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
Dates: Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 22, 2026
Time: 8:15 am to 4:45 pm
- Light breakfast, full lunch, and snacks provided daily
TUITION FEE: $2,300.00 (discounted from $2,800.00 thanks to generous financial support from grant funding.)