Dive Into Your Future: Join Our Intro to Robotics Class!

Explore Robotics with Acieta and IGNITE Pathways

Attention future robotics rockstars! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of robotics and automation? We’ve got some awesome news! Acieta is teaming up with IGNITE Pathways to bring you an epic Intro to Robotics class. This is your chance to get hands-on with cutting-edge tech and learn from the best in the biz!

Why You’ll Love This Class:

Get Your Hands Dirty: No boring lectures here! You’ll be working with real robots and automation tech from day one.
Learn from the Pros: Meet our team of super-experienced engineers from Acieta. They’re excited to share their knowledge and passion with you.
Kickstart Your Career: Whether you’re dreaming of a future in tech or just curious about robotics, this class will give you skills that are in high demand.

Meet Your Instructors

Matthew Bonfig

As a Robotic Systems Engineer, Matthew Bonfig programs robot systems and trains customers on their operation.

Bonfig’s fascination with automated machinery began in his father’s cabinetry shop. He taught himself programming through Minecraft and advanced to creating ERP software for the family business. While earning an associate’s degree in Robotics and Automated Systems Technology from Central Lakes College, he ran a freelance business designing industrial automation systems. Encouraged by his instructors, who were also Acieta engineers, Bonfig joined Acieta as an apprentice and was hired in 2020. He now shares his passion for robotics with young people through the IGNITE Pathways program.

Eddie Ridder

Eddie Ridder programs, installs, and trains customers on new robot systems. He is working toward his FANUC Master Certification in 2024.

Ridder’s interest in robots began with remote control toys from Rokenbok sets and continued as a member of his high school’s Vex Robotics team. He even taught a robotics class for a semester. After earning an associate’s degree in Robotics and Automated Systems Technology from Iowa Western Community College, Ridder joined Acieta in 2017. He looks forward to teaching young people about robotics again.

Tyler Theisen

Tyler Theisen oversees and trains Acieta’s robotics engineering team and facilitates virtual programming and simulation projects. He earned his FANUC Master Certification in 2024.

Theisen grew up using his hands and fixing machines on his family’s farm. After considering a career in manufacturing engineering, Theisen chose to pursue an associate’s degree in Robotics Technology from Lake Area Technical College. After graduating in 2014, he was hired by Acieta to program robot systems and later advanced to his current senior role. As an instructor in the IGNITE Pathways program, Theisen plans to bring an engaging, hands-on experience to robot education.

IGNITE Program: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing with Advanced Robotics Training

Explore how IGNITE Pathways and Acieta are setting a new standard in the manufacturing industry by offering comprehensive, hands-on robotics training designed for today’s manufacturing workforce. This program equips individuals and companies with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of automation. By closing the skills gap, driving innovation, and preparing the next generation of manufacturing professionals for success, IGNITE is making a significant impact on the future of the industry.

Class Details

Start Date: January 6, 2025
Where: IGNITE Pathways Regional Center, Woodbine, Iowa & Acieta, Council Bluffs, IA
Spots Available: Up to 9 students for a super personalized experience
What You’ll Learn: Robotics basics, automation systems, safety, and how to use this tech in the real world

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course covers tasks that a basic operator, technician, engineer, or programmer needs to setup, record, and/or troubleshoot programs on a FANUC Robot using HandlingTool Software.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Power up and jog the robot
Teach Frames – Recover from common program and robot faults
Execute production operations
Create, modify, and execute a material handling program
Create and execute MACROs
Monitor, force, and simulate input and output signals
Backup and restore individual programs and files

IGNITE Pathways is proud to partner with Acieta in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to offer a new introductory robotics course that will prepare high school juniors and seniors for a career in automation. This is an incredible opportunity for students to get a head start in the industry!

Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to jump into the world of robotics. Whether you’re a high school student dreaming of a future in tech or just curious about robotics, this class can be your gateway to an exciting and rewarding career.

ENROLL TODAY

Questions? Contact IGNITE Pathways at 712-647-3526 or email info@ignite-pathways.com.