Robotics & Automated Systems Technology
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Robotics & Automated Systems Technology

Robots may be cast as sci-fi villains, yet they’re vital to today’s advanced manufacturers. As a robotics technician, you install, program, and maintain industrial robots and automated manufacturing systems.

A Future-Proof Career

In 2021, there was a global operational stock of 3.5 million industrial robots. The number of installations skyrocketed in 2022, with more than 517,000 new units joining the automated workforce. That’s a growth rate of 31% — and in the U.S., a high concentration of all those new robot installations occurred right here in southeast Michigan.

This stunning level of growth — which shows only signs of increasing in the future — means thousands of new technicians are needed to install, program, and maintain these robots. You have the opportunity for steady work and comfortable wages. Plus, since you’re the one with expert knowledge of robots, there’s little danger of you being replaced by one!

Additionally:

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this field will grow by 7 percent per year through 2030. See more BLS data.
  • In Southeast Michigan, typical salaries for OCC graduates range from $60,000 to $70,000 per year— and more, if you’re willing to travel. Explore local jobs.
  • Employers often recruit OCC students for entry-level positions part-way through the program and promote them upon graduation.
  • Your degree (which costs approximately $8,000) often pays for itself in your first year of work.
Job Market Outlook

Well-trained robotics techs are needed in your neighborhood — and all over the world. In this role, you can work close to home or travel regionally, across the U.S., and even internationally. Traveling techs work for companies like FANUC or a FANUC ASI (Authorized System Integrator). If traveling isn’t for you, you can work at a local manufacturing plant. Either way, you’re in demand — and you’re always busy working with exciting technologies.

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Hands-On Learning Opportunities

As a robotics student, you learn by doing. Our top-notch instructors teach you the theory that you immediately apply using FANUC ROBOGUIDE simulation or by working with in-house, full-size FANUC industrial robots. Our learning labs resemble factory floors, enabling you to get a real-life education from day one.

You’re introduced to many different technological areas, including:

  • Robotic programming applications
  • Computer-integrated manufacturing
  • Robotic controllers
  • Robotic mechanical drives
  • Robotic welding systems
  • Programmable controllers
  • Human-machine interfaces
  • Industrial networks
  • Vision systems

Our program also builds your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, helping you be ready for field work the minute you graduate.

Robotics Credentials: Options for Everyone

Our robotics program is open to all, regardless of your age, education level, or past work experience. We’re here to make you a successful robotics tech.

Associate Degree

With the 62-credit associate degree, you receive better pay and growth opportunities. By attending on a full-time basis, you can earn this Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in five semesters:

Certificate

The certificate path is a great option if you’ve already earned a college degree or have significant work history related to manufacturing technology. You can earn this 34-credit credential in four semesters (if you attend on a part-time basis):

Programmable Controllers Certificate of Achievement

If you want to enter the robotics field in the shortest amount of time possible while still earning credit toward a degree, consider this 12-credit credential, which can be earned by part-time students in two semesters:

Earn your robotics credentials while you work and gain experience for the next level:

  • Full- or Part-time
  • As few as five semesters
  • All three credentials
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A Program Designed for Your Success

Industry Experts: Part of Your Team

Local employers guide our program through an advisory board. Members keep our classes aligned with new technology and industry changes. They show up here, in the classes you take, meeting you and seeing how you learn and handle robots. The board includes:

In addition to helping us maintain an industry-driven curriculum, advisory board members also welcome our students as apprentices.

As part of your robotics education, you can earn an industry-leading certified robot operator certification from FANUC, our main industry partner and the world’s leading manufacturer of industrial robots.

We prepare you for the FCR-01 (FANUC Certified Robot Operator-1) written assessment, ensuring you have the knowledge needed to gain the certification and boost your career prospects.

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Take the Next Steps

Ready to begin your studies? Get started now: 

  • Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
  • On the application select one of the degree or certificate programs ‘Robotics/Automated Systems Technology’.
  • Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Student Update Information Request form.