Robotics Engineering Degree

What Does a Robotics Engineer Do?

The basic responsibilities of a robotics engineer include designing and creating robots. This responsibility, however, is in no way a simple matter. In the process of designing and creation, these engineers need to take into account the system diagnostics, supervision of mechanical repairs and maintenance and any potential troubleshooting. The following list gives an overview of the typical work activities a robotics engineer would be required to carry out:

• Program robotic equipment
• Explain and advise customers on the usage of particular technical machinery
• Evaluate designs and specifications to ensure highest quality and maximum utility to users
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment
• Install production equipment and systems

To be able to perform in this highly technical field, robotics engineers must possess the right skill set and abilities. Here is a table that gives a general look into the basic abilities that a robotics engineering degree might help inculcate in students:

*Source: O*NET OnLine

How to Become a Robotics Engineer?

To enter this field, you need a solid educational background and the right amount of experience. Here is an outline of the educational requirements that this field has:

Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering

Typically students who wish to enter this field go for a Bachelor’s in Robotics Engineering. This is a comprehensive program that includes various aspects of engineering and technology, exposing students to computer science, mechanical and electrical engineering. The fundamental concepts in all these fields form a foundation for students to understand robotics. Classroom lectures are combined with extensive lab work to give students the opportunity to create their own robots. Your admission into a robotics engineering program would depend on your high school courses, grades and overall performance.

Master of Science in Robotics Engineering

Most people who enter the field of Robotics Engineering hold a master’s degree. The prerequisite to get admission into a graduate program is an undergraduate degree in the same field. Students in this degree build upon the fundamental knowledge they already have from their computer science or electrical engineering backgrounds. The focus here would be on more advance level courses and practical assignments. In addition to that, they might be required to choose an area of specialization. Potential areas of specialization for robotics engineering students include:

• Industrial Robotics
• Robotics Theory
• Mathematical Algorithms
• Social Effects of Technology
• Robots in Various Industries

Career Outlook for Robotics Engineers

Robotics Engineers can find employment in a large number of settings. Most of these positions typically require a graduate degree. Potential jobs that robotics engineers can get are as:

• Robotics Testing Technician
• Robotics Systems Controller
• Aerospace Robotics Engineer
• Industrial Robotics Engineer
• Computer Software Robotics Engineer
• Healthcare Robotics Engineer
• Robotics Programmer
• Quality Assurance of Robotics
• Robotics Engineer

To work in this field, a special kind of skill set is required. This is not just in terms of robotics, or the scientific element involved. You will need general skills such as:

*Source: O*NET OnLine

Salary Information and Employment Outlook for Robotics Engineers

Robotic Engineers can find employment as Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The salary information for this career is as follows:

*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

People with degrees in robotics can also find employment in other related sectors such as Mechanical Engineering, since there is a lot of overlap in terms of expertise and experience. Here’s the salary data for this occupation.

*Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Work Environment for Robotics Engineers

Robotics Engineers typically work in offices, laboratories or manufacturing plants. The work atmosphere can be pretty noisy and chaotic, if it is a manufacturing plant. In addition to that, these engineers are typically required to work overtime to meet strict deadlines.

5 Robot Trends to Watch Out For!

If robotics truly fascinates you, then you must be interested in where the industry is headed. You never know, maybe you could be the one making these technologies or modifying them in the future:

1. Chinese Robots
2. Delivery Drones
3. Enabling Robots to learn by stimulating neural networks
4. Knowledge sharing between Robots to accelerate the process of robotics altogether
5. Personal Robots

While these technologies might not take off instantly, they are in the works, along with many others.