Getting Started with Robotics
If you’re interested in robotics engineering, the best way to get started is by getting hands-on experience building, programming, and working with robots. Here are some great ways to start learning robotics:
Join Robotics Clubs and Competitions
One of the best ways to get experience with robotics is by joining school or community robotics clubs and teams. Look for opportunities like FIRST Robotics competitions, VEX Robotics, or clubs at maker spaces or technology meetups. These clubs will give you the chance to collaborate on building robots and designing automation systems. You'll get to apply your programming and engineering skills in a practical setting.
Attend Robotics Camps
Specialized robotics camps are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in learning about robotics. Look for day camps, weekend workshops, or summer programs offered in your area. In these camps, you'll get hands-on learning opportunities and work on projects under the guidance of robotics experts.
Build Your Own Robot Projects
You can find kits and components online to experiment with building basic robots and electronics projects on your own. Start by getting an Arduino microcontroller and following tutorials to make simple robots. As you advance, you can attempt more complex projects using Raspberry Pi boards or robotics kits. Creating your own robots is an excellent way to develop key engineering and technical skills.
Utilize Online Simulators
Before working with physical robot hardware, online robot simulators let you gain virtual experience programming and designing robot behavior. Check out tools like V-REP, Gazebo, and Webots that simulate robots in 3D environments. The best part is you can gain this virtual experience anywhere at your own pace.
Choosing the Right Engineering Degree
One of the first steps to becoming a robotics engineer is choosing the right engineering degree. While there are several engineering disciplines that provide a solid foundation for a robotics career, some of the most relevant options include:
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering focuses on the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. As a robotics engineer, mechanical engineering skills allow you to design robotic mechanisms, create prototypes, and develop autonomous systems. Coursework covers topics like statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, and mechatronics. Hands-on labs also build critical skills.
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. As a robotics engineer, these skills help you work on the electronic circuits, embedded systems, and hardware integration in robots. Relevant coursework includes analog/digital electronics, microprocessors, control engineering, signal processing, and circuit design.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science. This background provides the hardware and software skills needed to work on the computing aspects of robots. Coursework covers topics like operating systems, computer architecture, embedded systems, digital logic, and computer networks.
Software Engineering
While not a traditional engineering degree, software engineering equips you with programming and software development skills crucial for robotics. You'll take courses in algorithms, artificial intelligence, data structures, software design, and systems programming. This enables you to develop the software that serves as the brain of robots.
Mechatronics Engineering
Mechatronics combines mechanics, electronics, and computing to build smart electro-mechanical systems. The multidisciplinary approach directly applies to robotics and automation. Typical courses include control systems, robotics, automation, mechanics, and programming. This creed provides an integrated engineering foundation tailored for robotics.
Overall, mechanical, electrical, computer, software, and mechatronics engineering provide the strongest base of skills for robotics engineering. Prospective students should choose the program that best matches their specific interests within the field. However, having a balanced mix of hardware and software skills is an asset for any aspiring robotics engineer.
Must-Have Skills for Robotics Engineers
To be successful as a robotics engineer, you'll need a strong foundation in key technical skills. Here are some of the most important abilities to develop:
Math Skills
Excellence in math is crucial for robotics engineering. You'll need a solid background in calculus, linear algebra, geometry, and statistics to analyze robotic systems. Courses in math theory and proofs are also helpful. As a robotics engineer, you'll rely on mathematical models and algorithms daily.
Physics Knowledge
A thorough understanding of physics is essential. You'll need to apply concepts like classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism to your robot designs. Physics helps you predict how your robots will move and behave in the real world. Make sure to take physics courses focused on mechanics, dynamics, and circuits.
Computer Programming
Proficiency in programming is a must-have skill for robotics engineers. You'll need to code control systems, vision systems, simulations, and algorithms. Important languages to learn include C++, Java, Python, and MATLAB. Take courses on data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
Electronics Skills
You can't build robots without electronics! Expertise with circuits, microcontrollers, motors, sensors, and embedded systems is crucial. Make sure to learn about digital logic, control theory, and circuit design principles. Hands-on lab experience will also help develop your electronics abilities. Start tinkering with Arduino boards and basic robot kits.
Gaining competence in math, physics, programming, and electronics will give you the foundation to excel as a robotics engineer. Develop these abilities through coursework and hands-on practice. With patience and persistence, you can build up your expertise in these core areas.
Learn Key Programming Languages
To become a skilled robotics engineer, you need to master some key programming languages that are commonly used in the field. The main languages that all aspiring robotics engineers should learn are C++, Python, and Java.
C++
C++ is one of the most widely used programming languages in robotics engineering. Many robotics libraries, such as ROS (Robot Operating System), are written in C++. It provides low-level control and is very fast, making it ideal for programming robots and embedded systems. C++ is a compiled language, so code written in it gets converted directly into fast machine code. This gives robotics engineers precise control over a robot's hardware.
Python
Python has emerged as the most popular programming language for robotics in recent years. It provides an easy to use syntax, extensive libraries, and strong community support. Python is great for higher-level robotics programming, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and manipulating data. Many open source robotics platforms use Python for activities like controlling a robot's motion, processing sensor data, and defining behavioral logic.
Java
Java is a robust, general purpose language well-suited for robotics. It is an OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) language that allows for modular and reusable code. Java's platform independence allows a program written for one type of computer hardware to run on another. This makes it useful for programming robotics systems that interact with different hardware components. The processing power of Java also makes it a good choice for complex robotics algorithms and artificial intelligence applications.
Mastering these key programming languages provides a strong foundation for any robotics engineer. They enable controlling robot hardware, manipulating sensor data, programming intelligence and behavior, and much more. Aspiring robotics engineers should become fluent in C++, Python and Java to unlock the full potential of robotics programming.
Internships and Projects
Getting hands-on experience through internships and working on projects is crucial to becoming an effective robotics engineer. Here are some tips on where to find internships and the types of projects you should try to gain experience with:
Where to Find Internships
Look for internships at major robotics companies like Boston Dynamics, iRobot, ABB Robotics, Fanuc, and others. These companies often have summer internship programs.
Search job sites like Indeed, Monster, etc. for robotics internships. Some listings may be for electrical or mechanical engineering roles but involve robotics work.
Check your university's career center for internships. Companies will sometimes recruit robotics interns directly through schools.
Attend career fairs held on campus or by organizations like IEEE to connect directly with companies hiring robotics interns.
Reach out to robotics startups, research labs, and lesser known companies in the field which may not post internship ads widely.
Types of Projects
Building basic robots from kits or by designing the mechanics and electronics yourself. Start simple with small robot arms or vehicles.
Automation systems like sorting machines for packages or automating part of a manufacturing process. Great practice for industrial applications.
Drone flight controllers and self-balancing robots which require dynamic control systems.
Computer vision projects like automated inventory tracking, obstacle avoidance for vehicles, or tracking objects.
Simulation projects in tools like ROS, Webots, V-REP, or Gazebo. Develop environments and robot behaviors in software first.
Open source contributions through FIRST Robotics or to ongoing robotics projects to get experience coding for real robot needs.
Anything that challenges you and lets you apply your robotics knowledge! Complexity matters more than polish.
The key is to dive into projects that let you apply your robotics and engineering skills. Having diverse hands-on experience will make you a much stronger candidate for robotics roles.
Robotics Engineering Career Paths
Robotics engineers have excellent career advancement opportunities as they gain more experience and skills. Here are some of the common career levels and average salaries for robotics engineering roles:
Entry Level
Robotics Engineer - Works on designing, developing, testing and troubleshooting robotic systems. May work under the guidance of more experienced engineers. Average salary - $70,000 to $90,000
Robotics Technician - Builds, installs, operates and maintains robotic equipment. Usually has an associate degree. Average salary - $50,000 to $70,000
Automation Engineer - Develops and implements automation systems to improve manufacturing and industrial processes. Average salary - $65,000 to $85,000
Mid Level
Senior Robotics Engineer - Leads projects and teams to design and deploy robotic systems. Has 5-10 years experience. Average salary - $95,000 to $130,000
Lead Robotics Engineer - Manages a team of robotics engineers. Involved in planning, designing, budgeting and project delivery. Average salary - $110,000 to $150,000
Advanced Level
Robotics Architect - Defines the structure, components and controls of complex robotic systems and processes. Requires 10+ years experience. Average salary - $130,000 to $160,000
Director of Robotics - Oversees all robotics operations including R&D, testing, manufacturing and integration. Average salary - $150,000 to $200,000
Robotics engineers can progress rapidly from entry level roles to leadership positions by gaining specialized skills and experience. Continuing education and earning certifications also boosts their career advancement opportunities.
Job Opportunities and Growth for Robotics Engineers
The job outlook for robotics engineers is very strong due to increasing adoption of robotics and automation across many industries. Here are some key facts about job opportunities and growth:
Industries hiring robotics engineers include manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, defense, logistics, and more. Any industry that uses automated systems and robotics will need robotics engineering talent.
Employment of robotics engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The manufacturing industry is increasingly using robots and automation on production lines which is driving demand. Industrial robots are being used for welding, painting, assembly, pick and place, palletizing, product inspection, and testing.
Warehouses and distribution centers are adopting autonomous mobile robots to automate inventory management and logistics. This is creating new robotics engineering roles.
Healthcare providers are turning to robotics and automation for surgical assistants, lab automation, sanitation, patient mobility, and more. Medical robotics is a fast growing domain.
Defense contractors and space exploration companies like NASA rely on advanced robotics. New roles are opening up in unmanned vehicles, artificial intelligence, robot mobility, and sensor systems.
Emerging fields like self-driving vehicles, service robots in hospitality and restaurants, exoskeletons, and human-computer interaction will create new opportunities.
In summary, robotics engineers have excellent job prospects due to increasing automation and robotics adoption. Candidates with the right skills and education should find abundant openings across industries. The future looks bright for this exciting career path.
Continuing Education
Getting an engineering or computer science degree is the first step to becoming a robotics engineer. But the learning doesn't stop after graduation. There are many ways robotics engineers can continue to build their knowledge and skills throughout their career.
Certifications
Earning certifications is a great way for robotics engineers to demonstrate proficiency in key skills. Here are some of the most valuable certifications:
Certified Robotics Professional (CRP) from the Robotics Certification Standards Alliance (RCSA). This covers core robotics concepts including systems engineering, robot safety, and programming.
Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). This certification focuses on understanding, predicting, and evaluating the reliability of products including robots.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD). Since Microsoft operating systems and development platforms are ubiquitous in robotics, certification in .NET and Azure skills are valuable.
AWS Certified Developer. With the growth of cloud robotics, skills in Amazon Web Services are becoming more important for robotics engineers.
Various programming language certifications like Java SE and Python.
Graduate Degrees
Pursuing a graduate degree allows robotics engineers to gain advanced technical and research skills. Here are some of the top options:
Master's in Robotics Engineering - Dedicated robotics degrees that combine topics like artificial intelligence, computer vision, mechatronics, and control systems. Hands-on robotics projects are a key part of these programs.
Master's in Computer Science - For a stronger foundation in areas like machine learning, computer vision, human-computer interaction, and programming languages. This allows specializing in fields like AI and automation.
Master's in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering - Broad engineering programs with electives or concentrations in robotics. This allows tailoring coursework to robotics and completing research in the field.
MBA - For robotics engineers interested in leadership roles. An MBA provides critical business acumen to complement the technical background.
Pursuing a graduate degree in robotics or related fields allows expanding capabilities and preparing for senior engineering and leadership positions. It also opens up research roles and teaching opportunities.
Join Relevant Professional Organizations
Robotics is an exciting and rapidly advancing field. Connecting with like-minded professionals through professional organizations can help robotics engineers stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry and build their professional network. Some of the most relevant professional organizations for robotics engineers include:
IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society is dedicated to supporting innovation and excellence in robotics. It hosts events and conferences, publishes journals and magazines, and offers professional development opportunities. Robotics engineers can benefit from the society's technical resources, networking events, and volunteer opportunities.
Association for Computing Machinery
The ACM is the world's largest computing society. Through its robotics community and Special Interest Group on Artificial Intelligence (SIGAI), ACM connects researchers and professionals in robotics and AI. Members gain access to ACM's publications, conferences, learning programs, and other resources to advance their careers.
Robotics Society of America
The Robotics Society of America (RSA) brings together commercial, industrial and research professionals to advance innovation and education in robotics. The RSA hosts competitions, conferences and networking events. They also provide education programs and mentorship opportunities for those pursuing robotics careers.
Joining relevant professional associations can help robotics engineers expand their professional network, keep up with developments in the field, and advance their robotics engineering careers. The IEEE, ACM and RSA offer access to valuable resources, events and connections in the robotics community.
Advice from Experts
Many of today's pioneering roboticists got their start tinkering with electronics and mechanical devices in their free time. They recommend trying to replicate simple robot designs to gain hands-on skills. Some other tips from experts include:
Start learning to code as soon as possible. Many experts suggest starting with Python as your first programming language for robotics.
Join robotics competitions like FIRST Robotics to practice working in teams and solving real-world problems under pressure. The skills you gain will be invaluable.
Consider an internship at a robotics company to learn how robotic systems work in the real world. Internships also provide networking opportunities and sometimes lead to job offers.
Build a portfolio showcasing your robotics projects and programming experience. This will give hiring managers an idea of your capabilities.
Get involved with hackathons and makerspaces. These are great places to receive mentorship, collaborate, and work on projects that will boost your skills.
Stay on top of new technologies by following robotic sites and publications. The field is constantly evolving so continuous learning is a must.
Develop expertise in a robotics specialty like artificial intelligence, computer vision, control systems, or human-robot interaction. This will make you stand out.
Demonstrate passion for the field in interviews. Roboticists need dedication and curiosity to thrive in this innovative field.
Consider getting a graduate degree to advance into more senior engineering and research roles. Many employers provide tuition assistance.
The key is to get as much hands-on experience as possible. With the right combination of education, skills and drive, you can succeed as a robotics engineer.