A general laboratory course featuring microcomputer interfacing for data acquisition, process control and automation, and robotics was developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is now available to all junior engineering students. The development and features of the course are described. (JN)

To introduce students to the world of robotics and industrial automation, robotics was introduced to students enrolled in electronics classes in the industrial arts program at St. Amant High School (Louisiana). Three robots, three host microcomputers, and necessary software were purchased. The electronics instructor installed the three robots…

The objective of this study is to survey existing and emerging post-secondary computing and technology programs and employment trends in Pennsylvania to determine if college graduates are being prepared for careers in artificial intelligence. Due to low enrollment, colleges and universities are continually revising or restructuring their existing…

A description is provided of the Automated Manufacturing/Robotics program to be offered at Delaware County Community College beginning in September 1984. Section I provides information on the use of reprogramable industrial robots in manufacturing and the rapid changes in production that can be effected through the application of automated…

This report examines ways of providing technician training in the operating principles of robotic devices. The terms "robotics" and "robotic arms" are first defined. Some background information on the principal features of robotic arms is given, including their geometric arrangement, type of actuator used, control method, and…

This report contains materials to assist teachers and others in designing curricula in robotics. The first section includes the results of a survey of technicians and supervisors in nine companies involved with robots that was designed to gather information concerning the education and training needed to prepare for a career in robotics. The…

The Robotics/Automated Systems Technician (RAST) project developed a robotics technician model curriculum for the use of state directors of vocational education and two-year college vocational/technical educators. A baseline management plan was developed to guide the project. To provide awareness, project staff developed a dissemination plan…

This guide is one of three developed to provide guidelines, information, and resources useful in planning and developing postsecondary technician training programs in high technology. It is specifically intended for program planners and developers in the initial stages of planning a new program or specialized option in robotics. (Two companion…

Robots are finally receiving wide-spread attention as a means to realize the goal of automating factories. In the 1960's robot use was limited by unfavorable acquisition and operating costs and the affordable control technology limiting applications to relatively simple jobs. During the 1970's productivity of manufacturing organizations declined…

The project described in this report was conducted at the Community College of Luzerne County (Pennsylvania) to develop, in conjunction with area vocational-technical schools, the second year of a competency-based curriculum in automated systems/robotics technology. During the project, a task force of teachers from the area schools and the college…

This task analysis report for the Robotics/Automated Systems Technician (RAST) curriculum project first provides a RAST job description. It then discusses the task analysis, including the identification of tasks, the grouping of tasks according to major areas of specialty, and the comparison of the competencies to existing or new courses to…

This volume of the final report for the Robotics/Automated Systems Technician (RAST) curriculum project is a curriculum planning guide intended for school administrators, faculty, and student counselors/advisors. It includes step-by-step procedures to help institutions evaluate their community's needs and their capabilities to meet these needs in…

Abstracts of the following 52 papers are included in this document: "Development of a Computer-Automated Mechanical Testing System" (Aman); "Bringing Industry High-Tech into the School Curriculum" (Andrews); "Fostering Excellence in Industrial Technology Faculty and Programs" (Bensen); "World Markets and…

This document is intended to help education and training institutions deliver the Machine Tool Advanced Skills Technology (MAST) curriculum to a variety of individuals and organizations. MAST consists of industry-specific skill standards and model curricula for 15 occupational specialty areas within the U.S. machine tool and metals-related…

Presented in this program and proceedings are the following 27 papers describing a variety of educational uses of computers: "Learner Based Tools for Special Populations" (Barbara Allen); "Micros and Mainframes: Practical Administrative Applications at the Building Level" (Jeannine Bertrand and Eric Schiff); "Logo and Logowriter in the Curriculum"…