Factory Automation
Colton
Experience Information
Employer: Koops Inc.
Job Title: Controls Programming
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Koops is an automation company that serves many industries such as automotive, medical and department of defense. Koops started as an engineering services company focused on design and has involved into full service, doing everything from design to building to install of machines. Koops is employee owned with 3 locations (Michigan, South Carolina, and Mexico) and over 200 employees.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This semester I was working with the controls programming team. I started with looking at the electrical prints to determine the components that were going to be used in the machine then looked at the model with the project manager to understand the process of operations and motions necessary for the machine to perform. I then wrote the code to communicate with the PLC and components, control sequences, and interact with digital and analog inputs/outputs.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained a better understanding of ladder logic programming and the steps necessary for a part to go from prototype to production. Ensuring safe operation of the machine was an important part of the job so I gained an understanding of machine safeguarding within the industry.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the experience was starting with only the components that would be used then figuring out how they would all interact to assemble the part is a fast, safe sequence. The programming would be started before the machine was built then loaded on to the PLC after the machine was built. At this point you figure out what part of your sequences don't work or need modifications to be improved upon. My mentor and other people I worked with were very helpful which made this learning process go smoothly.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Doing a co-op at Koops has furthered my interest in controls engineering and helped my plan my future classes to gain a better understanding within the field.