Automation and Robotics Center
The Perfect Home for Industrial-Strength Training
The Automation and Robotics Center connects you with the latest in manufacturing technologies. Businesses and individuals turn to the Automation and Robotics Center for trainings and stackable certifications.
With stackable credentials, individuals can progress from a short-term certificate into other certificates and degrees with overlapping skills and requirements. We offer the education you need to level up your Industry 4.0 capabilities.
A First-in-Iowa Environment
Hawkeye is the first in the state to implement a training environment of fully connected systems. The Center’s training lab begins with focused individual learning stations—from electrical systems to mechanical and pneumatic systems. The lab sequence culminates in hands-on training with a seamless system in which all the parts work together, just as they do in the factory.
Training Programs in Automation and Robotics
Industrial Maintenance
Time: 8 months, full-time days
Industrial Maintenance grounds you in all the areas that keep a modern plan running:
- Electrical systems
- Motors
- Motor controls
- Pneumatics
- Hydraulics
- Mechanical systems
Become an Industrial Maintenance Technician
Get the Basics
Time: 3 months, 2–3 hours/day, for each level
Learn how Smart Manufacturing works and pick up the essentials for working with industrial automation and robots at different levels:
- Industry 4.0 Basic Operations
- Industry 4.0 Advanced Operations
- Industry 4.0 Robot System Operations
- Industry 4.0 IIoT, Networking and Data Analytics
Earn SACA Associate Certifications in Basic and Advanced Operations.
Earn Industry 4.0 Certifications
Specialize Your Skills
Timing varies.
After you know the basics, keep stacking specialized SACA certifications to be the plant expert on:
- Lead Operations Specialist
- Electrical Systems Specialist
- Robotic Systems
- Mechanical Systems Specialist
- Control Systems Specialist
- Automation Systems Specialist
Become a Robotics Specialist
CNC Machining
Time: 4 months
The CNC Machining and Turning Concepts program prepares you for an entry-level CNC career.
Become a CNC Machinist
Industry-Standard Equipment and Systems
The Automation and Robotics Center will allow learners to gain real, relevant Industry 4.0 skills and experience. This groundbreaking approach to teaching includes a multi-station automated manufacturing system that integrates mechatronics, robotics, conveyors, automated mobile robots, and a range of standard and emerging technologies:
- Haas CNC simulators
- FANUS CNC simulators
- Amatrol Skills Trainers
Advance at Your Own Pace
Every module, every certification depends on you showing that you know what you’re doing. That’s it. Move fast through the areas that come easily to you. Take more time to master the others.
As you prove competency, you move forward, at your pace. With our open lab model, you can take the next step and show your skills anytime the lab is open.
Connect with Employers
You work with ultramodern training equipment and curriculum developed based on what industry uses and needs. Our apprenticeship programs are another way to tie your training closely with the needs of an employer.
Industry Driven
Apprenticeships
Time: varies
Registered Apprenticeships link your training to a job with a local employer. Learn and earn as you go.
Discover apprenticeships
SACA Certifications
Time: Self-paced, often 3 months, 2-3 hours/day, for each level
Training at the Automation and Robotics Center at Hawkeye prepares you for the certification from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA). Pass an online, written exam in our testing center to earn a silver SACA certification in a set of skills. Demonstrate your hands-on competency in our lab to earn a gold SACA certification in those skills.
Certify your skills
Facilities
The training environment at the Automation and Robotics Center replicates the industrial environment. This is an open lab concept, with flexible spaces organized by equipment and task area.
Schedule a tour
Industry 4.0: Intelligent Automation
At its core, Industry 4.0 means combining the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with cyber-physical systems (like robots) and advanced automation technologies to bring improvements in manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
Workforce 4.0: Upskilling to Meet Demand
To keep up with competition and advancing tech, you need skilled people who work well in your company. Bring your Industry 4.0 workforce needs to the Automation and Robotics Center. We can connect you with people completing relevant trainings, help you organize an apprenticeship pipeline, and create custom trainings for your current employees.
Standard and Custom Trainings for Industry
All curriculum is module based and can be stacked for industry-recognized credentials from recognized leaders including FANUC, Rockwell, and the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA). We can customize our offerings for the specific job skills you need.
Ready to Learn More?
Reach out to the Automation and Robotics Center by completing the form below, emailing us, or calling 319-296-4447.