ENGR 5033 - Machine Control Academy
Course Description
Participants will learn about and get hands-on introduction to industrial machine control and automation, focusing on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). You will learn about industrial machine control principles and applications, PLCs and how to integrate, program, operate and troubleshoot them, project set-up steps and the fundamentals of ladder logic programming, sensors and actuators, principles of inputs/outputs (I/O), human machine interface (HMI) systems, how to program them, alarming, sequencing, and feedback control, common digital communication protocols and introduction to Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Training will include understanding how PLCs work and the benefits they provide for automation in manufacturing, working with and learning about several leading PLC brands (Siemens, Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley, Phoenix Contact and a little on Keyence), how to program using ladder logic and other programming languages and becoming versed in design, set-up, implementation and troubleshooting of automated machine control systems. The overall goal of the program is to give participants the confidence to program, troubleshoot, implement, improve, and develop automated machine control systems. Classes will consist of a series of lessons using Digital Foundry curriculum, hands-on laboratory exercises, demonstrations and coding exercises. After each section a knowledge check (quiz) will be taken along with instructor observation and evaluation of student comprehension during labs. Successful completion of this program results in a certificate of completion/micro credential from the Digital Foundry.
Machine Control Academy – Level 2
Location: Digital Foundry – 855 5th Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068
Dates: Monday, November 17 – Thursday, November 20, 2025
Hours: 8:15am to 4:45PM each day
Fee: $1,800 (discounted from $2,250.00)
–Includes morning snacks & beverages, lunch and afternoon snacks.
–Training manuals provided as part of the fee.
–Digital Foundry members receive an additional discount. Please contact Steve Leonard at sbl5653@psu.edu to receive a discount code.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration/class is on a first come/first serve basis and is limited to the first 10 registered. Participants that register after the class is filled, will be given first choice for our next certified training session.