Automation, computer-integrated technologies, and robotics is a high-tech, interdisciplinary field that combines industrial programming, systems engineering, robotics, microprocessor systems, SCADA/PLC, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0/5.0 concepts.

This specialty creates a bridge between the physical world (mechanisms, machine tools, robots, conveyors) and the digital world (computers, clouds, optimization algorithms). A specialist in this field is an automation engineer (PLC/SCADA Developer), robotics systems developer, Digital Twins specialist, instrumentation & control (I&C) engineer, and cyber-physical systems architect.

The training of specialists in this area is built around the following key objects:

- industrial robots and robotic systems: manipulation robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR/AGV), cobots (collaborative robots), servo drives, sensors, and Computer Vision systems;

- programmable logic controllers (PLC) and industrial control systems (ICS/I&C): microprocessor controllers (Siemens, Schneider Electric, Omron, Beckhoff), I/O modules, industrial networks (PROFINET, Modbus, EtherCAT, OPC UA);

- SCADA, HMI, and digital platforms: operator panels, SCADA systems (WinCC, Ignition, Wonderware), MES manufacturing execution systems, and implementation of Digital Twin concepts;

- cyber-physical systems and Industry 4.0: IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), cloud and EDGE computing for manufacturing, automatic control systems (ACS), adaptive and fuzzy control;

- computer-aided design (CAD/CAM/CAE): EPLAN Electric, SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink for dynamic object modeling and robot kinematics simulation.

Learning objectives by higher education levels:

First (Bachelor's) level — training specialists capable of comprehensive problem solving in the development of new, modernization, and operation of existing automation systems and computer-integrated technologies using modern software and hardware tools.

Main focuses of Bachelor's degree training:

- studying the theoretical foundations of automatic control (TAC), electrical engineering, electric drives, and hydraulic and pneumatic automation;

- PLC programming (IEC 61131-3 languages: Ladder Diagram, Structured Text, etc.) and creating HMI/SCADA interfaces;

- microcontroller programming, creating primary I&C schematics, and designing automation systems in EPLAN;

- basic programming and setup of industrial robots (KUKA, ABB, Fanuc).

Second (Master's) level — training engineers and managers capable of solving complex problems in creating, improving, modernizing, operating, and supporting cyber-physical systems, as well as digital transformation technologies for Industry 4.0 that ensure the transition from the physical to the digital world.

Main focuses of Master's degree training:

- designing complex cyber-physical and autonomous robotic systems with artificial intelligence elements;

- creating Digital Twins of industrial objects, integrating industrial automation systems with enterprise ERP/MES systems;

- applying intelligent control methods (neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms) to complex technical processes;

- managing industrial digital transformation projects, performing re-engineering and audits of automated systems.

Third (Educational-Scientific) level — training highly qualified scientific and pedagogical personnel capable of conducting fundamental and applied scientific research, developing new control theories, algorithms, and innovative robotics technologies.

Main focuses of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) training:

- scientific research in autonomous robot movement, Swarm Robotics, and adaptive control under uncertainty;

- developing mathematical models of complex cyber-physical systems, computer vision, and pattern recognition systems for automation;

- publishing results in leading journals (Scopus / Web of Science) and participating in international scientific committees;

- scientific and pedagogical activities in higher education institutions, leading R&D projects in Robotics & Automation.

Key graduate competencies:

- industrial programming (PLC/SCADA) — developing control algorithms for PLCs (Siemens TIA Portal, CODESYS), developing SCADA systems, tuning PID controllers;

- robotics and mechatronics — setup, trajectory programming, and integration of industrial robots, working with end-effectors, sensors, and computer vision;

- industrial networks and IIoT — configuring communication protocols (PROFINET, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, MQTT), integrating equipment into a unified Industry 4.0 network;

- systems design (EPLAN/CAD) — developing electrical schematic and functional automation diagrams, specifications, and control cabinet layouts;

- system integration and Cloud — integrating operational technology (OT) data with IT systems (Cloud/Databases), developing solutions based on Edge controllers.

Graduates of Specialty G7 have one of the highest demand levels in the labor market due to global automation and a shortage of engineering personnel:

- industrial automation and engineering: PLC Programmer, SCADA/HMI Developer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Control Systems Engineer, I&C Engineer;

- robotics and autonomous systems: Robotics Engineer, Robotics Systems Integrator, Computer Vision Engineer for manufacturing;

- design and system integrators: Automation Systems Design Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Solutions Architect for Industry 4.0;

- automotive, aerospace, and food industries: Robotic Line Support Engineer in automated factories, Digital Twins Specialist;

- management and consulting: Technical Project Manager in system integration, Lead Automation Engineer;

- science and education (for PhD and Master's graduates): researcher in R&D centers of global vendors (Siemens, Festo, ABB, Fanuc), university lecturer.

Training is provided by:

- Department of Information Technologies of Design (105);

- Department of Aircraft Control Systems (Department 301);

- Department of Mechatronics and Electrical Engineering (Department 305).

Education is provided under the following educational programs:

Educational Program	Degree	Mode of Study	Duration of Study
Mobile Application Engineering	Bachelor based on complete general secondary education	Full-time and part-time	3 years and 10 months
Computer-Integrated Automation and Control Systems
Unmanned Robotic Systems		Full-time
Mobile Application Engineering	Master, professional educational program	Full-time and part-time	1 year and 4 months
Computer-Integrated Technological Processes and Manufacturing
Automation, Instrumentation, and Computer-Integrated Technologies	Doctor of Philosophy	Full-time and part-time	4 years