Automated control exists in almost every sector of the economy. Many automated control applications are integrated into daily life, such as traffic lights, automatic doors, elevators, coffeemakers, automated lighting, and copy machines. In all these applications, sensors are used to provide the signals needed to control the machine or process. It is difficult to teach a control language such PLC programming without knowing how sensors work. This paper describes the design and evaluation of a sensor module (consisting of commonly used industrial sensors) and how this module is integrated with a portable PLC kit to make learning about PLCs and sensors convenient and accessible in the classroom and at home. Students have responded positively and want to see more tools like the sensor module and portable PLC kit.
Dr. Sheng-Jen ("Tony") Hsieh is a Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution and a member of the Graduate Faculty at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. His research interests include automation, robotics, cyber-manufacturing and Industry 4.0; optical/infrared imaging and instrumentation; micro/nano manufacturing; and design of technology for engineering education. He is also the Director of the Rockwell Automation Laboratory at Texas A&M University, a state-of-the-art facility for education and research in the areas of automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 systems. He was named Honorary International Chair Professor for National Taipei University of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan, for 2015-21. Dr. Hsieh received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
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