What Is the Future of Automation and Electronics Systems Technology?
Students study Automation and Electronics Systems Technology to develop real-world skills and knowledge in analog and digital electronics, microprocessor controls, handling machines and processes, and ‘smart’ factories. This technology reduces, and in some cases, replaces human effort in the engineering and manufacturing sectors with:
- Electronics and electrical components
- Hydraulics and mechanics
- Pneumatics and robotics
Business and Industry are gearing up to combat the growing worldwide competition, economic downturns, and rising prices to stay in business. Electronic systems are at the heart of any automation process, system, technology, or activity. They help reduce manufacturing costs and increase productivity.
How This Industry Benefits Our Economy and Society
Streamlining business and industry in America has many positive benefits for our economy and society. The world is not static because technologies that drive industries are constantly changing and need competent technicians to deal with them. Those who work in Automation and Electronic Systems Technology will help our country stay competitive and on track.
There are three substantive ways this industry will be welcomed in the next decade. First, is the development of new electronic products for personal and business use. New products can help boost companies’ revenues and replace old products that are not selling well. Developing new electronic products will ultimately enhance automation in virtually all industries, the quality of products, and their flexibility. The development and sales of new products will also increase jobs.
Ultimately, increases efficiency and productivity in factories and plants will occur by reducing human error. The quality will go up and more products can be produced in less time. Machines:
- Don’t get tired or distracted
- Are consistent in producing products
- Don’t come to work sick or injured
- Won’t become bored with monotonous tasks
- Don’t get into disagreements at work
Machines and robotics are accurate, dependable, and can function well in dangerous environments where humans should not work. By letting automation do more of the routine work, technicians and engineers can devote more time to improving product quality. Humans can devote more time to complexities and bettering finishing touches on goods.
We live in an age where people want more personalized and customized products to enhance their lives. Automation in factories and workshops can create them to cater to our individual tastes, preferences, and market needs. Making small batches of products manually is not time or cost-effective; however, automation can make the processes profitable. This can be accomplished without sacrificing safety in the workplace and quality standards. Automation can do the same thing for mass-produced goods.
“Business and Industry are gearing up to combat the growing worldwide competition, economic downturns, and rising prices to stay in business. Electronic systems are at the heart of any automation process, system, technology, or activity. They help reduce manufacturing costs and increase productivity.”
The Types of Available Jobs in AEST
Don’t worry about some jobs being displaced by Automation and Electronic Systems Technology because many more will be created by it. With your college degree and training, you can obtain employment in many industries where you will operate, test, and maintain unmanned, robotic, automated, or electromechanical equipment. The demand for technicians in this field looks promising with an estimated 3% growth during the next decade and average salaries of $58,350.
A wide variety of jobs are available in this industry, especially with your Associate Degree in:
- Aerospace and Automotive
- Computer Engineering
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Production
- Natural Gas and Oil
- Quality Control
Graduates can also find jobs working with remote-operated vehicles, home automation, alarm systems, video monitoring, medical and communications equipment. The future will bring many changes to technologies worldwide and should bring about new jobs we don’t visualize now.
Skills and Knowledge You Will Need in This Career
If this career appeals to you, you must develop the related knowledge and skills to obtain and retain a viable job. Here is a list of the most important things you need to succeed:
- Working knowledge of analog and digital electronics and microprocessor controls
- Skilled use of digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, function generators, and log probes
- Skills with programmable log controllers as applied to control and motor control
- Computer hardware, software, and networking proficiency
- Skills with low voltage and fiber termination
- An understanding of microprocessor architecture and basis I/O systems
- Be well versed with the Arduino platform
You also need communication skills and working abilities with the basics of flow, temperature, level and pressure. Be sure to enroll in a program with an A+ certification course in the industry.
Where to Go to College
Attending a high-quality program is essential for your first step in landing a great entry-level job in this field. ITI Technical College has developed an ideal Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in its Automation and Electronics Systems Technology Program. Whether you live in the Baton Rouge area or elsewhere, its’ worthwhile to check out this incredible opportunity for your future career.
Sources and References
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