What is Automation Engineering?

Modern automation engineering combines elements of electronics, interfacing, instrumentation, software programming, robotics, networking, databases and data intelligence which are highly sought-after skills in sectors such as the pharmaceutical, medical device and food industries.

 

As manufacturing industry transitions towards Industry 4.0, the increased need for data intelligence means that the shortage of automation engineers with the required skillset will become greater.

 

Industry 4.0 is the term used to describe the ‘smart factory’ era where computers and automation come together via cyber-physical systems to control/monitor the physical processes of the factory and make de-centralised decisions. Such developments demand graduates with a blend of electronics, automation, software programming, networking, IT and data intelligence skills.

 

Course Aims

The BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering course was designed in consultation with several principal medical device, pharmaceutical and food industry employers in the South East region with the aim of producing modern Automation Engineering graduates having the skillset required for current and future positions in this area.

 

Industrial Placement

In year three, students go on industrial placement for up to nine months. This give the students a taste of what professional practice is all about, how the industry operates and how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice. Industrial placement also provides the opportunity to liaise with companies for final year project. It also reinforces industrial links between SETU Waterford and the automation engineering industry in Ireland and abroad.