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Robotics Mechatronics Technology

We look forward to being a part of your educational journey.

The classes focus on taking theory and putting it into practice with labs that reinforce the information covered in lecture. You will learn how to maintain, design, and control all different types of manufacturing systems.

DEGREE:

  • This is a great degree for individuals that are creative and like to know how things work.  The program encompasses manufacturing technology,  including robotics, mechatronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, and electrical controls. No prerequisites are required and you will learn all necessary technology from instructors with industry experience.
  • There is a high demand for people with these skills in the workforce. Students leave with a knowledge base to help them get an entry-level position and help them to move forward in their careers for 5 to 10 years.


CERTIFICATE:

  • ​This is a great certificate for individuals that are creative and like to know how things work.  The program encompasses manufacturing technology, including mechatronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical controls. No prerequisites are required and you will learn all necessary technology from instructors with industry experience.
  • There is a high demand for people with these skills in the workforce. Students leave with a knowledge base to help them get an entry-level position.

Come and join us in this exciting field of study.

 
Useful Links

Click here to hear it from one of the instructors.

Here are a few organizations to contact for more information about hydraulic and pneumatic automation technology:

If you would like to add your page to our links, please let us know your URL

  1. A thorough knowledge of individual hydraulic and pneumatic components, the application and proper installation of each, preventative maintenance procedures and potential service problems.
  2. Read and understand hydraulic and pneumatic schematics as they relate to machine operation.
  3. Have hands-on experience in hydraulic systems fluid line layout and installation.
  4. Read and interpret electrical schematics as they relate to machine sequence of operation.
  5. Working knowledge of the use of electrical control to sequence solenoid valves and control machine functions.
Students who successfully complete the second year of this program will:
  1. Repair hydraulic and pneumatic components.
  2. Lay out manifolds and understand the use and application of cartridge type valves in manifolds.
  3. Understand complex automated machine operation using programmable controller and relay logic.
  4. Troubleshoot automated machinery using electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic schematics.
  5. Use computer for word processing and database for parts inventory control, invoicing and back ordering.
  6. Use CAD programs for making schematic drawings and designing hydraulic manifolds.
  7. Understand the uses of programmable controllers to sequence and monitor machine functions on automated equipment.
  8. Install and maintain complex electronic controlled hydraulic equipment.
  9. Write and troubleshoot PLC programs for precision machine operation.
  10. Understand basic motion control.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

Graduates from the Robotics Mechatronics Techology program have developed skills to qualify for employment in hydraulic and pneumatic sales, automated equipment fabrication or plant machinery maintenance work. This certificate option includes the first three quarters, or first year of our Robotics Mechatronics Technology AAS 2 year associate's degree. Students may choose to complete this certificate, or stay longer and complete the degree. Please see your faculty advisor for more information if you would like to change your certificate to a degree. 

Activities in sales and distribution vary from warehousing, inside sales, purchasing, outside sales, power unit fabrication to field service work. Each area offers challenging work, with most employers providing on-the-job training for product familiarization and developing the special skills required for sales and service in pneumatic automation products.

Activities include equipment or circuit design, shop assembly, installation of complex electro-hydraulic systems, field installation of new equipment or servicing existing equipment. Field service can involve world travel with a lot of time away from home. Activities in industrial plant maintenance vary from installing new equipment to troubleshooting and repairing existing equipment. This requires developing analytical procedures and certain mechanical abilities or skills to improve equipment performance and reliability.

A 2.0 GPA or better must be maintained in all Robotics Mechatronics Technology coursework before advancing to the subsequent quarter. Students not meeting this minimum requirement may repeat the course(s) one time before progressing. A student who is below the minimum 2.0 GPA may seek a one-time waiver with the approval of the division dean.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 52


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ROBO 111
Pneumatic Theory  
6
ROBO 112
Machine Controls  
7
ROBO 113
Computer Applications for Robotics  
4
Total Credits
 
17

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ROBO 121
Hydraulic Calculations  
5
ROBO 122
Hydraulic Basics and Theory  
5
ROBO 123
Print Reading  
4
ROBO 124
Basic Hydraulics Lab  
2
Total Credits
 
16

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
APLED121
Applied Written Communication   1
4
ROBO 131
Hydraulic Systems  
6
ROBO 132
Fluid Line Fabrication  
2
ROBO 133
Fluid Line Connectors  
5
ROBO 134
Industrial Technology Drawing  
2
Total Credits
 
19

1 This related education requirement may be met by any course or combination of courses approved by the instructional dean.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 5,346
$ 6,838
$ 11,777
Books
$ 131
$ 131
$ 131
Course Fees
$ 107
$ 107
$ 107
Institutional Fees
$ 336
$ 336
$ 1,597
Total Costs
$ 5,920
$ 7,412
$ 13,612

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

  • George Hollwedel
    George Hollwedel
    Fluid Power Technology
    A.A.S., Spokane Community College; B.A., Eastern Washington University; M.P.A., Eastern Washington University
    George.Hollwedel@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-7115
  • John Norman
    John Norman
    Fluid Power Technology
    A.A.S., Spokane Community College; Certified Pneumatic Technician; Certified Pneumatic Specialist; Certified Fluid Power Instructor
    John.Norman@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-7137

Robotics Mechatronics Technology positions exist with companies all over the world, and there are more jobs than graduates to fill them. Women and nontraditional students have excellent placement in this industry.

Most of our graduates are placed in the Pacific Northwest with opportunities throughout the world.  Our students work in many different areas of manufacturing and support roles.

Graduates might work for industrial distributors, do systems design work, or work as a mechatronic technician, or be involed in installation startup of automated systems, and many other areas.

Please visit the Career Services page for more information on finding employment. 

We graduate approximately 15-20 students each year. If you would like to hire one of our graduates, please contact John Norman at 509-768-2593.

We offer a two-year Robotics Mechatronics Technology Associate in Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) and a one-year certificate. The degree option takes six quarters to complete, and the certificate takes three quarters.

Robotics Mechatronics Technology students concentrate their studies in:

  • Technical support and design for providing industry with solutions for applications. Students learn about how supply channels get components and products to companies to take care of industry needs.  This area is good for people who enjoy technical challenges and seeing solutions come to reality. 
 
  • Learning about systems installation and performing maintenance and repair of automated systems and field service. This area is good for people who enjoy working with their hands to repair equipment or to fabricate and assemble new machines.

Have a question? Let's hear it.

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Request Info

Pathway Specialist

scc.reg-office@scc.spokane.edu

509-533-8860

Alaynah Hardesty

Workforce Transitions
Alaynah.Hardesty@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7398

Steve Nordquist

Department Chair
Steve.Nordquist@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7090

John Norman

Program Lead
John.Norman@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7137

Academic Counseling

counseling@scc.spokane.edu

509-533-7264