Industrial Automation - Best Way To Educate Yourself | Elite Automation

Summary

In this video, Malachi Greb, CEO and engineer of Elite Automation, advises on the best educational paths for those interested in automation, particularly for high school or college students. He suggests focusing on specific software for PLC programming, such as Allen Bradley's Studio 5000 or Siemens, and for robot programming, recommends Fanuc's RoboGuide. Greb also touches on mechanical engineering software like Inventor and SolidWorks, and electrical engineering tools like AutoCAD Electrical and E-Plan. He emphasizes the value of hands-on learning with software over formal education and encourages viewers to explore and comment on other useful industrial automation software.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Focus on learning a specific piece of software relevant to your field of study.
• 💼 For PLC programming, consider Allen Bradley's Studio 5000 if in the US, or Siemens if outside the US.
• 🔍 Look for the most popular PLC brands in your region to guide your software choice.
• 🤖 In the US, Fanuc robots are prevalent, and their RoboGuide software is recommended for learning.
• 💻 Consider using multiple computers to extend free trials of expensive software like RoboGuide.
• 📚 Prioritize investing in high-quality software over generic college courses for practical skills.
• 📈 For mechanical engineering, prioritize learning software like Inventor and SolidWorks.
• 🆓 Check if your college offers free software subscriptions or education packages.
• 🔌 In electrical engineering, software like AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, and E-Plan are popular.
• 📊 HMI development is an accessible entry point into industrial automation, consider learning relevant software.
• 🌐 The speaker's background is in controls engineering, which influences the software recommendations.

Q & A

What is the best way to get educated in automation according to Malachi Greb?

Focusing on a specific piece of software relevant to your field of interest, such as PLC programming with Allen Bradley's software for those in the United States.

What PLC software does Malachi Greb recommend for someone in the United States?

Allen Bradley's Studio 5000 software, which is the number one brand in the United States.

What is the suggested approach if someone cannot afford the expensive PLC software?

Using free PLC softwares or taking advantage of trial versions, and considering buying cheaper computers to extend the trial period for learning purposes.

What robot brand does Malachi Greb recommend for robot programming in the United States?

Fanuc robots, as they are the number one robot brand in the United States, and their software, RoboGuide, can be accessed through a 30-day trial.

What is the alternative for someone outside of the United States looking to learn PLC programming?

Focusing on the most popular PLC brands in their region, such as Siemens.

What are some collaborative robot brands mentioned in the script?

Universal Robots (UR), KUKA, Yaskawa, and Kawasaki are mentioned as popular collaborative robot brands.

Which software does Malachi Greb recommend for mechanical engineering?

Inventor and SolidWorks are recommended as they are popular in the industry and offer subscription services or educational packages.

What is the suggestion for electrical engineering software?

AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, and E-Plan are suggested as they are popular in the industry.

Why does Malachi Greb suggest getting a college email ID for software access?

Some software companies offer free or discounted access to their products for students with a college email ID, which can be beneficial for learning and practicing.

What is the advice for someone interested in HMI development?

HMI development is suggested as an easier entry point into the field, with software like Wonderware or other HMI development tools being good to learn.

What is Malachi Greb's background, and how does it influence the software recommendations?

Malachi Greb is a controls engineer, which influences his recommendations to focus on software relevant to controls engineering, electrical, and mechanical engineering.