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Take a Look Inside the Robotics and Automation Trade!

Program Description

The Robotics and Automation program within the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) aims to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing fields of robotics and automation. This program is structured to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in careers related to robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The curriculum includes a blend of theoretical instruction and practical, hands-on experiences, including: Introduction to Robotics and Automation, Mechanical Systems, Electrical and Electronic Systems, Programming and Control Systems, Automation Systems, Robotic Design and Construction and Systems Integration.

Students will develop a wide range of job-ready skills, including: Analytical and problem-solving skills, Teamwork and collaboration, Project management and organizational skills, and Technical communication and documentation.

The program includes opportunities for internships and other work-based learning experiences to provide students with real-world exposure and practical experience in the field.

For more information about our programs please view CTECS Program of Studies.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards

National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc)

  • Provides a framework for career clusters, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
  • Focuses on essential knowledge and skills, such as technical skills, academic skills, employability skills, and career development.

International Society for Automation (ISA) Standards

ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

  • Provides a comprehensive body of knowledge for automation professionals.
  • Covers topics like control systems, manufacturing information systems, and operational consulting.

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

NIMS Standards for Advanced Manufacturing

  • Includes standards for industrial technology maintenance, which overlaps with robotics and automation.
  • Focuses on areas such as mechanical systems, electrical systems, fluid power, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Robotics Industries Association (RIA) Standards

  • Provides guidelines for safety and performance in robotic systems.
  • Includes standards like R15.06-2012, which focuses on industrial robot safety.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Engineering Pathway Standards

  • Includes curriculum standards for courses like Principles of Engineering and Robotics.
  • Emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

STEM Integration

  • Provides a framework for integrating engineering and technology into science education.
  • Encourages hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE Robotics and Automation Society

  • Offers guidelines and resources for robotics and automation education.
  • Focuses on research and development, as well as educational outreach.

National Robotics Education Foundation (NREF)

Robotics Curriculum Guidelines

  • Provides resources and standards for K-12 robotics education.
  • Emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and real-world applications.

 

Key Components of National Standards:

    • Core Technical Competencies:
      • Understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software systems.
      • Proficiency in programming languages and control systems.
      • Knowledge of safety protocols and standards.
    • Academic Integration:
      • Integration of math, science, and technology concepts.
      • Emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving.
    • Employability Skills:
      • Development of teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
      • Focus on career readiness and industry expectations.
    • Hands-On Experience:
      • Inclusion of laboratory and project-based learning.
      • Opportunities for internships, co-ops, and industry partnerships.
    • Assessment and Certification:
      • Use of performance-based assessments and industry-recognized certifications.
      • Alignment with national and state education standards.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

  • ISO 10218-1:2011 and ISO 10218-2:2011
    • Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots
    • Part 1: Robots – Basic safety requirements for the design of industrial robots.
    • Part 2: Robot Systems and Integration – Safety requirements for the integration and installation of robots.
  • ISO/TS 15066:2016
    • Robots and Robotic Devices – Collaborative Robots
    • Provides guidelines for the safety of collaborative robot operations, focusing on human-robot interaction.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

  • IEC 61508
    • Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety-related Systems
    • Framework for functional safety in automation systems, including robotics.
  • IEC 61131
    • Programmable Controllers
    • Standards for PLC programming languages, ensuring consistency and interoperability.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

  • ANSI/RIA R15.06
    • Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – Safety Requirements
    • Based on ISO 10218, this standard provides detailed safety requirements for industrial robots and systems in the United States.
  • ANSI/RIA R15.08
    • Safety Requirements for Industrial Mobile Robots
    • Focuses on the safety requirements specific to mobile robots used in industrial environments.

Robotics Industries Association (RIA)

  • RIA TR R15.306-2016
    • Task-Based Risk Assessment Methodology
    • Provides a framework for conducting risk assessments for robotic applications.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

  • IEEE 1872-2015
    • Ontology for Robotics and Automation
    • Establishes a common understanding and terminology for robotics and automation, facilitating communication and interoperability.
  • IEEE 1028-1997
    • Software Reviews and Audits
    • Standards for conducting software reviews and audits, ensuring software quality and reliability in robotic systems.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

  • NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Manufacturing
    • Provides guidelines for integrating robotics and automation into smart manufacturing systems, emphasizing interoperability and performance.

Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

  • A3 Vision and Imaging Standards
    • Standards for machine vision systems, including imaging and vision-guided robotics.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  • OSHA Guidelines for Robotics Safety
    • Provides safety guidelines and best practices for working with industrial robots to prevent workplace injuries.

Robotics Engineer
Automation Engineer
Robotics Technician
Robotic Software Developer
Control Systems Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Industrial Robot Operator
Applications Engineer (Robotics)

Associate of Science (AS) in Robotics Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Mechatronics
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Automation Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Robotics Engineering
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechatronics Engineering
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Automation
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Robotics
Master of Science (MS) in Robotics
Master of Science (MS) in Automation and Control Engineering
Master of Science (MS) in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Robotics
Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Automation