The Dominican Republic has the best center for mechanotronics, that is, the application of electronics to machinery, in the Central American or Caribbean region. Jose Armando Tavarez, the head of the Las Americas Technological Institute (ITLA), told Hoy reporter Aleida Plasencia that the Mechanotronic Center is part of the academic programs offered by ITLA. The center specializes in technology related to the manufacturing processes or assemblies. The emphasis is on automation, robotics, CAD/CAM and other electronic aids to manufacturing such as CNC (Computerized Numeric Controls). According to Tavarez, there is no other center in the Caribbean with this sort of technological facility. As proof of the leadership in this area, Tavarez said that at least ten young technicians from Central America would be attending the institute. ITLA offers courses ranging from three months to two years in the different technological areas. The design of the curriculum is similar to that offered by technical institutes and Community Colleges in the United States.