NEWTON, NJ (Sussex County) – With new careers emerging every day in the robotics industry, Sussex County Community College has taken a major step in preparing area students to meet that demand.
Beginning this fall, the community college is offering an Associate in Applied Science degree in Robotics Technology.
Students in the Robotics Technology Program will design and create robotic prototypes and evaluate and repair these robotic systems. They will also develop skills in the installation, operation, calibration, and maintenance of automated systems.
Many robotics occupations have job duties that are similar to those of electrical and electronics engineering technicians. Careers that involve robotics include, but are not limited to, Mechanical Engineers, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians, Electro-mechanical Technicians, Sales Engineers, and Computer Programmers. With the Robotics field moving forward at an astounding pace, Sussex is ready with its new program.
Sussex recently completed the new Academic Building with a state-of-the-art “Makerspace” to prepare for this new program. This Makerspace will allow for students to explore and turn knowledge into action. The necessary tools and equipment will be available that will provoke inquiry as well stimulate creativity. The expectation is for students to work through problems and come up with new and innovative ideas.
For those students who are not inclined to pursue a degree in engineering but are interested in operating metalworking machines, repair and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies, operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment, this program affords them the opportunity to obtain a degree as they search for jobs.
Meanwhile, the College’s Robotics Club has already been established with great interest from students. The Robotics Club is a student-centered organization focused on providing students with the opportunity to pursue their own vision of automation. Members earn real-world engineering experience through designing, building, testing, and modifying robot projects. The Robotics Club provides members with the technical and interpersonal skills they’ll need to be contributing members of the future economy and become highly skilled in STEM careers. The club uses Vex Robotics to allow for limitless creations.
“The club is a great way for students to pursue robotics on an entry level, or advanced level,” said Dr. Leonard ‘Ned’ Sheehy, Science Department Coordinator and the advisor of the club.
