Robotics and Automation Engineering Standards and Skills

Skills:

1. Explain the role of Robotics and Automation Engineers in advancing technological innovation across various industries, providing examples of recent breakthroughs that have transformed industrial practices.
2. Evaluate the impact of Robotics and Automation Engineers on improving efficiency, productivity, and workplace safety within a specific industry, detailing the technologies or systems they have implemented.
3. Examine how Robotics and Automation Engineers enhance healthcare and quality of life through the development of medical robots and assistive technologies.
4. Demonstrate understanding and adherence to state and federal regulations, industry standards, and safety practices in the installation, maintenance, and operation of robots and automated systems.

Skills:

1. Demonstrate the use of threaded and non-threaded fasteners and anchors and install them correctly.
2. Demonstrate operation of power tools and power-actuated tools safely and effectively following industry standards.
3. Demonstrate the use of digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and data acquisition systems for advanced diagnostics and measurement.
4. Perform accurate electrical measurements using an ammeter, voltmeter, ohmmeter, and volt-ohm-multimeter (VOM).
5. Identify and apply standard methods for making secure electrical connections, including soldering, de-soldering, crimping, and using wire nuts and lugs.
6. Identify and use tools specific to robotics and automation, such as robotic grippers, specialized calibration tools, and diagnostic equipment for automated systems.
7. Select and use basic hand tools and equipment for electronic circuits, such as needle-nose pliers, nut drivers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, wire strippers, and torque drivers.
8. Demonstrate the use of advanced hand tools and equipment for assembling electronic circuits, including Greenlee punches, taps and dies, hand drills, drill presses, and riveters.
9. Utilize both English and International (SI) measurement systems, and accurately calibrate and use electronic devices and gauges for various applications.
10. Define and apply the attributes, units, and systems of measurement commonly used in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) fields.
11. Inspect and maintain tools and equipment regularly to ensure safe and efficient operation in compliance with industry standards.
12. Integrate and calibrate tools within robotic systems, including aligning sensors and calibrating robotic arms for precise operation.
13. Apply advanced measurement techniques, including laser measuring tools and automated calibration systems, to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
14. Identify emerging technologies and tools in robotics and automation, such as 3D printing for tool fabrication and automated tool changers.

Skills:

1. Identify and explain the essential components of the engineering design process, including problem definition, research, solution generation, prototyping, testing, and documentation.
2. Define the engineering problem in a concise, written problem statement that captures the scope, constraints, and objectives.
3. Generate and evaluate potential solutions using brainstorming techniques and a structured problem-solving process, ensuring alignment with project goals and feasibility for implementation.
4. Identify and document the critical components and processes of the system to be designed, ensuring clarity in design intent and functionality.
5. Demonstrate building a prototype or model based on the selected solution, ensuring precision and adherence to design specifications.
6. Inspect and test the prototype to verify that it meets all customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and functional expectations using appropriate testing equipment and diagnostic tools.
7. Analyze testing results to identify necessary modifications or improvements and iterate on the design to enhance performance and reliability.
8. Document the entire design process, including problem identification, solution development, prototyping, testing, and final outcomes, in a comprehensive report.

Skills:

1. Read and interpret technical documents, including technical reports, trade journals, machine manuals, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and relevant web sources.
2. Generate comprehensive technical reports that clearly communicate findings, design solutions, and recommendations.
3. Identify, read, and interpret electrical schematics and block diagrams.
4. Apply schematic symbols and wiring diagrams according to major international standards, such as IEEE, ISO, and ANSI.
5. Identify and interpret standard flowchart symbols in accordance with major international standards (IEEE, ISO, ANSI).
6. Read and interpret process control flow charts.
7. Use appropriate symbols to develop a process diagram for a given process.
8. Create hand-sketch drawings to communicate technical ideas.
9. Define and describe orthographic projections.
10. Produce fully annotated orthographic projections of a mechanical part.
11. Create a freehand drawing of a mechanical component.
12. Apply various sketching techniques and styles to effectively communicate designs and solutions.
13. Select and utilize the appropriate pictorial style to effectively communicate solutions in the design process.
14. Demonstrate basic use of a CAD system to create 2D-orthographical and pictorial drawings.
15. Read and interpret detailed blueprints and technical processes.
16. Define various geometric shapes and relationships and use appropriate CAD tools to draw basic shapes.
17. Distinguish among and apply various geometric constraints in 3D models, including horizontal, vertical, parallel, perpendicular, tangent, concentric, collinear, coincident, and equal.
18. Apply the Cartesian coordinate system to measure and plot models accurately.

Skills:

1. Identify and describe the uses of the six simple machines (SM): lever, pulley, inclined plane, screw, wedge, and wheel and axle.
2. Define and explain key terms including, Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA), Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA), power, efficiency, compound machines, work input, and work output.
3. Build and demonstrate a simple machine, explaining its use and operation.
4. Calculate the IMA & AMA for the different SM.
5. Design, build, and operate a Compound Machine.
6. Identify the role that friction plays in SM operation.
7. Apply all safety protocols to the design and building of hydraulic systems.
8. Identify and describe the components of a hydraulic cylinder and their functions.
9. Identify and describe the types and functions of hydraulic pumps, accumulators, actuators, and motors.
10. Identify and explain the schematic symbol for each part of a hydraulic system component.
11. Explain the operation of relief valves, pressure-compensated flow-control valves, check valves, directional control valves, and servo-control valves.
12. Design, build, and operate a hydraulic system, demonstrating its functionality.
13. Apply all safety protocols to the design and build of pneumatic systems.
14. Identify and describe the components used in a pneumatic system, including gases and their functions.
15. Describe the operation of compressors, desiccant dryers, receiver tanks, pressure switches, and pressure regulators.
16. Interpret the schematic symbols for pneumatic system components, including compressors, safety release valves, cylinders, and various types of directional control valves.
17. Design, build, and operate a pneumatic system, demonstrating its functionality.
18. Identify and describe the functions and uses of basic machine operations, including a vertical mill, lathe, and various power tools.
19. Inspect and maintain mechanical systems and components by cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting parts, and record all maintenance procedures.
20. Identify and troubleshoot common problems in mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and basic machines using appropriate diagnostic tools.
21. Develop and implement corrective actions to restore functionality and efficiency.

Skills:

1. Label the parts of an atom and explain their roles in electrical phenomena.
2. Differentiate between insulators and conductors in terms of electron flow.
3. Describe the characteristics and applications of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC).
4. Explain the differences between analog and digital signals.
5. Identify various switches (NO, NC, SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, Multi-selector) and explain their functions.
6. Identify various types of power resistors and their applications and explain key specifications such as power rating, resistance value, and tolerance.
7. Identify common surface mount resistor packages and their characteristics.
8. Construct and analyze series circuits, applying Ohm’s Law and measuring voltage and current at various points.
9. Investigate Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law in series circuits and Kirchhoff’s Current Law in parallel circuits.
10. Build and analyze series-parallel circuits and calculate power dissipation using Watt’s Law.
11. Identify and explain magnetic principles and theorems.
12. Evaluate the effects of turns, wire diameter, and current on electromagnets.
13. Test and use relays and describe transformer characteristics, including turns ratio, voltage, current, power, and efficiency.
14. Calculate RMS, peak, peak-to-peak, and average values of periodic waveforms.
15. Determine frequency, period, and duty cycle of periodic waveforms.
16. Design, simulate, build, and test half-wave and full-wave rectifiers.
17. Design, simulate, build, and test transistors as switches and explain their bias points in relation to cutoff and saturation.
18. Identify and describe the main parts and functions of DC motors, e.g., field, armature, brushes, and commutators.
19. Explain the operation and performance characteristics of DC motors, e.g., series wound, shunt wound, and compound wound.
20. Describe the main parts and functions of AC motors (rotor, stator), and differentiate between induction and synchronous motors.
21. Explain the concept of three-phase motors.
22. Explain the basics of power generation, three-phase power systems, and power transmission, including high voltage values and local distribution.
23. Explain the use of measurement tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generators for circuit analysis and testing.
24. Examine advanced circuit analysis techniques such as mesh and nodal analysis.
25. Explain basic analog filter circuits (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-stop) and their applications.
26. Apply troubleshooting methodologies for identifying and fixing common problems in electrical circuits.
27. Examine Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) such as FPGAs and CPLDs and their role in digital circuit design.
28. Perform conversions between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal number systems.

Skills:

1. Describe the operation and use of a potentiometer to measure mechanical movement in a control system.
2. Examine the use of more advanced and precise digital sensors, such as magnetic encoders and capacitive sensors, and explain why modern digital alternatives might be preferred in new designs.
3. Design and build a circuit used to demonstrate the use of a potentiometer or a modern digital sensor to measure mechanical movement in a control system.
4. Describe the operation and use of absolute and incremental optical rotary encoders, and design and build a circuit to demonstrate their application in a control system.
5. Explain the characteristics and operation of velocity sensors and analyze their applications in various control systems.
6. Design and build a circuit used to demonstrate the operation of optical tachometers.
7. Describe the operation and use of direct current transformers and design and build a circuit to demonstrate their application in a control system.
8. Evaluate the advantages of modern sensor technologies, including optical encoders, digital tachometers, and sensorless control techniques, and design a system that implements one of these technologies in a robotics or automation application.
9. Explain the characteristics and operation of various types of proximity sensors, including mechanical limit switches, optical proximity sensors (such as photo resistors, photodiodes, phototransistors, and photovoltaic cells), and inductive and capacitive sensors.
10. Compare the functionality, limitations, and applications of mechanical limit switches with modern proximity sensors, such as optical and inductive sensors, to determine their suitability for contemporary control systems.
11. Describe the operation and use of ultrasonic proximity sensors in a control system.
12. Describe the operation and use of inductive and capacitive proximity sensors.
13. Describe the operation and use of hall-effect proximity sensors.
14. Design and build a circuit using one or more of the above proximity sensors.
15. Explain the characteristics and operation of load and force sensors.
16. Describe the operation and the use of strain gauges in a control system.
17. Design and build a circuit used to demonstrate the use of a strain gauge in a control system.
18. Compare traditional strain gauges and pressure sensors with MEMS-based alternatives, evaluating their advantages, limitations, and applications in modern control systems.
19. Explain the characteristics and operation of pressure sensors, describe their use in control systems, and design and build a circuit to demonstrate their application.
20. Explain the characteristics, operation, and use of RTDs (Resistor Temperature Device), thermocouples, and thermistors, and compare these with integrated digital temperature sensors, e.g., I2C and SPI-based sensors, focusing on the benefits of digital sensors for interfacing and integration with modern microcontrollers.
21. Design and build circuits to demonstrate the operation and use of RTDs, thermistors, and thermocouples in temperature control systems.
22. Design and build a circuit to demonstrate the operation and use of an integrated-circuit temperature sensor, e.g., I2C or SPI-based sensor, in a temperature control system.

Skills:

1. Identify and explain the basic building blocks and major components of PLCs, including fixed and modular types, and discuss their advantages.
2. Describe the advantages of PLCs in automation, including their modes of operation and the criteria used to categorize them (functionality, number of inputs/outputs, cost, and size).
3. Identify and explain PLC programming devices, and describe the major hardware components, including the CPU, power supply, memory types, and field device connections.
4. Describe the specifications and operation of PLC I/O modules (Discrete, Analog, Specialty) and explain I/O addressing formats.
5. Identify and describe the various terminal programming devices used for PLCs and explain the role and applications of Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
6. Explain the Binary Concept and its application in PLC logic, and describe basic digital gate functions (AND, OR, INVERTER) and their use in PLC logic.
7. Identify the role of Boolean algebra in simplifying PLC logic and develop equivalent PLC logic from both Logic Gate Circuits and Boolean Expressions.
8. Explain the role of electromagnetic relays and NO/NC contacts in PLC programming and wiring diagrams.
9. Develop and interpret PLC programming and wiring diagrams for components like motor starters, contactors, manually operated switches, and sensors, and create diagrams from electromagnetic relay logic and narrative descriptions.
10. Create PLC programming and wiring diagrams from electromagnetic relay logic and narrative descriptions.
11. Develop PLC programs using functions such as delay and retentive timers, counters, program control instructions (Master Control Reset, Jump, and Subroutines), data manipulation, data comparison, basic math functions, sequencer and shift register instructions, and programming blocks for analog inputs/outputs and PID control.
12. Design and implement HMI programs to monitor PLC operations, adjust timer and counter values, and manage I/O devices.
13. Develop and implement advanced PLC programs using function blocks and structured text and apply data logging techniques to enhance system diagnostics and performance analysis.
14. Design and configure PLC systems to integrate with SCADA systems and IoT devices, enabling seamless data exchange and control across multiple automation platforms.

Skills:

1. Explain the fundamental components and specifications of industrial robots, including arm geometry, degrees of freedom, position and orientation axes, work envelope, and tool center point, and describe how these factors affect robot performance.
2. Identify and explain the classification of industrial robots by arm geometry and describe their impact on robot performance, including specific applications for each type.
3. Define and provide examples of key robot specifications, such as payload, repeatability, memory capacity, and environmental requirements, and apply this knowledge to select appropriate robots for various tasks.
4. Identify and describe the various actuators and drive mechanisms used by industrial robotic arms and explain their roles in robot movement and functionality.
5. Identify and explain the various controllers and power sources used by industrial robots, including their functions and how they contribute to robot operation.
6. Describe the various types of end-of-arm tooling used by industrial robots and explain how they are selected and applied for different tasks.
7. Identify and describe the teaching and programming devices used for accurate robot programming and explain their importance in setting up and modifying robot operations.
8. Describe the different data storage devices used by industrial robots and explain their role in storing programs, settings, and operational data.
9. Explain the differences between open-loop and closed-loop control systems used in industrial robots, including their applications and limitations.
10. Identify and classify the different types of industrial robots based on their structural design, functionality, and application, including Cartesian, SCARA, and articulated robots.
11. Describe the various arm geometries employed in industrial robots and their specific applications, including the advantages and limitations of each geometry.
12. Examine the various power sources used by industrial robots and discuss their advantages and limitations, including electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
13. Explain the different path control techniques used by industrial robots, such as point-to-point control, continuous path control, and trajectory control.
14. Describe the operation and applications of simple contact sensors used in industrial robot work cells, including their role in detecting physical contact and enhancing safety.
15. Describe and explain the operation and applications of simple noncontact sensors in industrial robots such as infrared, ultrasonic, and laser sensors.
16. Describe the operation and use of process control sensors in industrial robot work cells, explaining how these sensors monitor and control process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate to ensure process stability and efficiency.
17. Explain end-of-arm tooling for industrial robots by defining key terms, describing their functions, and identifying various types of tooling, including grippers, sensors, and effectors.
18. Identify and describe the power sources used for end-of-arm tooling and their applications in robotic systems.
19. Identify and explain the functions of different types of grippers, including standard, servo, non-servo, vacuum, and magnetic, and discuss their specific uses in various industrial tasks.
20. Identify the complexities involved in programming industrial robot work cells and describe the challenges faced, including issues related to system integration and programming accuracy.
21. Identify and explain the functions of the robot controller, including its role in programming and controlling the robot.
22. Explain online programming, including the methods used and how it is accomplished, highlighting its advantages and applications.
23. Explain offline programming, including the methods used and how it is accomplished, and discuss its benefits and typical use cases.
24. Demonstrate building a mobile robot by assembling the components and ensuring proper integration of mechanical and electronic parts.
25. Develop and upload code to operate the mobile robot, including implementing functions for movement and control.
26. Demonstrate operating the robot using a remote-control unit to manually navigate and perform tasks.
27. Program and test the robot’s autonomous capabilities, including forward and backward movement, turning, and adjusting power levels.
28. Integrate sensors to detect external conditions and adjust the robot’s operation accordingly for enhanced functionality.
29. Implement loops and conditional statements in the robot’s programming to enable decision-making and responsive behavior.

Skills:

1. Explain the fundamental components and specifications of automated systems, including sensors, actuators, and control mechanisms.
2. Examine the role of robotics in automation, highlighting the impact of different types of robots and their applications across various industrial processes.
3. Assemble and build a motor control application, ensuring the proper integration of control systems and mechanical components.
4. Develop and construct a punch press application, incorporating automated control mechanisms to ensure precise operation.
5. Design and implement a clamp and drill routine, focusing on automation to achieve accuracy and efficiency.
6. Construct an injection molding machine with automated controls to ensure consistent product quality.
7. Design and build a robot gripper and control routine, including the integration of sensors and actuators for effective gripping and manipulation.
8. Develop a palletizing routine, incorporating automation for efficient stacking and arrangement of products.
9. Design and implement a batch process routine, focusing on automation to achieve consistent batch production.
10. Create a sorting process automation system, integrating sensors and actuators to enhance material handling and sorting efficiency.
11. Assemble and program a mobile robot application, ensuring proper integration of mechanical, electronic, and software components.
12. Develop and set up a robotic workstation, integrating multiple robotic systems and automation components to create a functional workspace.
13. Integrate various components and systems within an automated environment, ensuring seamless operation and efficiency.
14. Apply diagnostic tools and techniques to troubleshoot sensor malfunctions, actuator failures, and control system errors within an automated environment.
15. Optimize the performance of automated systems by analyzing and adjusting parameters for improved functionality and output.
16. Test and evaluate the performance of built systems and robots, identifying areas for improvement to ensure they meet design specifications and operational standards.
17. Analyze the energy consumption of automated systems, identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency through system optimization and the integration of energy-saving technologies.