The robotics technology program at Butler County Community College just started last fall, but it’s already pursuing national recognition.
The college developed its associate’s degree in robotics technology along with Carnegie Mellon University and California University of Pennsylvania, with the goal of giving students the training to be able to transfer easily to similar programs at four-year schools, says Denton Dailey, who teaches in Butler’s program. Students can also go straight into the workforce, which is especially important given the prominence of robotics companies in the Pittsburgh area.
“Any industry that uses automated electronics could use a robotics grad,” Dailey says.
So far there are about 20 students pursuing the robotics technology degree, most with the goal of transferring to four-year schools and working as engineers. At Butler County Community College they’re learning about basics like how microprocessors and sensors work. This spring, sophomores will make driver-less vehicles with onboard global positioning systems. Dailey hopes for those vehicles to be entered into a national contest. Ultimately, he’d also like students to take part in the International Aerial Robotics Competition, in which student teams compete to perform complex missions with unmanned aerial vehicles.
This summer, Dailey hired some students to work as lab assistants. They happily put in hours working on projects. “The interest is high and the students are motivated,” Dailey says. “Makes it easy to teach this stuff.”
Source: Denton Dailey, Butler County Community College
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen