The Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology program responds to the need for skilled engineering technology professionals in the thriving and growing fields of robotics and automation. Both are dynamic fields involving the design, building, programming, functional use, and maintenance of machinery. The distinction being that robotic systems may be designed to perform different tasks under software control. Whereas, automation systems are typically designed for a single task and operate in a more deterministic environment. Despite the minor differences in the application of the machinery, the skill sets required of engineers working in these fields are closely aligned. The nature of the field requires that workers not only have solid technical engineering knowledge, but also know both how to apply the knowledge in hands-on laboratory and factory settings, and how to communicate well. The Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology degree is designed to give students the advantage of a solid background in the three cornerstone disciplines of the field – mechanical engineering technology, electronic and computer engineering technology, and computer systems technology. Students take select courses from the three disciplines that provide an engineering foundation and directly relate to robotics and automation.