Sierra College's Mechatronics program offers hands-on associates degrees with material covering advanced mechatronics-related topics from hydraulics and industrial PLC controls to embedded systems and CNC manufacturing. The program is among the best in the state because of its dedicated faculty and cutting-edge curriculum that meets the evolving demands of high-tech employers. This project was contracted to demonstrate the operation of real industrial robotics in action. This project utilizes a Fanuc LR Mate 100i robotic arm to stack a Jenga tower which simulates a common industrial automation task, palletizing. Students repeatedly place single blocks on the input side while the robot stacks the tower, and after completion, the tower is removed by pneumatic actuators. Students control the cell through the portable HMI while a light fence and polycarbonate barrier keep the students safely away from the robot's high-speed and potentially dangerous environment. 

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    This project implements industrial pneumatics, electronics, and robot-to-PLC communication. Both the Fanuc controller and the Mitsubishi PLC are custom programmed to serve the needs of this project. Safety features include air pressure sensors, a light fence, polycarbonate, two E-stops, and a light stack for indicating robot status.