5 answers
Edwin
Student
Hyattsville, Maryland
4
Questions
Asked
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What are the required skills needed to be a robotics engineer and is there anything that can help me get ready for it?
Is there any program that could help me prepare for the future?
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Edwin!
Teklemuz and Amanda already served you a whole buffet of wisdom on what it takes to become a robotics engineer — but there's always room for dessert, right? Robotics is this beautiful mashup of brains and creativity, and the best part? There’s no one-size-fits-all path into the field.
Teklemuz laid out the technical side so perfectly — from math and physics to programming languages like Python and C++. Those are your bread and butter. But what really makes a robotics engineer stand out is how you bring those pieces together to solve problems in the real world. Robotics isn't just about building machines — it's about creating something that makes life better, smarter, or more fun.
Amanda's advice about tinkering and taking things apart hits right at the heart of robotics. That curiosity to figure out how things work? That's your secret weapon. Whether it's a toaster, a remote-controlled car, or a Raspberry Pi project — the more you experiment, the more your brain starts thinking like an engineer.
One thing I'd add to all this is — start documenting everything you build. Whether it's a little homemade robot or a random project using Arduino, take pictures, write about what you learned, and throw it up on GitHub or a personal blog. That portfolio will become your golden ticket when you're applying to internships or schools.
If you're into competitions, definitely check out FIRST Robotics or VEX Robotics — they're like the Olympics of building cool machines. But if you're more of a solo inventor, platforms like Hackster.io or Instructables let you share your projects with the world.
Another underrated tip? Learn how to fail — and love it. Half of robotics is making something, watching it fall apart, and then tweaking it until it finally works. Every broken circuit or wonky code line is just a stepping stone to something awesome.
You're already asking the right questions — now it's just about getting your hands dirty and starting wherever you are. What's one thing you'd love to build, even if it's totally out there? A self-watering plant? A robot that delivers snacks? That's gonna serve me well..... 👀😅.... Umm..... Whatever pops into your mind — go for it.
Cheering you on all the way!
Teklemuz and Amanda already served you a whole buffet of wisdom on what it takes to become a robotics engineer — but there's always room for dessert, right? Robotics is this beautiful mashup of brains and creativity, and the best part? There’s no one-size-fits-all path into the field.
Teklemuz laid out the technical side so perfectly — from math and physics to programming languages like Python and C++. Those are your bread and butter. But what really makes a robotics engineer stand out is how you bring those pieces together to solve problems in the real world. Robotics isn't just about building machines — it's about creating something that makes life better, smarter, or more fun.
Amanda's advice about tinkering and taking things apart hits right at the heart of robotics. That curiosity to figure out how things work? That's your secret weapon. Whether it's a toaster, a remote-controlled car, or a Raspberry Pi project — the more you experiment, the more your brain starts thinking like an engineer.
One thing I'd add to all this is — start documenting everything you build. Whether it's a little homemade robot or a random project using Arduino, take pictures, write about what you learned, and throw it up on GitHub or a personal blog. That portfolio will become your golden ticket when you're applying to internships or schools.
If you're into competitions, definitely check out FIRST Robotics or VEX Robotics — they're like the Olympics of building cool machines. But if you're more of a solo inventor, platforms like Hackster.io or Instructables let you share your projects with the world.
Another underrated tip? Learn how to fail — and love it. Half of robotics is making something, watching it fall apart, and then tweaking it until it finally works. Every broken circuit or wonky code line is just a stepping stone to something awesome.
You're already asking the right questions — now it's just about getting your hands dirty and starting wherever you are. What's one thing you'd love to build, even if it's totally out there? A self-watering plant? A robot that delivers snacks? That's gonna serve me well..... 👀😅.... Umm..... Whatever pops into your mind — go for it.
Cheering you on all the way!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Robotics engineering is an exciting and interdisciplinary field that brings together knowledge from mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, control systems, and computer science. Here are tips that can guide you to become successful robotic engineer:
Mathematics: You have to have knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, control theory, and signal processing, as these are key for designing and controlling robotic systems.
Physics: understanding mechanics, dynamics, electromagnetism, and robot motion control help explain how robots move and interact with their environment.
Electrical engineering: Knowing how circuits, sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, and embedded systems work will be necessary when building robotic hardware.
Computer science. Being proficient in programming languages like Python, C++, and MATLAB, as well as understanding algorithms, data structures, and frameworks such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), is essential for developing and controlling robots. In today's world, machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, neural networks, and computer vision are also important areas to learn, as they make robots smarter and more autonomous. Tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch are often used to develop these intelligent systems.
Control systems. You'll need to understand feedback loops, PID control, Kalman filtering, and state-space modeling to manage how robots move and respond to their environment.
To get started, online courses and specializations can be really helpful. Platforms like Coursera offer excellent programs, such as the Robotics Specialization from the University of Pennsylvania and Aerial Robotics. edX provides a Robotics MicroMasters and courses like Introduction to Robotics by ETH Zurich. Udacity’s Robotics Nanodegree is a project-based learning, while MIT OpenCourseWare has free courses to get you started.
If you want to pursue a formal education like a bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics Engineering , or in in related fields like mechanical or electrical engineering, will give you a solid foundation for your career.
In-person bootcamps can also offer a lot of practical experience. General Assembly, for example, focuses on software and automation, with some robotics modules, while The Robotics Academy offers workshops for all levels of experience. These hands-on learning environments can really boost your skill set.
Competing in robotics challenges is another excellent way to gain experience. FIRST Robotics, RoboCup, and VEX Robotics are all great programs that allow you to design and compete with robots. Competitions like Eurobot or Raspberry Pi projects are also fun ways to challenge yourself and get more experience. Bigger events like the DARPA Robotics Challenge or RobotX provide opportunities to solve real-world problems with robots, which is an exciting way to apply everything you’ve learned.
It’s also important to gain real-world experience through internships at companies like Boston Dynamics, iRobot, Tesla, NVIDIA, and ABB Robotics offer internships that will give you the chance to work on real-world projects and apply your knowledge in a professional setting.
Platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi are great for building robots and experimenting with sensors and actuators. As you grow in your skills, you can develop more complex robots like drones or autonomous vehicles. The Robot Operating System (ROS) is widely used for controlling and programming robots, and there are lots of tutorials available to help you get started. You can get free tutorials at: https://wiki.ros.org/ROS/Tutorials
Building prototypes is a great way to apply what you’ve learned. Robot kits like Arduino, Raspberry Pi allow you to design and build robots, and you can use tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines to create custom robot parts. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a local robotics club, you can get hands-on experience with tools and gain valuable mentorship from others in the field. Simulation platforms such as Gazebo and V-REP are excellent tools for testing your robots virtually. You can refine your designs and test your ideas in a virtual environment before taking them into the real world.
Becoming a successful robotics engineer requires a blend of technical knowledge, practical experience, and creative problem-solving. Continuously learning, gaining hands-on experience through projects, internships, and competitions, and building a diverse skill set will pave the way for your success in the field.
Good luck!
Mathematics: You have to have knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, control theory, and signal processing, as these are key for designing and controlling robotic systems.
Physics: understanding mechanics, dynamics, electromagnetism, and robot motion control help explain how robots move and interact with their environment.
Electrical engineering: Knowing how circuits, sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, and embedded systems work will be necessary when building robotic hardware.
Computer science. Being proficient in programming languages like Python, C++, and MATLAB, as well as understanding algorithms, data structures, and frameworks such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), is essential for developing and controlling robots. In today's world, machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, neural networks, and computer vision are also important areas to learn, as they make robots smarter and more autonomous. Tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch are often used to develop these intelligent systems.
Control systems. You'll need to understand feedback loops, PID control, Kalman filtering, and state-space modeling to manage how robots move and respond to their environment.
To get started, online courses and specializations can be really helpful. Platforms like Coursera offer excellent programs, such as the Robotics Specialization from the University of Pennsylvania and Aerial Robotics. edX provides a Robotics MicroMasters and courses like Introduction to Robotics by ETH Zurich. Udacity’s Robotics Nanodegree is a project-based learning, while MIT OpenCourseWare has free courses to get you started.
If you want to pursue a formal education like a bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics Engineering , or in in related fields like mechanical or electrical engineering, will give you a solid foundation for your career.
In-person bootcamps can also offer a lot of practical experience. General Assembly, for example, focuses on software and automation, with some robotics modules, while The Robotics Academy offers workshops for all levels of experience. These hands-on learning environments can really boost your skill set.
Competing in robotics challenges is another excellent way to gain experience. FIRST Robotics, RoboCup, and VEX Robotics are all great programs that allow you to design and compete with robots. Competitions like Eurobot or Raspberry Pi projects are also fun ways to challenge yourself and get more experience. Bigger events like the DARPA Robotics Challenge or RobotX provide opportunities to solve real-world problems with robots, which is an exciting way to apply everything you’ve learned.
It’s also important to gain real-world experience through internships at companies like Boston Dynamics, iRobot, Tesla, NVIDIA, and ABB Robotics offer internships that will give you the chance to work on real-world projects and apply your knowledge in a professional setting.
Platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi are great for building robots and experimenting with sensors and actuators. As you grow in your skills, you can develop more complex robots like drones or autonomous vehicles. The Robot Operating System (ROS) is widely used for controlling and programming robots, and there are lots of tutorials available to help you get started. You can get free tutorials at: https://wiki.ros.org/ROS/Tutorials
Building prototypes is a great way to apply what you’ve learned. Robot kits like Arduino, Raspberry Pi allow you to design and build robots, and you can use tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines to create custom robot parts. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a local robotics club, you can get hands-on experience with tools and gain valuable mentorship from others in the field. Simulation platforms such as Gazebo and V-REP are excellent tools for testing your robots virtually. You can refine your designs and test your ideas in a virtual environment before taking them into the real world.
Becoming a successful robotics engineer requires a blend of technical knowledge, practical experience, and creative problem-solving. Continuously learning, gaining hands-on experience through projects, internships, and competitions, and building a diverse skill set will pave the way for your success in the field.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Uti
Amanda Luebbers-Murphy
consultant
1
Answer
Edwardsville, Illinois
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hey Edwin!
Let me introduce myself to help you understand my perspective. I have a systems engineering degree and worked as an engineer in manufacturing for many years. My sister is a mechanical engineer and worked as an engineer at Walt Disney World and currently works for Caterpillar. My husband is also an electrical engineer. My 3 recommendations below will reflect my experience and my awareness of their experiences.
Working with robotics is very fun and exciting. Fortunately, there are many paths that lead to robotics. Many different engineering disciplines work together to create robots, including but not limited to: mechanical, hydraulics (water), pneumatics (gas/air), computer programming, material science, and more. Once you are in engineering college you should be exposed to all of these. (1) For now, research and think about which discipline you'd like to specialize in so that you know which discipline to request when you apply for college.
(2) Think about what kinds of companies work with the types of robotics that you are interested in and research careers with those companies. Many companies that use robotics purchase them from other smaller companies. For example, my sister wanted to build animatronics or rollercoasters for Disney. While working for Disney, she found out that they outsource much of the work that she is interested in doing. With some research, she found the companies that Disney hires to do the work that she wants to do. She then found out what software is commonly used at those companies, and she is learning how to use it. If you know what companies you would like to work for, you can look at their job postings to see what skills they are interested in hiring. Then, you can try to develop those specific skills.
Generally, a degree gets you your first job. Your experience and your passion drive your career. (3) Do what you can to get experience outside of a college degree. Ideas:
- If you can find simple "robots" to take apart and put back together, do it. Try to understand how they work. Goodwill and other resale shops usually have toasters or fans or other simple robots that you can buy, disassemble and play with.
- Challenge yourself to use random things that you can find and put them together to make simple machines (research Rube Goldberg machines for inspiration). Making simple machines with random objects will build your creativity and confidence. It will also give you a cool hobby to discuss in early interviews, demonstrating your passion to tinker, learn, and create.
- Get an entry-level job that gives you exposure to what you're interested in. To pay for his college education, my husband worked at Fastenal, delivering nuts and bolts to local businesses. Doing inventory and assembling orders taught him a lot about mechanical parts. That experience helps him with his designs in his current job. (I should also note that he couldn't afford engineering school. So, he went to a technical school. He started his career as a drafter and has worked his way up into an engineering role.) I've also known coworkers who started by cleaning the robots in manufacturing facilities and worked their way up to be in the maintenance team that fixed those robots and then worked towards engineering. You don't HAVE to start with an engineering degree to get an engineering job.
Your career is a journey. Do what you can to get close to what interests you. Research, learn, try to apply your learnings, and keep stepping forward.
Best wishes with your journey!
Let me introduce myself to help you understand my perspective. I have a systems engineering degree and worked as an engineer in manufacturing for many years. My sister is a mechanical engineer and worked as an engineer at Walt Disney World and currently works for Caterpillar. My husband is also an electrical engineer. My 3 recommendations below will reflect my experience and my awareness of their experiences.
Working with robotics is very fun and exciting. Fortunately, there are many paths that lead to robotics. Many different engineering disciplines work together to create robots, including but not limited to: mechanical, hydraulics (water), pneumatics (gas/air), computer programming, material science, and more. Once you are in engineering college you should be exposed to all of these. (1) For now, research and think about which discipline you'd like to specialize in so that you know which discipline to request when you apply for college.
(2) Think about what kinds of companies work with the types of robotics that you are interested in and research careers with those companies. Many companies that use robotics purchase them from other smaller companies. For example, my sister wanted to build animatronics or rollercoasters for Disney. While working for Disney, she found out that they outsource much of the work that she is interested in doing. With some research, she found the companies that Disney hires to do the work that she wants to do. She then found out what software is commonly used at those companies, and she is learning how to use it. If you know what companies you would like to work for, you can look at their job postings to see what skills they are interested in hiring. Then, you can try to develop those specific skills.
Generally, a degree gets you your first job. Your experience and your passion drive your career. (3) Do what you can to get experience outside of a college degree. Ideas:
- If you can find simple "robots" to take apart and put back together, do it. Try to understand how they work. Goodwill and other resale shops usually have toasters or fans or other simple robots that you can buy, disassemble and play with.
- Challenge yourself to use random things that you can find and put them together to make simple machines (research Rube Goldberg machines for inspiration). Making simple machines with random objects will build your creativity and confidence. It will also give you a cool hobby to discuss in early interviews, demonstrating your passion to tinker, learn, and create.
- Get an entry-level job that gives you exposure to what you're interested in. To pay for his college education, my husband worked at Fastenal, delivering nuts and bolts to local businesses. Doing inventory and assembling orders taught him a lot about mechanical parts. That experience helps him with his designs in his current job. (I should also note that he couldn't afford engineering school. So, he went to a technical school. He started his career as a drafter and has worked his way up into an engineering role.) I've also known coworkers who started by cleaning the robots in manufacturing facilities and worked their way up to be in the maintenance team that fixed those robots and then worked towards engineering. You don't HAVE to start with an engineering degree to get an engineering job.
Your career is a journey. Do what you can to get close to what interests you. Research, learn, try to apply your learnings, and keep stepping forward.
Best wishes with your journey!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Uti
Sreedhar Chanda
Mechanical Engineer
46
Answers
Kentwood, Michigan
Updated
Sreedhar’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
Robotics engineering is a career field that you can get into with either a general engineering, a mechanical engineering, an electrical/electronics engineering or an electromechanical engineering degree. If you have not started college yet, you can still start getting familiar with robotics. Get yourself a low-cost robotics kit (costing about $100). Such a kit usually comes with all the electronics, including lights and motors. I recommend choosing a kit based on either the Raspberry Pi or Arduino platforms. Those two platforms have lot of support online via videos and documentation that can help you start building robots all by yourself.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Robotics engineering is a career field that you can get into with either a general engineering, a mechanical engineering, an electrical/electronics engineering or an electromechanical engineering degree. If you have not started college yet, you can still start getting familiar with robotics. Get yourself a low-cost robotics kit (costing about $100). Such a kit usually comes with all the electronics, including lights and motors. I recommend choosing a kit based on either the Raspberry Pi or Arduino platforms. Those two platforms have lot of support online via videos and documentation that can help you start building robots all by yourself.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Thanks for the Information! I really appreciate the steps you've given me to work towards my career. But another question I have is what kinds of robotics kits should I buy specifically? For example, which ones would be easier to work up to?
Edwin
Hi Edwin,
I felt that the kit called "SunFounder ESP32 Ultimate Starter Kit":
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLDJ2DL7?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_10
is a low-cost way to learn robotics. You can use the manufacturer's help documentation in the below link.
https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/esp32-starter-kit/en/latest/
Start with simple projects that use only few components. Follow instructions carefully to avoid getting electric shocks.
Good luck!
Sreedhar
Sreedhar Chanda
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Edwin,
The best approach is for us to understand why we need robotics in the first place.
Lifting of heavy loads is not safe for us human beings as this can lead to chronic injuries such as backaches.
Some substances are unsafe for us to handle directly as they may be corrosive, explosive or radioactive.
Besides, human beings are not very efficient in handling mundane routine tasks. Automation, such as robotics, become essential in resolving these difficulties.
Robotics is multi faceted in nature. It requires mechanical parts, electrical hardware & software solutions. Electronics & fluidics are an Integral part of robotic designs.
Therefore, disciplines such as mechanical, electrical & software engineering are crucial in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of robots.
To enroll into the above engineering trades, one needs to be proficient in such subjects as maths, physics, chemistry , technical drawing, graphics & design, computer applications etc.
Robotics are extensively utilized in the auto industry. In the beer industry, they are primarily used in depalletizing & palletizing operations. In areas that have come out of war, they could be used for demining as part of a peace dividend. They are increasingly being used in some countries for dispensing drugs in pharmacies, serving food in restaurants etc.
The best approach is for us to understand why we need robotics in the first place.
Lifting of heavy loads is not safe for us human beings as this can lead to chronic injuries such as backaches.
Some substances are unsafe for us to handle directly as they may be corrosive, explosive or radioactive.
Besides, human beings are not very efficient in handling mundane routine tasks. Automation, such as robotics, become essential in resolving these difficulties.
Robotics is multi faceted in nature. It requires mechanical parts, electrical hardware & software solutions. Electronics & fluidics are an Integral part of robotic designs.
Therefore, disciplines such as mechanical, electrical & software engineering are crucial in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of robots.
To enroll into the above engineering trades, one needs to be proficient in such subjects as maths, physics, chemistry , technical drawing, graphics & design, computer applications etc.
Robotics are extensively utilized in the auto industry. In the beer industry, they are primarily used in depalletizing & palletizing operations. In areas that have come out of war, they could be used for demining as part of a peace dividend. They are increasingly being used in some countries for dispensing drugs in pharmacies, serving food in restaurants etc.