Robotics and Automation Engineering (APB)

The Robotics and Automation Engineering Applied Bachelor's degree at Plymouth State University emphasizes two primary areas:

The first area is Automation Engineering. Automation engineers design, develop and implement custom tools and programs to automate technical operations. Solutions can range from simple data acquisition protocols through design and programming of industrial robots and systems for manufacturing using Human Machine Interface/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (HMI/SCADA) interfaces, and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Programming.

The second area, Mobile Robotics, focuses on the application of sensory data acquisition, navigation, and mobility. This includes the operation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), which utilize cameras, machine learning and vision, and sensors to navigate and function autonomously or with assistance. The integration of these technologies highlights the importance of robotics in enhancing operational efficiency and automation in various industries.

Our students work hands-on in a multidisciplinary field that combines computer science, engineering, and artificial intelligence to design, build, and utilize robots for various applications, including industrial automation, manufacturing and research processes, and includes autonomy and teleoperative capabilities.

Course Title Credits
CS 2010Computing Fundamentals (TECO)3
CS 2220Computer Hardware3
CS 2370Introduction to Programming4
CS 2900Digital and Analog Circuits4
CS 2901Materials, Design and Fabrication4
CS 2905PLC Programming4
CS 3690Applied Robotics4
CS 3901Industrial Robotics4
CS 3902Adaptive Control Systems4
CS 4520CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO)3
CS 4790Robotics Capstone4
or CS 4920 Computer Science Internship
MA 2130Precalculus (QRCO)4
MA 2550Calculus I (QRCO)4
MA 2300Statistics I (QRCO)3
or MA 3500 Probability and Statistics for Scientists
PH 2510University Physics I4
PH 2520University Physics II4
General Education
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
EN 1400Composition4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection3-4
IS 4220Signature Project (INCO,INCP)4
Electives 14-9
Total Credits96
1

Students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in Robotics or Engineering could consider using their elective credits to complete the Technical Math Minor by adding MA 2560 Calculus II and MA 3600 Differential Equations and Linear Algebra to their list of courses.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CS 2010 Computing Fundamentals (TECO) 3
CS 2901 Materials, Design and Fabrication 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
EN 1400 Composition 4
 Credits15
Spring
CS 2370 Introduction to Programming 4
CS 2900 Digital and Analog Circuits 4
MA 2550
Calculus I (QRCO)
or Precalculus (QRCO)
4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 3-4
 Credits15-16
Year Two
Fall
CS 3690 Applied Robotics 4
CS 2220 Computer Hardware 3
MA 2550
Calculus I (QRCO)
or Calculus II (QRCO)
3
PH 2510 University Physics I 4
 Credits14
Spring
CS 2905 PLC Programming 4
MA 2300
Statistics I (QRCO)
or Probability and Statistics for Scientists
4
PH 2520 University Physics II 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 3-4
Elective 3-4
 Credits18-20
Year Three
Fall
CS 3901 Industrial Robotics 4
CS 4520 CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO) 3
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 4
Elective 4
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection 3-4
 Credits18-19
Spring
CS 3902 Adaptive Control Systems 4
CS 4790 Robotics Capstone 4
IS 4220 Signature Project (INCO,INCP) 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 3-4
 Credits15-16
 Total Credits96

Students who complete the Applied Robotics program at PSU will graduate with:

• A solid foundation in core robotics and automation concepts reinforced by studies in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
• An understanding of the basic dynamics of, and demonstrable familiarity with, numerous state-of-the-art automation technologies used within process and manufacturing industries. PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY | 2024 Pilot 96-Credit, Three-Year Programs
• The knowledge needed to design, analyze, model and simulate robotic and automation problems and develop solutions which increase productivity, well-being, improve resource utilization, and eliminate waste.
• An ability to apply current robotics and automation engineering concepts and theories to contemporary, real-world problems in manners which demonstrate comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices.
• Proven professional and social skills needed to work both self-directed or in teams to succeed in careers in Automation Engineering or adjacent fields.

• Automation Engineer

• Robotics programmer

• Industrial automation developer

• Robotics and automation specialist

• Automation platform architect

• Field Operations Engineer

• Control system designer / technician

• Robotics engineer / technician

• Mechatronics technician