Robotics and Industrial Automation (Optional Co-op)

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Courses - May 2025

Level 1

Course details

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Solid Modelling
DRWG8001

Description:

This is an advanced course that expands on the use of SolidWorks for mechanical design. Topics include user interface, file structure, 3D sketches, plane creation, advanced sweeps, lofts and surfaces, sheet metal, weldments, top-down assembly and introduction to motion and simulation analysis.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical Design and Commissioning
EECE8071

Description: This course covers the design and commissioning of automation systems from an electrical perspective. Students will learn how to read and modify industrial electrical schematics as well as wire and troubleshoot industrial circuits. Students will explore the common panel devices found in electrical panels within automation systems and discuss the purpose of the devices as well as how they are selected. Students will also explore the common field devices found in automation systems such as sensors, actuators and motors as well as methods to connect the devices to the main electrical panel to control the automation system as a whole.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Fluid Power in Automation
IFME8001

Description:

This course introduces the students to the field of industrial fluid power. 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. In the lab, students are required to design and build a variety of circuits using both hydraulic and pneumatic components. The hands-on approach provides an excellent learning environment with a significant focus on trouble-shooting and problem solving.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

PLC Programming
PROG8231

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 covered. 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 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: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Structured Programming
PROG8241

Description:

This course covers the principles of structured programming. Using the Visual Basic programming language, students will 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 intended for the novice programmer who wishes to create modest applications. It also serves as an introductory-level course for students who will be continuing on to more advanced programming.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR8200

Description: This series of modules will prepare graduate certificate students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Co-op Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while deepening their awareness of self- reflective practices. Students will critically reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Factory Talk Automation
CNTR8011

Description:

This hands-on course uses the Rockwell FactoryTalk suite of monitoring, analysis, and control software to give the student knowledge and experience with this growing and increasingly important area. The student will learn how FactoryTalk can be used to collect information from HMIs, create reports, and develop HMIs for PLCs.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PROG8230 OR PROG8231 AND PROG8240 OR PROG8241
  • CoRequisites:

Safety Circuits and Standards
MECH8015

Description:

This course will familiarize the student with the basic concepts and techniques necessary to develop industrial machinery designs to meet current Canadian safety criteria. Students will perform risk assessments and hazard analyses. The student will analyze and design safeguarding requirements for robots and automated systems. This course will examine Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and the design elements necessary for compliance with the OHSA, Sub-Sections 25 (2) (a) and (h). This course will also introduce the students to Ontario’s Pre-Start Health and Safety Review and other current machinery safety related standards used in Canada.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: EECE8070 OR EECE8071
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced PLC Programming
PROG8251

Description:

Students will learn how to use the advanced operating system capabilities of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Students will program PLCs using structured programming techniques, 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: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PROG8230 OR PROG8231
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Programming
PROG8261

Description:

This practical course covers material considered to be useful to an intermediate or advanced programmer. The language used is Visual Basic .NET. Topics include, but are not limited to object-oriented programming, data structures and storage, string manipulation, Windows Presentation Foundation and exception handling.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PROG8241 OR PROG8890
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Robotics
ROBO8011

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 work-cell elements. Students program various types of robot controllers ranging from stop-to-stop sequencers to continuous path servo-controlled robots that use high-level control languages.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: PROG8241 OR PROG8890
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Co-op Work Term (Robotics and Industrial Automation)
COOP8100

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic knowledge to develop specialized vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, improve their competencies in problem-solving and decision-making, further their application of professional judgement, hone their leadership skills (independently or as part of team), and enhance their capacity to critically analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV8200 OR CEPR8200
  • CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Process Control
CNTR8021

Description:

This course covers the basics of servo-control. Assorted control algorithms are taught for position, velocity, and acceleration. System response characteristics are also taught. Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentals and typical algorithms for control systems are discussed. Students will design and implement analog and digital controllers in the lab section.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: PROG8260 OR PROG8261 OR PROG8265
  • CoRequisites:

Data Communications
EECE8061

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: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PROG8250 OR PROG8251 AND PROG8260 OR PROG8261 OR PROG8265
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Automation Integration
ROBO8026

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: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: EECE8070 OR EECE8071 AND ROBO8010 OR ROBO8011
  • CoRequisites:

Industrial Automation Project
ROBO8031

Description:

Students are required to undertake a major manufacturing and automation project, simulating as nearly as possible the integration of advanced technologies. Students will utilize all they have learned in previous courses to design a complete automated manufacturing system. During this process, they will develop the ability to plan, schedule, self-direct and evaluate, using communication skills and team building techniques.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: PROG8251 OR PROG8880 AND ROBO8010 OR ROBO8011
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Control automated manufacturing components and systems though the influence of configuration, programming selection, and connectivity.
  2. Create new, and interpret existing two and three dimensional CAD models of parts and assemblies for automated manufacturing systems
  3. Produce three dimensional CAD animations to simulate machine motion and operations
  4. Determine safety requirements of robotics and automated systems and apply them to the design of components and systems
  5. Work with appropriate measuring devices, and data acquisition systems to record information and measurement for analysis and interpretation.
  6. Analyze and communicate technical information effectively to a variety of audiences using various media and methods.
  7. Apply professional conduct while engaged in academic and practical activity in the classroom and during the co-op work term.