Mitsubishi Kettering University Prepares Future Engineers with Hands-on Training in Automation

[Semih Asil]

Kettering University aims to equip students with the skills necessary for meaningful and impactful careers through its cooperative education program, which brings together education and industry. In today's rapidly changing manufacturing and engineering environment, the need for graduates who can apply technology, in addition to possessing technological knowledge, is steadily increasing.

### The Importance of Applied Learning
Kettering University is renowned for its applied learning model, backed by over a century of experience. Students gain real-time experience with modern automation systems by receiving training from Tom Majeswski, Mitsubishi Electric's business development manager. With increasingly complex automation technologies in industry, employers expect graduates with practical experience in ladder logic programming, robotics, system integration, and troubleshooting.

### Two-Station Robotic Automation Cell
In collaboration with Patti Engineering and technology partners, the university designed a two-station robotic cell that mimics real production environments. This cell utilizes Mitsubishi Electric's industrial and collaborative robots. Students write code, debug, and observe real-time results in this cell, which integrates with PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, and conveyor mechanics.

### The Training Tool Evolves with Students
The robotic cell allows students to modify programming, troubleshoot errors, and understand the relationship between code and machine behavior. Terrance Brinkley, Director of Patti Engineering Michigan Operations, states that the cell gives students the freedom to experiment and rewrite parts of programs in a laboratory setting. This freedom fosters critical thinking, resilience, and self-confidence.

### Practical Experience for Careers
Electrical engineering student Scotty Grunwald describes working with the robotic cell as his first encounter with a real automation system. The challenges enhanced the project's value, and this experience helps students gain an advantage in internships and their careers. Employers prefer candidates who understand automation systems, solve problems independently, and can confidently articulate technical decisions.

### Recommendations for Getting Started with Applied Automation

• Start with simple automation kits or PLC training sets.
• Collaborate with local industry to obtain equipment, training, and expert support.
• Encourage students to try different solutions with open-ended lab assignments.
• Ensure that alumni and professionals share their real-world work experiences.
• Modularly expand program capacity over time.

Kettering University's automation project demonstrates that when education and industry unite towards a common goal, students can be prepared for meaningful and impactful careers. Modern engineering requires not just textbook knowledge, but also curiosity, adaptability, and hands-on experience. For educators and students, applied learning offers deeper understanding and career-ready skills.