Mechanical Engineering Technology - Robotics and Automation Ontario College Advanced Diploma
ObjectivesThis diploma program features co-operative education with six academic terms at the college and three work terms in industry. Your studies combine theoretical knowledge with applied skills in the control of automated equipment, using electronics, programmable logic controllers, computers, hydraulics and pneumatics. In addition, you develop skills in computer-aided drafting, mechanical technology, electric motors, servomechanisms, robotics, industrial manufacturing and safety standards. Emphasis is placed on effective techniques for designing, modifying, installing, testing, maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting equipment and systems. Effective communication is also stressed.
Practical experienceThe Robotics and Automation program culminates in a third-year capstone project in which all the skills learned at school and on work terms are integrated into the proposal, design and construction of a fully functioning manufacturing work cell.
Academic titleMechanical Engineering Technology - Robotics and Automation Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Course descriptionLevel One
CDEV1020 Co-op and Career Preparation
Description: This mandatory course prepares students for job searching for their co-op work terms and for post-graduate careers. Students will learn to critically evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate and interpret available opportunities in the workplace. Self-marketing techniques using resumes, cover letters, cold-calls, and interviewing will be learned and students will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace with regards to social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues.
Hours: 16
Credits: 1
COMM1180 Effective Technical Communications I
Description: Recommended: The course content is based on the assumption that students can demonstrate competency in the use of the English language.
NOTE: This is course does not qualify for a General Education exemption.
This level-one course is designed to introduce students to industrial and business communications. Emphasis is placed on analyzing audience, determining purpose and effective ordering of ideas for various written communications such as letters and memoranda in the technical environment. As well, all students are expected to participate in group work throughout the semester and are expected to give an oral presentation.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
IFME1020 Introduction to Fluid Power and Automation
Description: This course introduces the students to the field of industrial fluid power and control. Students will learn fluid power terminology, component sizing and selection methods, circuit design and documentation. Students will understand the fundamental principles as well as the practical applications of fluid power as it applies to industry. Opportunity is given to design and build a variety of circuits using a combination of hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical components. The hands-on approach provides an excellent learning environment with a significant focus on trouble-shooting and problem solving.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
MACH1010 Conventional Machining Processes
Description: This course is designed to expose the student to the practical and theoretical aspects and basic knowledge of conventional metal removal machine tools and their various cutting tools used in manufacturing processes. In addition, the student will understand the fundamentals of metric and imperial system of measurement, and the use and application of precision measuring instruments.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
MATH1170 Mathematics I
Description: This course is set up to ensure that skills in Mathematics are upgraded and maintained to support the courses for which they are needed. The material covered in this course includes topics from fundamental arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and vectors. In this course students will also learn to use the Ti89 graphing calculator. Skills in problem solving will be stressed. Students will be required to show their mastery of these skills on an ongoing basis.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
MECH1050 Engineering Drawing I
Description: In this introductory course, both freehand drawing and computer-aided drawing techniques (using AutoCAD) are used to prepare the learner to do basic mechanical engineering drawings. The material covered will include applied geometry, use of scales, orthographic representations and projection, auxiliary views, sections, dimensioning and isometric drawing. The learner will use the material to produce detail, working, and assembly drawings conforming to CSA/ANSI standards.
Hours: 90
Credits: 6
PROG1120 Introduction to Structured Programming
Description: This course introduces the student to the principles of PC programming using a structured language. Students plan, enter, run, and debug programs of increasing complexity using various data-types, loops, branches, functions, and data stream input and output. This course is ideal for novice programmers who wish to create modest applications of their own, or for those who plan to continue their studies with a language like Visual Basic or C.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Electives: General Education
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Two
DIMM1070 Dimensional Metrology and Coordinate Measuring Machines
Description: This course will provide the student with the principles of dimensional metrology and its applications to quality control. A variety of precision measuring instruments and equipment will be used to check work piece features for size and geometric conformity.
The second part of the course will cover the operation and programming of a Mitutoyo Coordinate Machine.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
DRWG1820 Solid Modelling for Robotics
Description: This course will provide the student with an introduction on how to use Inventor and SolidWorks mechanical design software to build parametric models of parts and assemblies and how to make drawings of these parts and assemblies. This is a process based course where the focus is on the process and procedures used to complete a particular task as well as hands on practice. Advanced sketching and part modeling techniques are covered, including 3D sketches, part factories and sweeps.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: MECH1050
EECE1470 Electrical Fundamentals
Description: This course provides students with a working knowledge of electrical principles, and simple electrical circuit components. Supplemented with laboratory exercises, students learn about voltage, current, and power in DC circuits, and in single phase and multi-phase AC circuits, and how resistance, reactance, and impedance affect those properties. Students will also be introduced to AC and to DC motors, and to the devices commonly used in motor-control circuits. Students will also be introduced to simple semiconductor-based electronic devices. The lab exercises provide students with practical experience in building, testing, and measuring characteristics of electrical control circuits. Students will use digital multimeters and digital oscilloscopes to observe the behaviour of DC and AC circuits that they have built.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: MATH1170
MANU1060 Manufacturing Processes
Description: This course introduces students to common manufacturing processes outside the traditional machining processes. Solidification processes including common metal casting and plastic forming methods are discussed. Students will learn the capabilities and applications of solidification processes, bulk metal deformation processes, sheet metal working processes and powdered metal processes. Non-traditional metal removal, cleaning, finishing, joining and rapid prototyping processes are also reviewed in detail. Students are offered the opportunity to tour local industries presenting state-of-the-art applications of these processes.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
MATH1190 Mathematics II
Description: This course is a continuation of Mathematics I in which accumulated Math skills will be stressed. The Ti89 graphing calculator will be used continuously. Topics include systems of linear and quadratic equations, rotational motion and equations involving radicals. Problems will be solved involving algebraic fractions, trig functions, ratio and proportion, logarithmic and exponential functions. The course includes a section on linear programming and an introduction to probability and statistics.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: MATH1170
MECH1130 Engineering Materials
Description: This course investigates the selection and application of materials to engineering practice. The material and mechanical properties of metallic, polymeric, ceramic and composite materials and their uses are studied. The effects of loading environment, microstructure, heat treatment and other strengthening mechanisms are also analyzed.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
PROG1090 Introduction to PLC Programming
Description: Student will learn Ladder Logic and Instruction List programming languages. The operating principles and addressing conventions of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) will also be learned. Students will program PLCs in Boolean (binary) logic to control automated processes. Students will write programs using Timer and Counter instructions. Students will also learn to move and compare data, perform math and logical operations on whole data words, and to structure programs using data and program-control functions, including jumps and subroutines (functions). Students will learn to program the Allen Bradley PLC-5 and the Siemens S7 PLC. Students will also learn the IEC 61131-3 international standard for open PLC programming languages.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Three
COOP1130 Co-op Work Term I (Robotics and Automation)
Description: This course will provide students with college-approved work experience in a manufacturing environment. This course will increase the student's understanding of employer expectations with regards to attitudinal, practical, and academic skills. These skill areas will be improved during the work term while the student responsibly performs the duties as defined in the job description, in accordance with course and program outcomes. Student development will be evaluated during and at the conclusion of the work experience.
Hours: 420
Credits: 14
Level Four
DSGN2060 Problem Solving and Design
Description: A basic knowledge of manufacturing fabrication and machining methods and basic electrical/electronic theory is required to build and troubleshoot the product. This practical course exposes the student to different methods of solving problems related to the field of Robotics and Automation while working in teams. The student will examine each stage of the Engineering Design Process and Manufacturing problems solving process. They will apply this knowledge to research, design, produce and document an example product. Each student will also work through a series of exercises designed to strengthen their analytical problem solving troubleshooting and teamwork skills that are important in industry today.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
EECE2450 Digital Devices and Microprocessors
Description: Prerequisite(s): Electrical Fundamentals, Introduction to Structured Programming. In this course, the student will learn to use electronic components and integrated circuits for control applications. This course also covers basic microprocessor and microcomputer architecture. It includes Assembler language programming of a simple computer, sufficient for simple monitoring and control. Input/ouput chips for parallel and serial I/O are studied. The use of interpreters and compilers for higher level languages is discussed.
Hours: 90
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: EECE1470
MECH1220 Applied Mechanics
Description: Mathematics I (90130500) or with permission of instructor. This introductory course covers the effects of forces or rigid bodies at rest and in motion. Trusses and two-dimensional frames are studied along with friction and centre of gravity. In addition, systems involving work, energy, power and impulse, and momentum are studied.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: MATH1170
PROG2180 Advanced PLC Programming
Description: Students will learn how to use the advanced operating system capabilities of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Students will program PLCs using structured programming techniqes, and will configure PLCs to use their interrupt response capabilities. Students will program PLCs to monitor and control analog processes and to exchange data with other PLCs and computers via local area networks. Proprietary PLC systems and the IEC 61131-3 standard will be learned.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PROG1090
ROBO2020 Introduction to Robotics
Description: This course introduces the student to the history and use of robots in industry. Standard arm configurations and hardware are examined including the principles of path control, motion sensing, speed and position control, and servo-actuators. End-effectors, supplemental tooling hardware, and sensors are examined for their interaction with other workcell elements. Students program various types of robot controllers ranging from stop-to-stop sequencers and to continuous path servo-controlled robots that use high-level control languages.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: IFME1020, PROG1120
Electives: General Education
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Five
COOP2130 Co-op Work Term II (Robotics and Automation)
Description: This course will provide students with college-approved work experience in a manufacturing environment. This course will increase the student's understanding of employer expectations with regards to attitudinal, practical, and academic skills. These skill areas will be improved during the work term while the student responsibly performs the duties as defined in the job description, in accordance with course and program outcomes. Student development will be evaluated during and at the conclusion of the work experience.
Hours: 420
Credits: 14
Level Six
CNTR2080 Process Control - Control Systems
Description: This course covers the basics of servo-control. Assorted control alogorithms are taught for position, velocity and acceleration. System response characteristics are also taught. Students will design and implement analog and digital controllers in the lab section.
Hours: 75
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: EECE2450, PROG2180
MANU2010 Manufacturing Processes for Automation
Description: This course will introduce students to tooling and associated equipment that is used for automated processes in industry today. The students will review machine and cutting tools used for metal cutting operations. The student will also practice the principals of jig and fixture design for work holding and material handling and discuss punch presses and die design, injection moulding machines and mould design and automated gauging equipment. The current methods of material handling used in industry for automated processes will also be discussed.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: DRWG1820, MANU1060
MECH2030 Mechanics of Materials
Description: This course enables the student to recognize the basic principles of strength of materials and apply them to solve practical problems. The design material properties, the mechanical tests and theories used to determine these properties, as well as the stress effects resulting from tension, compression, shear, torsion and bending loads are developed.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: MECH1130, MECH1220
MECH2100 Dynamics
Description: This introductory course covers the effects of forces on rigid bodies at rest and in motion. Trusses and 2-dimensional frames are studied along with friction and centre-of-gravity. In addition, systems with linear and curvilinear motion are analyzed. Acceleration and momentum are examined.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: MATH1170
MECH2140 Safety Circuits and Standards
Description: In this course the student will learn how safety standards such as those from CSA are implemented in the design, manufacture and implementation of automated manufacturing systems. Safety circuits and lockouts will be discussed in detail. Safety PLCs and relays will be studied.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: EECE1470
PROG2190 C Programming
Description: Prerequisites: Introduction to Structured Programming, sors. Microprocessors This practical course introduces the student to the C Programming language. After acquiring a working knowledge of the language, topics such as data structures, pointers, machine level interface and file handling are covered.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: EECE2450, PROG1120
ROBO2030 Automation Controls
Description: This course builds on prior courses in computer, robotics and electro-mechanical devices in a study of robot controllers and cell controllers. Special automation peripherals such as position and velocity sensors and vision systems are covered. Control of motors of various types is also discussed. Labs include robot and PLC programming, vision system applications and component interfacing.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: EECE2450, ROBO2020
Level Seven
COOP3080 Co-op Work Term III (Robotics and Automation)
Description: This course will provide students with college-approved work experience in a manufacturing environment. This course will increase the student's understanding of employer expectations with regards to attitudinal, practical, and academic skills. These skill areas will be improved during the work term while the student responsibly performs the duties as defined in the job description, in accordance with course and program outcomes. Student development will be evaluated during and at the conclusion of the work experience. The student's written communication skills are evaluated by the Co-op Advisor after the work experience through submission of an essay.
Hours: 420
Credits: 14
Level Eight
DSGN2050 Design for Manufacturing and Assembly
Description: The engineering design process is often viewed as an economical application of science. Usually the main objective is to arrive at the least expensive method of satisfying all design and application criteria for a given product. Manufacture and assembly processes can properly fulfill this requirement if product design process is based on principles of economic efficiency.
In this course, the student will analyse product design efficiency to compare alternate designs.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: MANU1060, MECH1050
IENG3010 Time Study and Standard Data
Description: An introduction to Industrial Engineering concepts including motion and time study, methods analysis, use of standard data and predetermine time study systems and learning times.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
IENG3020 Industrial Engineering for Automation
Description: This course studies facilities planning, industrial ergonomics, the Ontario Occupational Health Safety Act and Regulations for industrial establishments. It includes a major green field plant layout project that describes the machines, direct labour, management structure, material handling equipment, shop and office layouts, site plan and construction schedule. Work sampling, organizational design, labour relations and production simulation modeling is also studied.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
MANU3040 Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Description: This course examines many of the decisions that must be made before and during the implementation of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Enterprise software from decision support software (DSS) through computer aided design (CAD) and engineering (CAE) to enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain distribution are studied. The theory and techniques of implementing JIT and Lean Manufacturing are studied. Approaches to preparing a manufacturing process for automation or computer integration are investigated. Requirements of a database management system (DBMS) and their structures are discussed. Goldratts' theory of constraints and optimized production technology (OPT) are studied.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
QUAL2010 Quality Assurance and Systems
Description: The course will give an understanding of concepts and practical skills on quality engineering and management. The topics covered are as follows: normal distribution and presentation of data, control charts for variables and attributes, interpretation of chart patterns using probabilities, statistical sampling plans (MIL STD 105 & 414), gage R & R studies and measuring errors, design of experiments and other quality tools. A major project is based on application of the ISO 9000 quality management system, interpretation of the elements, and writing procedures.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: MATH1170
ROBO3070 Automation Project - A
Description: Students are required to undertake a major manufacturing and automation project, simulating as nearly as possible the integration of advanced technologies. As students utilize all they have learned in previous years to design and build a complete automated manufacturing system, they will develop the ability to plan, schedule, self-direct and evaluate, and will build communication skills and team building techniques.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: MACH1010, MANU2010, PROG2180, ROBO2030
Level Nine
ECON1040 Engineering Economics
Description: Contemporary engineering professionals are widely recognized as principal decision makers who have to decide among alternatives with respect to expected costs and benefits, while taking into account strategic and policy issues affecting their corporations. The course is based on thorough develop and understanding of the concept of the time value of money, cash flow analysis, present and future worth analyses, depreciation and financial accounting, effects of inflation, income taxes and marketing goals.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
EECE3140 Data Communications
Description: The communication of information of all kinds by means of binary signals is an essential part of any technical, business, or educational activity. This course covers the main concepts and components of data communications, and in particular it covers: asynchronous and synchronous communications, interface standards, modems, multiplexing, error control, and data compression and encryption. It also examines the principles of complex networks: the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Local Area Networks (LANs). Theory is accompanied by lab assignments and lab exercises.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PROG2180, PROG2190
LIBS1340 Law, Ethics and Professional Practice
Description: This course will cover, in a structured manner, relevant topics and case studies in law, ethics and professional practice related to the work of professionals in Canada. The students will develop proper understanding of the social, historical and philosophical contexts underlying a profession’s legal responsibilities, foundations of ethical decision making processes, principles of professional liability and the general duties of professionals towards the society.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ROBO3080 Automation Project - B
Description: Students are required to undertake a major manufacturing and automation project, simulating as nearly as possible the integration of advanced technologies. As students utilize all they have learned in previous years to design and build a complete automated manufacturing system, they will develop the ability to plan, schedule, self-direct and evaluate, and will build communication skills and team building techniques.
Hours: 120
Credits: 8
Pre-Requisites: ROBO3070