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $149,987
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29.67
  
  Median
  
  $47.95
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $72.10
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  0.38%
  
  Some college
  
  4.77%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  6.9%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  87.59%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.37%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $56,167
  
  Median
  
  $106,985
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $190,327
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27.00
  
  Median
  
  $51.43
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $91.50
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  1.2%
  
  Some college
  
  21.46%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  10.01%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  66.14%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.2%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $56,167
  
  Median
  
  $106,985
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $190,327
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27.00
  
  Median
  
  $51.43
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $91.50
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  3.33%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  16.67%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  56.67%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  16.67%
  
  Doctorate
  
  6.67%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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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

Course Highlights
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 Code	Course Title	Credits
AMT 299	AMT 299 Special Topics in Administrative Management and Technology Class Description A course designed to meet the needs of students for specialized instruction in current office automation topics. Topics will be identified for each section of the course.	1
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
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
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
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 116	ARM 116 Mechatronics Graphics I Class Description This course covers the role of technical drawings in industry, examples of different types of technical drawings, measurements using rulers, calipers and micrometers, and introduction to sketching techniques and to 3-view drawings.	1
ARM 117	ARM 117 Mechatronics Graphics II Class Description This course continues coverage of 3-view visualization and sketching techniques. It also covers introduction to special views, dimensioning techniques and drawing layout.	1
ARM 118	ARM 118 Mechatronics Graphics III Class Description This course will cover tolerancing, Computer Aided Design (CAD) terminology and basic object drawing, modification of existing CAD drawings and CAD dimensioning.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 299
Course Title	AMT 299 Special Topics in Administrative Management and Technology Class Description A course designed to meet the needs of students for specialized instruction in current office automation topics. Topics will be identified for each section of the course.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
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
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
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
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 116
Course Title	ARM 116 Mechatronics Graphics I Class Description This course covers the role of technical drawings in industry, examples of different types of technical drawings, measurements using rulers, calipers and micrometers, and introduction to sketching techniques and to 3-view drawings.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 117
Course Title	ARM 117 Mechatronics Graphics II Class Description This course continues coverage of 3-view visualization and sketching techniques. It also covers introduction to special views, dimensioning techniques and drawing layout.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 118
Course Title	ARM 118 Mechatronics Graphics III Class Description This course will cover tolerancing, Computer Aided Design (CAD) terminology and basic object drawing, modification of existing CAD drawings and CAD dimensioning.
Credits	1

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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 Automation, Robotics, and 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 Automation, Robotics, and 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 Automation, Robotics, and 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 Highlights
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
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 Automation, Robotics, and 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 Automation, Robotics, and 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 Automation, Robotics, and 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 Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
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
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

Course Highlights
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
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 Code	Course Title	Credits
HUM 127	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description This course is an introduction to critical thinking skills (i.e., informal logic), including the following: problem solving, diagramming and evaluating arguments, constructing sound reasoning skills and habits, detecting fallacies, and reasoning from a variety of disciplines such as science, business, law, and the arts.	3
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 280	ARM 280 Industrial IoT Automated Manufacturing Class Description This course is designed to prepare students to troubleshoot control and power components, motor starters, electrical systems, automatic input devices, and program and operate variable frequency AC drives. Connectivity to networks and the Internet of Things with industrial controls will also be covered.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 127
Course Title	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description This course is an introduction to critical thinking skills (i.e., informal logic), including the following: problem solving, diagramming and evaluating arguments, constructing sound reasoning skills and habits, detecting fallacies, and reasoning from a variety of disciplines such as science, business, law, and the arts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
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 280
Course Title	ARM 280 Industrial IoT Automated Manufacturing Class Description This course is designed to prepare students to troubleshoot control and power components, motor starters, electrical systems, automatic input devices, and program and operate variable frequency AC drives. Connectivity to networks and the Internet of Things with industrial controls will also be covered.
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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 286	ARM 286 Automation Pyramid Class Description This course introduces the concept of Totally Integrated Automation by looking at the automation pyramid. Students will start at the field level with analogue sensors and actuators and go up to the control level with programming and networking PLCs. The course covers connecting analogue sensors to analogue modules, STEP 7 functions, and basics of MPI-Bus and PROFIBUS systems. Maintenance and troubleshooting of these bus systems will also be covered. This course is one of the courses required for the Siemens Level 2 certification in mechatronics.	3
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

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
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
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 286
Course Title	ARM 286 Automation Pyramid Class Description This course introduces the concept of Totally Integrated Automation by looking at the automation pyramid. Students will start at the field level with analogue sensors and actuators and go up to the control level with programming and networking PLCs. The course covers connecting analogue sensors to analogue modules, STEP 7 functions, and basics of MPI-Bus and PROFIBUS systems. Maintenance and troubleshooting of these bus systems will also be covered. This course is one of the courses required for the Siemens Level 2 certification in mechatronics.
Credits	3

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

Total Credit Hours

Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics at CLC

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View the Automation, Robotics and Mechatronic Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

The A.A.S. in A.R.M. is 61–63 credit hours and takes an average of 2 years to complete. Every 1st-year A.R.M. class consists of 1 hour of lecture and 3 hours of hands-on activity every day.
Your second year of study requires six additional advanced technical courses. Three of the advanced classes consist of two hours of lecture and two hours of lab. The remaining advanced classes are offered at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) every semester with flexible days and times.
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 to teach principles that apply 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:
- Mechanical Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Programmable Logic Controllers
- Pneumatics and Hydraulic Systems
- Robotics
You receive hands-on learning and build expertise in:
- using troubleshooting skills to identify, foresee and prevent problems in automated systems
- designing programmable logic controller (PLC) networks, including configuration and data transfer using bus systems.
- applying knowledge of process control technology
- integrating robotics and vision systems into manufacturing cells
- installing automation systems
- optimizing automation systems for cost effectiveness and efficiency
You will learn by doing.
Throughout the program, you practice skills in designing, programming and troubleshooting of automated systems skills in the laboratory. Each class in the certificate program consists of one hour of lecture followed by three hours of hands-on lab work—plenty of time to practice what you just learned in lecture.
Your smaller classes (16 students max) give you more time with your instructors. Speaking of time, most classes last 4 hours—and most of that time you’re in the lab, hands and brain engaged.
You gain skills and expertise in:
- programming robots
- working with fluid power
- working with control systems
Demonstrate your knowledge by building a manufacturing cell consisting of a conveyor, sensors, fluid power, electrical wiring and control system programming in your Capstone course.
Yes, you can, but since this is a full-time program, it is more difficult and requires good time management to work full time while taking a full-time class load. There are both day and evening cohorts to work around your schedule.
Start right away with your associate degree in roles such as:
- automation technician
- field service technician
- robotics technician
- mechatronics technician
- electro-mechanical technician
- programmable logic controller programmer
With additional education, you can become a:
- mechatronics engineer
- robotics engineer
- automation engineer

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 two (2) associate degrees in automation, robotics and mechatronics and mechanical engineering technology. His goal is to upskill and get ahead of tech advancements in his field.
Read Chad's story

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics

Design, program & troubleshoot smart machines

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics?

Highlights

Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Mechanical Engineers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Mechatronics Engineers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Robotics Engineers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 2 Credits

Semester 2 16 Credits

Semester 3 13 Credits

Summer 4 6 Credits