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 5 - February 2, 2026
    Mondays and Wednesdays
    4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Shop Safety and OSHA agent

    Robotics 1 – Fundamentals

    $625.00
    Building on foundational PLC knowledge, this course explores comprehensive automation systems used in modern manufacturing and process control. Students will learn advanced PLC programming techniques, integration of sensors and actuators, communication protocols, and supervisory control through Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and SCADA systems. Emphasis is placed on designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated systems for efficiency and reliability. 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 course introduces the fundamentals of collaborative robots (cobots), focusing on their design, safety features, and applications in manufacturing environments. Students will learn how cobots interact safely with humans, basic programming, and simple task automation using industry-standard platforms. November 4 - November 25, 2025
    Tuesdays and Thursdays
    5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Robotic Integrations and Automation

    Robotics 3 – Integration

    $625.00
    This course explores the integration of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), advanced automation systems, and collaborative robotics into cohesive manufacturing workflows. Students will learn to design, program, and troubleshoot interconnected control systems, focusing on communication protocols, sensor and actuator coordination, and safety interlocks. Emphasis is placed on optimizing efficiency, reliability, and human-robot collaboration in complex industrial environments. April 7 - April 30, 2026
    Tuesdays and Thursdays
    4:00 pm - 6:00 pm