Computer Engineering Co-op
Ethan
Experience Information
Employer: JR Automation Technologies, LLC
Job Title: Software Integration Team
Major: Computer Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
JR Automation is an industrial automation company located in Holland, MI. It is divided into several business units, each at a different plant in the Holland area. Each business unit is largely self-contained, with their own managers, mechanical and controls engineers, build technicians, and support staff. In addition to these business units, there is a "corporate" level which provides shared services to all of the business units. In total, the company has over 600 employees, including several at locations in Stevensville, MI and in South Carolina. The company is currently in a process of rapid expansion.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I've primarily worked on programming projects in C# and Java for industrial robotics applications. The majority of my time has been spent on three projects: in the first, I was working on a system for dynamically creating and displaying operator instructions along an assembly line based on input from a PLC. In the second project, where I've spent the most time, I worked on creating a dynamic programming platform and several demonstration programs for a collaborative industrial robot. Finally, I've been working on an image processing application in which I will be creating a robot path based on an image captured from a camera.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained some experience in network programming, significant experience in working with industrial robots, and significant experience in programming in C# and Java. I also gained experience in exploring algorithms for robot motion and image processing.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this experience has been the opportunity to learn and work on programming industrial robots. This has required me to work on a new way of thinking and approaching problems, and has been a great learning experience.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This co-op has helped me to realize that the world of industrial automation is a good fit for me for a permanent career. I've been very happy working at JR Automation and have enjoyed the number and variety of projects that I encounter on a regular basis.