Contact ALIC: alic@allegheny.edu

Automation & Controls

Automation & Controls courses at ALIC equip students with foundational and practical knowledge of industrial automation systems. Through a series of courses ranging from Programmable Logic Controllers to Robotic Automation, Collaboration, and Integration, learners work with sensors, actuators, robotic arms, PLCs, and HMI systems to design and operate industry-standard automated setups that mirror real production lines.

Students gain valuable hands-on experience in configuring integrated systems, troubleshooting, and optimizing performance. Projects and simulations reinforce the connection between theory and real-world implementation, helping learners understand how to use automation and controls to improve process efficiency and production quality. By the end of the series, students develop both the technical and problem-solving skills needed to design, integrate, and maintain modern automation systems in evolving industrial settings.

  • Advanced SolidWorks

    PLC 1 – Fundamentals

    $625.00
    This course provides a foundational overview of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) used in industrial automation. Students will learn about PLC hardware components, basic programming concepts using ladder logic, input/output configuration, and troubleshooting techniques. Hands-on exercises focus on designing, programming, and testing simple control systems to develop essential skills for manufacturing and process automation. September 8 - October 1, 2025
    Mondays and Wednesdays
    5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • PLC 2 – Applications

    $625.00
    This course builds on basic PLC knowledge to cover advanced programming concepts, including timers, counters, data handling, and analog I/O processing. Students will learn to develop complex control sequences, integrate communication protocols, and troubleshoot real-world industrial automation systems. Hands-on labs focus on enhancing problem-solving skills and optimizing PLC applications in manufacturing and process control. January 12 - February 9, 2026 Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Shop Safety and OSHA agent

    Robotics 1 – Fundamentals

    $625.00
    This hands-on, four-week course introduces students to collaborative robot setup, safety protocols, teach pendant navigation, and basic programming techniques using FANUC robots. Learners will gain practical experience in robot movement, tool configuration, payload management, and writing simple automation programs, including pick-and-place tasks and macros for end-of-arm tooling. Ideal for beginners, this course builds foundational skills for safe and effective collaborative robot implementation. October 6 - October 29, 2025 Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Productive robots arm holding a drill

    Robotics 2 – Programming

    $625.00
    This intermediate-level course builds on foundational robot programming skills with a focus on logic, variables, and modular design. Students will create and manipulate sub-programs, utilize conditional logic with system registers, and integrate user frames and palletizing routines. Through hands-on labs, learners will write complex main routines, use I/O for interactive control, and apply positional offsets—equipping them for more advanced collaborative robot automation tasks in real-world settings. November 4 - November 25, 2025 Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Robotic Integrations and Automation

    Robotics 3 – Integration

    $625.00
    This advanced-level course prepares students to integrate collaborative robots into real-world manufacturing environments. Topics include electrical system wiring, I/O configuration, peripheral device control, and advanced program logic for complete automation cycles. Learners will build and test functional robot cells, apply safety-rated wiring standards, and utilize system monitoring tools to assess performance. Ideal for technicians and engineers, this course bridges programming and system-level integration for full-scale robotic automation. April 7 - April 30, 2026 Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm