Course Overview:

Technological advances in industrial automation have become paramount to the success of modern manufacturing and are integral to the ongoing transformation of the manufacturing sector. In this course the participant will explore fundamental concepts of automation electronics, including industrial sensors and related instrumentation – and then apply that knowledge to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and programming concepts.

The course emphasizes experiential learning with hands-on laboratory projects where participants examine critical components of modern industrial automation with emphasis on Allen-Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000 programming.  Within Studio 5000, the course moves from simple file creation to relay logic instructions, timers/counters, compare and math instructions, and finishing with analog input/output (I/O) concepts and intermediate programming constructs. The course closes with project-based programming utilizing various mechatronic PLC modules.

Format:

This hybrid course is delivered over a six-week period. The first two weeks are online only, with the participant acquiring fundamental knowledge that will be utilized throughout the course. Allow approximately three to four hours each week to complete the online work. Online work is completed each week at the day and time that works with the learner’s schedule. Each online learning module is supplemented with an online quiz that the participant must pass. Participants will be allowed multiple attempts for each quiz.

The final four weeks are composed of both online learning blocks and hands-on learning labs in the Industry 4.0 Suite at Mizzou Engineering. Each applied lab is scheduled for 8-hours. Each participant will have their own instrumentation and PLC station, although some of the final mechatronic manufacturing cells will be delivered in a team-based environment.

Online coursework begins on May 19, 2025 and ends on June 24, 2025.

In-person lab days are June 4, 11, 18, and 25. 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will be able to:

   • Understand the fundamentals of automation electronics

   • Have a working knowledge of PLC input/output (I/O) wiring and integration

   • Possess a demonstratable knowledge of Studio 5000 relay logic instructions

   • Understand Studio 5000 timer/counter, compare, math, and sequencing instructions

   • Wire, program, and troubleshoot fundamental PLC mechatronic control systems 

Course Schedule:

• Week 1 and 2 Online Modules: Introduction to automation electronics and PLC theory  
• Week 3 Online Module: Studio 5000 relay logic instructions and timers/counter instructions / Lab 1: Automation electronics and sensors; introduction to PLCs and software
• Week 4 Online Module: Intermediate Studio 5000 instructions and programming / Lab 2: Studio 5000 relay-logic, timer, counter, and intermediate instructions
• Week 5 Online Module: Concepts of PLC integration via mechatronic modules / Lab 3: Project-based programming with mechatronic modules
• Week 6 Online Module: Introduction to Allen-Bradley micro800 programming / Lab 4: Project-based programming with mechatronic modules and CIM cell

Instructor:

Mike Klote, Associate Teaching Professor

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Engineering & Information Technology, Mizzou College of Engineering 

Length:

6-week

Department: 

Mizzou College of Engineering

Credit:

Non-credit | Adult Learner

Audience:

Individuals working in manufacturing setting

Accommodations

University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with participation in an educational program or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made.

Cancellations and Refund Requests

Access MU Extension’s Course Cancellation and Refund Policy for details.