Bachelor’s Degree
Training profile – Physical AI
The automation engineer designs and develops complex decision-making systems related to processes and products in multiple applications across the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, with the goal of optimizing their performance and making them either independent from direct human intervention or easier and more efficient to manage.
These systems typically include sensors to collect real-time information, actuators to influence the behavior of the process under consideration, and a decision-making logic to determine which actions to take so that the process behaves as desired.
Nowadays, these systems are often referred to as Artificial Intelligence for Physical Systems – Physical AI.
Study Program
First Year
The first year provides the fundamental tools to understand the principles of modeling and analyzing physical and mathematical systems.
Students will study subjects such as mathematics, physics, and computer science, along with electrical engineering and business economics and organization, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical and industrial context.
Second Year
Students acquire skills related to both industrial engineering disciplines (mechanics, thermodynamics) and information engineering disciplines (computer science, electronics, telecommunications).
This multidisciplinary knowledge enables the automation engineer to understand the main aspects that interact within modern products, processes, and services as a whole, and to effectively collaborate with other professional figures.
In the second year, the fundamentals of systems theory and automatic control are also introduced, forming the methodological foundation typical of the field.
Third Year
The training is completed with advanced studies in industrial and information engineering subjects — such as electric machines and drives, and measurement and instrumentation — and with courses aimed at designing automation systems in fields such as continuous processes, manufacturing plants, and robotic systems.
A portion of the credits (15 out of 60) may be devoted to elective courses or to a training internship.
Students who intend to enter the workforce immediately are advised to choose the internship option, while those who wish to continue with a Master’s Degree are encouraged to take advanced mathematical courses such as Probability and Statistics or Fundamentals of Operations Research.
An overview of the knowledge and skills acquired by a Graduate in Automation Engineering, organized by technical/scientific domain, is shown in the diagram below:
Teaching methods
The program adopts a dynamic educational approach that alternates theoretical lectures with practical activities.
The learning methods include:
- Lectures for the delivery of theoretical concepts;
- Participatory teaching, with exercises and guided discussions;
- Computer and experimental laboratories to apply knowledge in real contexts;
- Group projects to develop collaboration and problem-solving skills.
In the second and third years, courses include hands-on experience with real systems and simulation software (such as Matlab/Simulink).
Many courses offer ongoing assessments, allowing students to distribute their study workload and receive continuous feedback.
Study support
To support students throughout their academic journey, the University offers:
- Peer-to-peer tutoring with experienced students;
- Tutoring for first-year students, including supplementary modules on basic subjects;
- The “Impara a Imparare” program to improve study methods and time management;
- The Polimi Open Knowledge (POK) platform, offering free online courses.
Optional internship
The third-year internship is an optional but highly recommended learning experience, allowing students to apply the knowledge they have acquired in real business contexts.
The University collaborates with numerous companies in the automation sector, offering students internship opportunities in Italy and abroad.
During the internship, students develop practical and interpersonal skills, as well as strengthen their analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Page dedicated to internships
International mobility
Students can spend a study period abroad through the Erasmus+, Double Degree, and Alliance4Tech programs.
It is also possible to participate as a Free Mover, obtaining recognition of the academic credits earned at partner or top-ranked universities.
Discover the opportunities for international mobility.
Extra-curricular activities
In addition to the curricular courses, students can enrich their experience by participating in:
- Passion in Action, a catalog of voluntary activities to develop transversal skills;
- Student associations, such as AEA Polimi (Automation Engineering Association), which promotes projects and workshops on robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
Post-graduate
Continuing your studies
The natural progression is the Master’s Degree in Automation and Control Engineering, which provides advanced training in control techniques, robotics, and intelligent systems.
Master’s Degree program page
Career opportunities
Automation engineers find employment in:
- Mechatronics and robotics industries;
- Manufacturing and industrial process companies;
- Energy companies;
- Transport and infrastructure;
- Consulting and design firms;
- Sectors related to data and predictive modeling for complex systems.
To explore further educational opportunities and the experiences of students after the bachelor’s degree, you can visit the dedicated page on the website:
Enrollment and contacts
Enrollment
Admission to the Bachelor’s Degree in Automation Engineering is through the Politecnico di Milano Online Test (TOL).
The TOL assesses basic knowledge and serves as a prerequisite for enrollment.
For detailed information on procedures, dates, and registration for the test, please refer to the dedicated page on the Politecnico di Milano website.
Contacts
Course Coordinator: ingauto-deib@polimi.it
Study Plans: pianidistudioauto-deib@polimi.it
Tutoring: see the dedicated Tutoring page of Politecnico di Milano
Internships: luca.ferrarini@polimi.it, fredy.ruiz@polimi.it
International Mobility: matteo.corno@polimi.it, gianpaolo.incremona@polimi.it
Student Office: https://polimi.it/studenti/contatti
Academic Office: didattica-deib@polimi.it