Automation Trainer

Team: Bridger Bagley, Jordan Hammond, and Adriana Lopez

Sponsor: Average Guy Engineering

Project Description

To build an automation training system for Utah State University to teach PLC (Programming Logic Controller) to undergraduate students
To implement a new educational opportunity at Utah State University for students of all backgrounds to gain hands-on experience with a common system used in manufacturing automation
To create a user-friendly interface with various input and output devices to operate the PLC system using uploaded ladder logic programs

The successful activation and identification of the IP address for the micro820 PLC using Rockwell Automation software, demonstrating connectivity and configuration
Conducted a simulation exercise to develop and test example PLC program using ladder logic

The design was focused primarily on the control box and plc system as is shown above.

The Automation Trainer is easily transportable and is staged on a mobile table with a hand crank for various adjustment height needs
The Automation Trainer includes a programmable PLC to connect to pushbuttons, switches, sensors, actuators, and a programming HMI
The PLC connection supports communication with a student laptop through Ethernet connection
Lessons Learned: Design changes were introduced adding complexity and challenges, but the team remained flexible and adaptable, incorporating customer recommendations. This experience highlighted the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and teamwork in attempts for project success
Recommended Future Work: Future work for this project consists of the implementation of programming scenarios and a mounted workspace. These items were not able to be included due to time and budget constraints