EEE8150 : Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics
EEE8150 : Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Kristopher Smith
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to give an overview of Industrial Automation and Control. to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced control systems and robotics, emphasizing theoretical foundations, simulated applications, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Several industrial control methods are explored such as: PLCs, Fuzzy Control, PID Controller Design and Robotic operation.
Outline Of Syllabus
The curriculum is designed to progress from fundamental concepts to advanced applications, covering topics such as:
On-Off Control : Background to Relay-based Control Systems
Programmable Logic Controllers(PLCs) - Programming and Laboratory based design work
Modelling & Control of Linear Systems: P,PI,PID Controllers. Zeigler Nicholls Tuning Fuzzy Sets and Fuzzy Control Systems – Theory, Design and Application
Nonlinear Systems : Simple Pendulum, Inverted pendulum, Interconnected Tanks
Introduction to Robotics Control, leading to application of Denavit-Hartenberg
Access to New Robotic Laboratory (aspiring to get students in the STB Robotic Lab with newly purchased £300k UR3e Robotic Arms)
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module students should have the knowledge to evaluate industrial systems and be able to apply a suitable controller methods. Several control techniques will applied in simulation or practice : PLC programming, PID Controller Design, Fuzzy Control Design and Robotic Movements.
1. Program Siemens based PLC 1200 Hardware - Create and Evaluate ladder logic design solutions
2. Analysis and Evaluation of Linear PID Controllers using Zeigler Nicholls methods.
3. Applying and Analyse fuzzy set theory and fuzzy controller design and its application to industrial control problems.
4. Classify Systems as Linear/Nonlinear and design/apply suitable controller
5. Describe and Design Robotic Movements using tools such as: transformation and Denavit-Hartenberg
Intended Skill Outcomes
The module engages students in a hierarchical learning process that spans from foundational knowledge to advanced application. At the base level, they acquire understanding through the exploration of plant, sensor, and actuator modelling methods (Knowledge) [M1,M2]. Moving up the cognitive ladder, students proceed to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios by designing on-off controllers and programming PLCs to solve hardware problems (Application) [M5,M12]. The curriculum further challenges students to demonstrate their comprehension by applying conventional PID controller design and tuning methods (Analysis) [M3]. As students ascend the cognitive hierarchy, they delve into higher-order thinking skills, including the design and application of fuzzy logic-based controllers (Synthesis) [M3]. Finally, they reach the pinnacle of cognitive complexity by applying frames of reference and mathematical transformations to robotics, and by mastering the application of Denavit-Hartenberg principles in the context of robotics. Through this structured approach, students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the PLC laboratory-based assignment crucial for success in the field of control systems (Evaluation) [M6, M12].
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 49:00 | 49:00 | Revision for Assessment (approx. 2hr per lecture) and completion of formative assessment. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Review lecture notes and after class tutorials (2hr per lecture). |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | 11 x 1hr review/tutorial/teaching |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Assessment January (100% module) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | MATLAB (3 x 2hr per lab) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Robotics Lab. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Practical Robotic Lab to support Lectures (class numbers /lab capacity dependent) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 104:00 | 104:00 | Reviewing tutorials, lectures and MATLAB session. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provides the core theoretical knowledge (Knowledge) [M1,M2]. The MATLAB SDL sessions are used to apply the knowledge to some practical scenarios to solidify the fundamental understanding (Application) [M5,M12]. The PLC Laboratory sessions provide an opportunity to gain practical experience and validate the ladder logic theory introduced in lectures (Application) [M5, M12]
The Final Written Exam tests that the learning outcomes have been achieved with questioning. (Analysis & Synthesis) [M3].
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 100 | Closed Book |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Online multiple choice exercise. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The Written Exam requires knowledge of the material presented in the Lectures and MATLAB SDL sessions. The in person Written Exam requires the knowledge of applications, understanding of course content and requires explanation/solving industrial problems. Students need to pass this online summative assessment to pass the module [M1,M2,M3,M5,M6].
Formative Assessment will take place in class as a multiple choice exercise. Feedback solutions will be provided for this to gauge knowledge and understanding and help students prepare for summative assessments.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- EEE8150's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- EEE8150's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.