UTCH inaugurated automation and control laboratory

CHIHUAHUA - The new Automation and Control Laboratory was inaugurated with the objective of benefiting more than 700 students of the Mechatronics and Renewable Energies careers at the Technological University of Chihuahua (UTCH).

Located in building “P” of the institution, the laboratory required an investment of more than US$50.272. This space will allow the design of virtual instrumentation interfaces for the control and monitoring of automated systems, including PLC and industrial networks.

The students will apply fundamental principles of programming, wired logic, PLC, HMI, SCADA and industrial networks, in addition to performing practices focused on energy efficiency. These activities will enable them to provide companies with estimates of the operating cost of their processes and the energy consumption of their equipment.

During the inauguration, the UTCH Rector, Kamel Athie Flores, highlighted the importance of having quality facilities that promote the integral development of students and contribute to the formation of more prepared professionals.

Marcelino Sánchez Alvarado, director of the Mechatronics program, mentioned that the laboratory equipment was possible thanks to the reuse of materials and the donation of electrical equipment and cabinets by the company Visteon.

The university also acquired high-tech tools, and the laboratory was set up by students and faculty, fostering hands-on learning and collaboration.