Automation Student Blog
The Automation Student Blog
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Beyond the Resume: Using LinkedIn to Power Your Post-Grad Job Search
For electrical engineering and technology students, LinkedIn is more than just a social network; it’s the most powerful professional tool for translating your degree into a high-value career. In the competitive worlds of automation and advanced manufacturing, LinkedIn allows you… Continue reading
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From Capstone to Career: Landing Your First Electrical Engineering Job
Graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) is a significant achievement, but the job search requires a strategy as well-tuned as a control loop. The job market in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation is… Continue reading
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The Next Frontier: Future Trends in AI and ML for Automation Control Systems
We’ve already seen how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have revolutionized manufacturing through predictive maintenance and basic quality control. But this is just the beginning. As industrial data volumes explode and edge computing power increases, the application of… Continue reading
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The Algorithms That Drive the Smart Factory: AI and ML in Control Systems
The transition to advanced manufacturing, often called Industry 4.0, isn’t just about putting sensors on machines—it’s about using intelligent algorithms to make decisions faster and better than humans can. While the term “AI” is broad, the real work on the… Continue reading
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Beyond Logic: Common Use Cases for AI and ML in Automation Control Systems
Advanced manufacturing—often defined by interconnected machines and data-rich environments—is rapidly moving past traditional, fixed Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) logic. The next evolution of industrial automation control systems involves incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) directly into the operational… Continue reading
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Machine Safety Controllers vs. Process Safety Controllers
In the world of industrial control, safety is paramount, but the way we achieve it differs drastically depending on the application. A safety system designed for a high-speed assembly line will have different requirements than one designed to manage a… Continue reading
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Decoding Machine Safety: An Overview of Essential Control System Standards
In the world of advanced manufacturing and industrial automation, machine safety is non-negotiable. It protects personnel, prevents equipment damage, and ensures operational compliance. For anyone designing, implementing, or maintaining a control system, understanding the applicable safety standards is the foundation… Continue reading
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PLC vs. Safety PLC: What Separates Standard Control from Critical Safety
In industrial automation, the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is the brain of the operation. It executes the logic, controls the machinery, and ensures production runs smoothly. However, not all PLCs are created equal. When it comes to protecting personnel, equipment,… Continue reading
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Mastering the Control Room: Essential Skills for Process Technology Students
An Associate’s Degree in Process Technology (P-Tech) is your direct pathway into high-demand, high-responsibility roles in industries like energy, chemical manufacturing, and utilities. Unlike many degrees, P-Tech programs focus intensely on applied knowledge and specific competencies required to operate and… Continue reading
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Your Ticket to Industry: The Associate’s Degree in Process Technology
If you’re seeking a technical career path that offers stability, high wages, and challenging work in advanced industrial settings, you need to know about the Associate’s Degree in Process Technology (P-Tech). This specialized two-year degree is the direct pipeline into… Continue reading
