Blend the three fields of engineering to succeed in the high-demand field of automation and robotics.

The four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Automation and Robotics) degree prepares you for a career in the field of automation and robotics. Eligible graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Ontario College Advanced Diploma program can apply to this pathway program and receive credit for up to 20 courses in the degree, reducing the time to degree completion to two years and four months.

Autonomous and remotely operated systems are deployed the world over with ever increasing frequency. Such systems are being implemented in many instances to reduce risk to human workers, to achieve higher efficiencies in manufacturing and to improve the quality of lives through robot-assisted rehabilitation and care. Variations of these systems are often in place for reasons of feasibility, efficiency, safety or practicality. Traditionally, in order to develop such systems, collaborative expertise and knowledge in aspects of mechanical and electrical engineering as well as computer science is necessary. Through a combination of these three fields of engineering, this program helps you acquire the theoretical and applied expertise to succeed in the high-demand field of automation and robotics.

As a student in this program, you acquire knowledge and skills specific to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science, including:

• engineering principles, professionalism and methodologies
• mathematics, technical writing, computer programming, physics
• dynamics, electronics, optical systems, machine design, control systems, electromechanical actuators, sensors, vision systems and the software necessary to design and simulate autonomous and remotely operated systems and components
• project planning and management, and research and leadership

This program provides you with learning opportunities through industrial and/or applied research placements. A comprehensive final year project tied to the needs of industry exists to challenge you, presenting the opportunity to test and further develop knowledge and skills.

Students also gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term(s) (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term(s) are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to a co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

There is a wide variety of work opportunities for you after graduation. As a graduate of this degree, you may find employment opportunities in sectors such as:

• industrial automation
• mining
• agriculture
• manufacturing
• chemical
• pharmaceutical
• food
• aerospace
• healthcare
• defence

This program is not yet accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), however, Algonquin College intends to pursue accreditation.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess strong analytical, logical, mathematical and critical-thinking skills.
• Enjoy working with mechanical and/or electronic assemblies.
• Can work independently and collaborate in problem-solving teams.
• Are interested in working with a wide variety of people and situations.
• Have an appreciation for creative work and using cutting edge technology.

Careers

Graduates may work in the engineering fields as robotics engineers, controls engineers, automation engineers, robotics specialists and automation systems designers. As well, graduates may work in the traditional engineering field as a mechanical systems designer/engineers, electronic systems engineers and controls hardware/software designer/engineers.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Analyze, design, modify and support mechanical, software and electrical components, processes and systems by applying fundamentals of engineering.
2. Build functional robotic components by researching and integrating knowledge from mechanical, electrical and software engineering practices.
3. Customize existing non-autonomous systems into autonomous or semi-autonomous systems by designing and integrating solutions and developing autonomy algorithms and controls.
4. Analyze and solve complex technical problems in the field of robotics and automation by applying the principles of engineering and mathematics.
5. Develop, execute and interpret quantitative and qualitative analysis and tests for industrial mechatronic and automation systems.
6. Lead and perform diagnostics on a variety of industrial automation controls, sensors, data acquisition devices and interfaces by developing and using troubleshooting skills and techniques.
7. Ensure all work is performed in compliance of relevant laws, codes, regulations, policies, ethical principles, safety procedures and engineering practices and standards.
8. Contribute to the on-going and upcoming innovation and research in the robotics and automation field.
9. Develop entrepreneurship and effective business planning skills to innovate robotics technology targeting new and existing local and global markets.
10. Develop personal and professional strategies and plans to adapt to change, maintain currency and foster interprofessionalism.
11. Manage the project and communication with clients and other professionals to translate abstract ideas into tangible project requirements and products.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific factors that enable the contribution to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS) (CO-OP)
Pathway for Mechanical Engineering Technology
Program Code 6519C03FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

The equal consideration date is February 1. After the equal consideration date, applications for open program spaces will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

Algonquin College has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting December 20, 2017. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.

CO-OP INFORMATION:
Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

Completion of the total number of co-op work terms listed under the courses section on the program page are mandatory for graduation. Co-op students must make every effort to remain on schedule and participate in co-op work terms as planned. Students who fail to complete co-op work terms as scheduled may be required to take an unscheduled break in their studies, resulting in a delay in graduation in order to complete their co-op at a later date. Taking an unscheduled break in studies can impact an international student’s immigration status, including, in most cases, the ability to work. International students are advised to consult with the International Education Centre to understand the potential implications of unscheduled breaks at www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts/scheduled-unscheduled-breaks/.