Joint Robotics Repair Detachment keeps robots mission ready DVIDS269095

Automation technicians repair and maintain the computer-controlled systems and robotic devices used within industrial and commercial facilities to reduce human intervention and maximize efficiency. Their duties require knowledge of

electronics The field of electronics is a branch of physics and electrical engineering that deals with the emission, behaviour and effects of electrons using electronic devices. Electronics uses active devices to control electron flow by amplification ...

, mechanics and

computers A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These programs ...

. Automation technicians perform routine diagnostic checks on

automated systems Automation describes a wide range of technologies that reduce human intervention in processes, namely by predetermining decision criteria, subprocess relationships, and related actions, as well as embodying those predeterminations in machines ...

, monitor automated systems, isolate problems and perform repairs. If a problem occurs, the technician needs to be able to troubleshoot the issue and determine if the problem is mechanical, electrical or from the

computer system A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These progr ...

s control ling the process. Once the issue has been diagnosed, the technician must repair or replace any necessary components, such as a sensor or electrical wiring. In addition to troubleshooting, Automation technicians design and service control systems ranging from electromechanical devices and systems to high-speed robotics and

programmable logic controllers A programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller is an industrial computer that has been ruggedized and adapted for the control of manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, machines, robotic devices, or any activity t ...

(PLCs). These types of systems include robotic assembly devices, conveyors, batch mixers, electrical distribution systems, and building automation systems. These machines and systems are often found within industrial and manufacturing plants, such as

food processing Food processing is the transformation of agricultural products into food, or of one form of food into other forms. Food processing includes many forms of processing foods, from grinding grain to make raw flour to home cooking to complex industr ...

facilities. Alternate job titles include field technician, bench technician, robotics technician, PLC technician, production support technician and maintenance technician.

Education and training

Automation technician programs integrate computer programming with mechanics, electronics and

process control An industrial process control in continuous production processes is a discipline that uses industrial control systems to achieve a production level of consistency, economy and safety which could not be achieved purely by human manual control. I ...

s, They also commonly include coursework in

hydraulics Hydraulics (from Greek: Υδραυλική) is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids. At a very basic level, hydraulics is the liquid counter ...

pneumatics Pneumatics (from Greek ‘wind, breath’) is a branch of engineering that makes use of gas or pressurized air. Pneumatic systems used in industry are commonly powered by compressed air or compressed inert gases. A centrally located and elec ...

electrical circuits An electrical network is an interconnection of electrical components (e.g., batteries, resistors, inductors, capacitors, switches, transistors) or a model of such an interconnection, consisting of electrical elements (e.g., voltage sources, c ...

, electrical machinery and human-machine interfaces. Typical courses include math, communications, circuits, digital devices and electrical controls. Other courses include

robotics Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of computer science and engineering. Robotics involves design, construction, operation, and use of robots. The goal of robotics is to design machines that can help and assist humans. Robotics integrat ...

, automation, electrical motor controls, programmable logic controllers, and

computer-aided design Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or ) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve c ...

. Good math and analytic skills are essential to understand automated systems and isolate problems. In addition to programming, Automation Technicians are expected to become proficient with various instruments and hand tools for troubleshooting, such as electrical multimeters,

signal analyzer A signal analyzer is an instrument that measures the magnitude and phase of the input signal at a single frequency within the IF bandwidth of the instrument. It employs digital techniques to extract useful information that is carried by an electric ...

s, and frequency counters. Employers generally prefer applicants who have completed an automation technician certificate or associate degree. These programs can be completed at colleges and universities in either an in-class or online format. Some colleges, such as

George Brown College George Brown College is a public, fully accredited college of applied arts and technology with three campuses in downtown Toronto (Ontario, Canada). Like many other colleges in Ontario, GBC was chartered in 1966 by the government of Ontario and ...

, offer an online automation technician program that uses simulation software, LogixSim, to complete automation lab projects and assignments. Other relevant credentials to become an automation technician include

mechatronics Mechatronics engineering also called mechatronics, is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that focuses on the integration of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering systems, and also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, ...

, robotics, and PLCs. Up-to-date credentials and certifications can enhance employment opportunities and keep technicians current with the latest technological developments. In addition to colleges and universities, other organizations and companies also offer credential programs in automation, including equipment manufacturers such as Rockwell and professional associations, such as the

Electronics Technicians Association The Electronics Technicians Association, International® (doing business as ETA® International) is a US-based not-for-profit 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 1978. The association provides certifications in industries such as basic electroni ...

Robotics Industries Association The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) was a United States trade group that serves the robotics Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of computer science and engineering. Robotics involves design, construction, operation, and use of rob ...

and the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.

Career prospects

Career opportunities for automation technicians include a wide range of manufacturing and service industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, power distribution, food processing, mining, and transportation. Other career prospects include areas as machine assembly, troubleshooting and testing, systems integration, application support, maintenance, component testing and assembly, automation programming, robot maintenance and programming, technical sales and services. Sunday, May 31, 2020 Joint Robotics Repair Detachment keeps robots mission ready DVIDS269092

Joint Robotics Repair Detachment keeps robots mission ready DVIDS269092

Typical job-related activities may involve: * assembly * installation *

maintenance Maintenance may refer to: Biological science * Maintenance of an organism * Maintenance respiration Non-technical maintenance * Alimony, also called ''maintenance'' in British English * Champerty and maintenance, two related legal doctrine ...

* testing * troubleshooting * repair * upgrading of associated automation equipment and systems. Experienced automation technicians with advanced training may become specialists or troubleshooters who help other technicians diagnose difficult problems, or work with engineers in designing equipment and developing maintenance procedures. Automation technicians with leadership ability also may eventually become maintenance supervisors or service managers. Due to the highly specialized skills and knowledge required, there are many opportunities available to automation technicians in the

service sector The tertiary sector of the economy, generally known as the service sector, is the third of the three economic sectors in the three-sector model (also known as the economic cycle). The others are the primary sector (raw materials) and the second ...

where there is a great demand for contract and sub-contract work with smaller manufacturing and distribution companies. Some experienced automation technicians open their own design, installation and maintenance companies. They can also become wholesalers or retailers of automation equipment, including inside and outside sales of automation equipment and systems. Because of their familiarity with control systems and equipment, automation technicians are particularly well qualified to become manufacturers' sales representatives. Other related opportunities include customer service, quality-control, quality-assurance and consulting.

References

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External links

Robotics Industries Association

Automation Technician certification
Technicians

Education and training

Career prospects

See also

References

External links