Industrial Controls & Automation Engineering Lab

Develop professional experience with PLCs, HMIs, Digital Twin software, and more in UW-Stout's advanced controls and automation lab.
In this Section

Where Control Meets Automation Precision

At UW-Stout, our Industrial Controls & Automation Engineering Lab provides students with hands-on learning opportunities to understand the intricacies of machine control and safety. Featuring power electronic trainers, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and fluid power and mechanics, this lab teaches students how to effectively control larger machinery. The lab also includes state-of-the-art Digital Twin software from Rockwell Automation, allowing students to apply physics and motion to CAD models and run them with programmable logic controller (PLC) programs before making physical modifications. With a focus on advanced classes in human-machine interfaces (HMIs), motion control, and instrumentation, students gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in real-world engineering environments.
 

Engineering students work with instrumentation controls system in lab.
Students use controls instrumentation in engineering lab.

Dive Deeper Into the Industrial Controls & Automation Engineering Lab's Equipment and Software

Controls Trainer
Controls trainer in engineering lab.

Our control trainer machinery teaches students how to manage and operate larger machinery with precision and safety. This equipment provides hands-on experience with real-world applications of machine control, allowing students to build skills in handling complex systems effectively.

Hydraulics Trainer
Hydraulics training in the engineering lab.

The hydraulic trainer allows students to explore the principles of hydraulics and fluid power systems through hands-on interaction with pumps, valves, and actuators. This equipment supports understanding fluid dynamics and the practical applications of hydraulic machinery in engineering.

Power Electronic Trainers
Power electronic trainer in the engineering lab.

Our power electronic trainers offer hands-on experience with power electronics, control systems, and circuit design. Students engage with real components, analyze system behaviors, and simulate real-world scenarios, developing essential skills for modern engineering careers.

Rockwell Automation Digital Twin Software
Rockwell digital twin software.

The Rockwell Automation Digital Twin Software enables students to simulate and analyze CAD models with applied physics and motion. This hands-on tool allows for testing and refining PLC programs before physical implementation, fostering essential skills in digital modeling and system optimization.


Inspiring Graduates: Grace Goodreid and Josh Goodreid, B.S. Mechanical Engineering Featured Image

Inspiring Graduates: Grace Goodreid and Josh Goodreid, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

‘Stout is a university where you get to use your hands and apply what you learn.’
Automated solutions: Engineering teams present capstone prototypes to industry sponsors Featured Image

Automated solutions: Engineering teams present capstone prototypes to industry sponsors

Students quadruple production of sustainable coffee cups for eco-friendly startup; deliver toys to local children
STEMM Student Expo highlights first-year to senior projects, collaborations on Dec. 12 Featured Image

STEMM Student Expo highlights first-year to senior projects, collaborations on Dec. 12

Honors Chemistry student teams pair up to develop biodiesel, test toxic chemicals in the lab