An increasing number of companies are turning to robotics as a means for increased production. Robots have an impressive range of applications, from "pick and place" for packaging to welding, painting, or inspecting parts immediately after a process. However, robots are not foolproof; they require effective preventive maintenance to ensure they operate at full capacity. If a robot malfunctions, an experienced maintenance professional must know how to troubleshoot the exact cause.
Prepare for a career as a robotics technician, automation technician, electrical and Instrumentation (E and I) technician, electronics technician, instrument specialist, or instrumentation technician
Gain confidence in your ability to perform your job
Get the education you need in a self-paced, online format
Enrolled students are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions
How the course is taught
Self-paced, online course
12 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
155 course hours
Outline
CNC
Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241
Electrical Systems
Electrical Units 101
Safety for Electrical Work 111
Introduction to Circuits 201
Introduction to Magnetism 211
DC Circuit Components 221
NEC® Overview 231
AC Fundamentals 241
Electrical Instruments 251
Electrical Print Reading 261
DC Power Sources 271
AC Power Sources 281
Conductor Selection 291
Series Circuit Calculations 301
Parallel Circuit Calculations 311
Battery Selection 321
Fasteners
Introduction to Assembly 101
Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Introduction to Fluid Systems 101
The Forces of Fluid Power 201
Introduction to Hydraulic Components 221
Introduction to Pneumatic Components 231
Preventative Maintenance for Fluid Systems 261
Hydraulic Power Variables 301
Hydraulic Power Sources 302
Pneumatic Power Variables 311
Pneumatic Power Sources 312
Hydraulic Control Valves 341
Hydraulic Schematics and Basic Circuit Design 342
Pneumatic Control Valves 351
Pneumatic Schematics and Basic Circuit Design 352
Actuator Applications 361
Hydraulic Fluid Selection 371
Contamination and Filter Selection 381
Hydraulic Principles and System Design 391
Inspection
Basics of Tolerance 121
Blueprint Reading 131
Interpreting Prints 231
Introduction to GD&T 301
Major Rules of GD&T 311
Lean
Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
Total Productive Maintenance 141
5S Overview 151
Intro to Six Sigma 171
Troubleshooting 181
Conducting Kaizen Events 191
SPC Overview 211
Metrics for Lean 231
Process Flow Charting 241
Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
Management Tools: Problem Solving 270
Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310
Mechanical Systems
Introduction to Mechanical Systems 101
Safety for Mechanical Work 111
Forces of Machines 121
Power Transmission Components 201
Mechanical Power Variables 202
Lubricant Fundamentals 211
Bearing Applications 221
Spring Applications 231
Belt Drive Applications 241
Gear Applications 251
Gear Geometry 261
Clutch and Brake Applications 271
Metal Cutting
Safety for Metal Cutting 101
Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
Motor Controls
Relays, Contractors, and Motor Starters 201
Distribution Systems 221
Limit Switches and Proximity Sensos 231
Introduction to electric Motors 301
Symbols and Diagrams for Motors 311
Logic and Line Diagrams 312
PLCs
Introduction to PLCs 201
Hardware for PLCs 211
Numbering Systems and Codes 222
PLC Inputs and Outputs 231
Networking for PLCs 261
Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280
Overview of PLC Registers 305
PLCs: Siemens
Basics of Siemens PLCs 200
Siemens PLC Hardware 210
Numbers, Codes, and Data Types for Siemens PLCs 220
Siemens PLC Communication 230
Siemens PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
Siemens Human Machine Interfaces 250
Siemens SIMATIC Modular PLCs 260
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLCs 340
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs 350
Siemens Safety Integrated for Factory Automation 360
Quality
ISO 9001:2015 Review 122
Approaches to maintenance 131
Customer-Focused Quality 155
TS 16949:2009 Overview 221
Rigging
Introduction to Machine Rigging 111
Rigging Equipment 121
Rigging Inspection and Safety 131
Lifting and Moving Equipment 141
Rigging Mechanics 220
Robotics
Introduction to Robotics 201
Robot Safety 211
Automated Systems and Controls 216
Robot Components 221
End Effectors 225
Robot Power and Drive Systems 265
Robot Axes and Pathways 280
Robot Sensors 315
Vision Systems 320
Robot Troubleshooting 331
Concepts of Robot Programming 341
Robot Maintenance 355
Robot Installations 370
Network Integration for Robot Workcells 376
Safety
Introduction to OSHA 101
Ergonomics 102
Personal Protective Equipment 111
Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation 121
Respiratory Safety 131
Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
SDS and Hazard Communication 151
Bloodborne Pathogens 161
Walking and Working Surfaces 171
Fire Safety and Prevention 181
Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
Safety for Lifting Devices 211
Powered Industrial Track Safety 221
Confined Spaces 231
Environmental Safety Hazards 241
Machine Guarding 271
Shop Essentials (Applied Mathematics)
Math Fundamentals 101
Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
Units of Measurement 112
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part I 124
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part !! 125
Geometry: Lines and Angles 151
Geometry: Triangles 161
Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
Statistics 231
Supervisor Essentials
Essentials of Leadership 100
Managing Performance: Best Practice 130
Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
Conflict Resolution Principles 150
Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
Team Leadership 160
Manufacturing Management 180
Personal Effectiveness 190
Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
Harassment and Discrimination 215
Performance Management and the Law 230
Welding
Introduction to Automation 291
Workforce Essentials
Essentials of Communication 115
Virtual Labs/Simulations (optional)
Safety Awareness in Manufacturing
Fire Safety
5S and Hand Tool Identification
Lockout Tagout Procedures
Instructors & Support
This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email.
Requirements
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course requires basic computer skills, including the ability to open and manage windows, navigate websites, and perform common online tasks such as downloading files, completing forms, and using web-based tools.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
PC: Windows 8 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
FAQ
According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a robotics technician in the United States is $69,639.
Robotics technicians install, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair robots and automated production systems.
According to Manufacturing.org, advanced manufacturing refers to the use of innovative technologies to create new and existing products.
No.
These are just a few of the advanced manufacturing skills you will learn in this course:
Understanding and implementing robot programming languages and software
Knowledge of automation systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems.
Diagnosing and resolving issues with robotic systems and equipment.
Understanding of electronic components, circuit boards, and electronic systems.
Knowledge of mechanical principles, including hydraulics, pneumatics, and machine design.
Yes, there are full lessons on lean and quality. These lessons cover ISO 9001, customer-focused quality, continuous process improvement, and six sigma goals and tools.
Traditional manufacturing is the old-school way of making things. Think of big factories where people use machines and tools to cut, shape, and put together parts. It often takes a lot of manual work, and once a product design is set, it's hard to change.
Advanced manufacturing uses newer technologies like robots, 3D printing, and computers to make things faster, smarter, and with more precision. It can even use artificial intelligence (AI) to help machines make decisions. This makes it easier to customize products and produce them with less waste.
Example:
Traditional: Imagine making cookies using only your hands and a cookie cutter.
Advanced: Now imagine using a machine that mixes, shapes, and bakes cookies with the push of a button—and can even change the recipe on the fly!
Yes, this course covers trends in advanced manufacturing trends in robotics and mechanical systems.
Yes, this course will prepare you for an entry-level robotics technician position. The skills taught in this course could qualify you for an entry-level automation technician and mechatronics technician role.
Yes, this covers many current trends in robotics and mechanical systems.
This covers all of the topics and skills you will need for an entry-level robotics technician role including portable skills such as essentials in communication and essentials of leadership.
Yes, this course provides a great foundation to go on to courses in mechatronics or to become a field robotics specialist. It can also be used to transition into engineering coursework to pursue an engineering position.
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.