Course Summary
Robotics and Automation (also commonly known as the field of Mechatronics) is the combination of mechanical, electronic, robotic and software engineering systems that are used in modern manufacturing industries.
Robotics and Automation equips graduates with the skills to work in high-tech manufacturing industries and is becoming one of the fastest growing career areas. Robotics and Automation engineers design, build and operate intelligent machines such as the robots and flexible manufacturing systems of today and for tomorrow.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
During this programme students will learn how to analyse and design, build prototypes and control the machines and processes that are found in the biomedical, automotive, food processing and high volume manufacturing sectors, to name but a few. Robotic and Automation engineers are problem solvers by nature, looking for solutions to sometimes difficult engineering applications.
YEAR 1
Students are introduced to the engineering profession by sharing the fundamentals of engineering subjects with our other engineering programmes. The common first year helps develop a multidisciplinary mindset. Students are counselled during Year 1 on possible transfers, in line with their abilities and wishes.
YEAR 2
Students deepen their knowledge and understanding of robotic and automation engineering, focusing on control systems, electronics, industrial data communication, pneumatics, automation technology and robotics.
YEAR 3
Control systems, energy operations, image processing and power electronics are some of the subjects focused in Year 3. Students also complete a six-month work placement.
YEAR 4
Advanced automation and robotic systems, sensors and controls are focused on in Year 4. Students also complete a substantial project which helps bring learning to life.
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION
Accreditation from Engineers Ireland for Chartered Engineer is expected after the first cohort of graduates in 2025.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
- Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
- Download Entry requirements for all programmes
A H5 in Leaving Cert Mathematics is an entry requirement for this programme. Those who do not have a H5 grade in Mathematics may take the ATU Sligo Alternative Maths Exam, which is equivalent to Higher Level Mathematics.
The Alternative Maths Exam takes place in late August/early September each year. To register for the exam and for exact dates please visit our Alternative Maths Exam webpage
ALTERNATIVE MATHS EXAM AND ONLINE RESOURCES
ATU Sligo offers a free online pre-degree Mathematics Open Course MOOC leading to a special Mathematics exam, equivalent to Leaving Certificate Higher Level. The MOOC provides on-line resources including revision notes and sample papers to support students taking the examination.
The MOOC, launched in June 2017, is particularly suitable for CAO Leaving Certificate applicants who may not meet the Mathematics entry requirements for this Honours degree programme (minimum of H5 in LC) following the Leaving Certificate examinations or who are not taking higher level Leaving Certificate Mathematics. A pass in this special exam will be deemed equivalent to meeting the Mathematics entry requirement for this programme.
The Mathematics examination takes place at ATU Sligo and may also be available as an on-line proctored examination.
Current and prospective applicants can access the Mathematics MOOC as follows:
1. Register your name and email address on the Open Course (MOOC) website here: https://opencourses.itsligo.ie/login/signup.php
2. Once registered on the site enrol on the course here: https://opencourses.itsligo.ie/course/view.php?id=27 (the enrolment key is civil2017).
Career Opportunities
The integrated skills developed in this Robotics and Automation degree can be applied to a variety of jobs, enabling students to have a very promising career in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, electronics, food processing and manufacturing sectors.
Graduates from this degree have the interdisciplinary approach necessary to integrate electronics, control, software and mechanical engineering to a wide range of industrial problems. This is one of the most sought after skills in industry at present.
Robotics and Automation equips graduates with the skills to work in high-tech manufacturing industries and is becoming one of the fastest growing career areas.
Further Study
There are a number of masters programmes available at ATU Sligo in the area of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and Industry 4.0, as well as the opportunity to complete a masters by research.
Master of Engineering in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Post Graduate Certificate in Automotive Artificial Intelligence
To view all our Postgraduate options please click here
Testimonials
Hear what employers have to say about Engineering graduates from ATU Sligo. Plus, see some of the projects our students have worked on.
Did you know?
We also have a Level 7 Programme in this area - AU831 BEng in Mechatronic Engineering
In the Year 3 of Robotics and Automation, students go on a six month work placement. This allows them to put all the skills they have developed in class into a real world work experience. It also allows students to develop industry connections.
Advanced automation and robotic systems, sensors and controls are focused on in Year 4. All this along with a project help bring learning to life.
Professional Accreditation from Engineers Ireland for Chartered Engineer is expected after the first cohort of graduates in 2025.
Robotics and Automation engineers are problem solvers by nature, looking for solutions to sometimes difficult engineering applications.
Student projects are presented at The Sligo Engineering & Technology Expo. The Expo is attended by a range of companies including Fortune 500 industry leaders. This allows students to network with potential employers. View the 2023 Expo Catalogue
Robotics and Automation equips graduates with the skills to work in high-tech manufacturing industries and is becoming one of the fastest growing career areas.
Students enjoy a common first year across our Level 8 engineering degrees to give them an understanding of all aspects of engineering and the flexibility to change direction in Year 2 if desired. Students can choose from AU944 BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, AU941 BEng (Hons) in Robotics and Automation, or AU943 BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mathematics 101H | 05 |
| Introduction to Engineering | 05 |
| Engineering Graphics & Computer Aided Design | 05 |
| Engineering Physics | 05 |
| Engineering Mechanics 101 | 05 |
| Introduction to Programming | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mathematics 102H | 05 |
| Multi-Disciplinary Project | 05 |
| Electrical Principles Engineering | 05 |
| Engineering Chemistry | 05 |
| Engineering Mechanics 102 | 05 |
| Introduction to Professional Engineering | 05 |
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Electronics | 05 |
| Mathematics 202H | 05 |
| Control Systems 302 | 05 |
| Advanced Automation Technology | 05 |
| Introduction to Robotics | 05 |
| Industrial Data Communication 2 | 05 |
Semester 5
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Work Placement Preparation | 05 |
| Control Systems Analysis and Design 401 | 05 |
| Energy Operations & Utilities Management | 05 |
| Image Processing | 05 |
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Six Sigma 2 Statistical Control | 05 |
| Work Placement | 20 |
| Power Electronics & Drives | 10 |
| Mathematics 4 [E] | 05 |
| Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition L7 [E] | 05 |
Semester 7
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy Systems | 05 |
| Control Systems Analysis and Design 402 | 05 |
| Project 400 | 10 |
| Deep Learning for Computer Vision | 10 |
Semester 8
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Robotics | 05 |
| Research Methods | 05 |
| Industrial Networks 1 | 05 |
| Finance for engineers | 05 |
| Computer Vision | 05 |
| AV Sensor Systems | 05 |
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.