When thinking about a career in robotics engineering, the idea of advanced space vehicles or futuristic AI machines may come to mind. However, this role is more typically reserved for the manufacturing automation industry. The good news: Several studies can lead to a career in robotics.
Historically, automation dates back to Henry Ford's automobile assembly line. The industry researches and develops refined motion and control systems to simplify household tasks and reduce manufacturing costs. With the recent commercialization of microelectronics, the industry began to include electronic components.
However, these electronics still use mechanical, automation, and control systems. For the most part, today's industry remains focused on automating production and most robots are used in automobile assembly. But these devices are also used in aerospace, agriculture, medicine, military, security, manufacturing and more.
While the manufacturing automation industry typically focuses on motion science, mechanical engineers also have a role to play. With the inclusion of control systems, electrical engineers and control system designers are also involved. As computers and software advanced, the industry began to incorporate engineers and computer scientists. Today, the industry is a dynamic mix of problem solvers from diverse disciplines.
Advanced robots require input from multiple specializations to function well, so this makes sense. For example, an automatic lawn mower needs to be “aware” of its surroundings, operate correctly, and turn the blade and decipher where to move next. This requires experts in design and control systems, mechanical engineers and computer scientists – at a minimum.
Most individuals working in robotics arrived through a mix of bachelor's and master's programs, typically in one of the following sectors:
Mechanical Engineering: the study of engineering physics, mathematics, and materials science principles to analyze and design mechanical devices. Subtopics such as materials engineering, mechanics, and manufacturing are central to industrial robotics. Often, mechanical engineering programs will have specializations in mechatronics or robotics, but will focus more on physical design and actuation.
Electrical engineering: the study, design and application of equipment and systems using electronics, low-level programming, embedded systems and control theory. Generally, electrical engineering degrees also offer specializations in robotics or automation, which will focus on robot control rather than mechanical design.
Computer Science: the study of computer systems, including software systems and high-level programming. Often these programs include robotics programming disciplines such as design and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, there are many other programs that students can take that can lead to work in robotics. For example, a quick look at the background of the top 25 women in robotics includes the study of: physics (as with Aude Billard and Arianna Menciassi), cognitive science, psychology (Leila Takayama), and sociology (Astrid Weiss). Other big robotics stars also came from qualifications such as pure mathematics (Rodney Brooks), civil engineering (Raj Reddy) and law (Ryan Calo).
Robotics is not a simplified or straightforward career choice. It is interdisciplinary, which brings benefits. This means experts from different fields can work together, continually offering new perspectives. This also means that students from diverse educational backgrounds can potentially find work in the industry.
The right choice
With so many potential paths to working with robotics, which path is ideal? Generally, it's best to choose the program you're most interested in – after all, a lifelong career should be interesting and enjoyable. So if you prefer electronics, maybe choose an electrical engineering program instead of software development.
Additionally, becoming an expert in an associated field may present you with more career options in the future. For example, a degree in mechanical engineering may also present opportunities in the aerospace industry or power generation.
Once in college, consider developing your robotics knowledge by joining a robotics unit, working on personal robotics projects, and taking appropriate electives. Additionally, while a bachelor's degree can give you a career in this field, having a master's degree really sets you apart.
Those currently working in robotics engineering typically fall into one (or more) of these three skill sectors:
- Computer-aided drafting and design: These engineers design and develop blueprints for robotic systems using state-of-the-art 3D modeling applications (such as Blender, AutoCAD, Inventor, and SolidWorks) to design plans and schematics.
- Construction: This includes hands-on robot building, with experience in the tools and manufacturing methods used to build robots from scratch. Often, these professionals use 3D printing platforms (such as Roboze and 3DP).
- Research and development: Every robotic system had to start with R&D. Some of these researchers operate in academia, exercising soft skills in critical thinking, investigation, and communication to teach others.
Regardless of the function, however, the end result is practically the same: producing robots that perform tasks more efficiently, economically and safely than humans.
Experience counts
Getting real experience of working with robots, programming, electronics and mechanics is essential to understanding the theory behind it. It also allows students to discover which parts of robotics they are most interested in to pursue their future.
One of the best ways to get hands-on experience is to participate in one of the many robotics tournaments, available for different ages and grade levels. If students know other people interested in robotics, why not get together, form a team and participate in a competition?
If you are interested in robotics engineering, now is a great time to join this growing industry. And the best news is that you can do this through several different programs.