3 answers
James
Student
Mabank, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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I was wondering, since I've been experimenting with robots all my life how can I prepare myself for a field in robotics technology?
What are some recommended college courses I could take. Are their certain companies that are always needing people familiar with robotics and programing?
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2 answers
Angela Trent
Technical Project Management
2
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi, James!
I'm not in robotics, but hopefully this gives you a few ideas to get you started.
Robots typically need a physical body that moves when powered and signaled as well as potentially a "mind" that can receive, store, process and potentially respond to the instructions that were communicated or transmitted. So, take a look at the Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Technology degree programs at your university of choice to figure out where you want to start and/or what interests you most. Some universities, like Arizona State Univ, offer Engineering degree programs in Robotics, specifically. Please note that these programs are math intensive.
A quick Google search on "Industries that use Robotics" pulled up some interesting prospects. It appears that companies in the following industries are using robotics:
- Manufacturing:
Robotics is used extensively in manufacturing for tasks like assembly, welding, painting, material handling, and quality control, significantly boosting productivity and accuracy.
- Healthcare:
Robotics is utilized in healthcare for tasks like surgery, drug delivery, patient care, and lab automation, improving accuracy, speed, and safety.
- Transportation:
Self-driving cars, automated logistics, and robotic systems for cargo handling are transforming the transportation industry, enhancing efficiency and safety.
- Agriculture:
Robotics is used for planting, harvesting, pest control, and crop monitoring, increasing yields and reducing labor costs.
- Construction:
Robots are used for tasks like bricklaying, concrete pouring, and site preparation, improving speed and safety on construction sites.
- Logistics and Supply Chain:
Robotic arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and other robotic systems are used for warehousing, sorting, and palletizing, streamlining logistics operations.
- Food and Consumer Goods:
Robotics is used for tasks like palletizing, labeling, and robotic butchery, increasing efficiency and productivity in the food industry.
- Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing:
Robots are used for assembly, testing, and inspection in the electronics and semiconductor industries, ensuring precision and quality.
Since each of the industries mentioned is very broad, it would be wise to focus on the aspects of robotics that you enjoy most as a starting point.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best!
I'm not in robotics, but hopefully this gives you a few ideas to get you started.
Robots typically need a physical body that moves when powered and signaled as well as potentially a "mind" that can receive, store, process and potentially respond to the instructions that were communicated or transmitted. So, take a look at the Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Technology degree programs at your university of choice to figure out where you want to start and/or what interests you most. Some universities, like Arizona State Univ, offer Engineering degree programs in Robotics, specifically. Please note that these programs are math intensive.
A quick Google search on "Industries that use Robotics" pulled up some interesting prospects. It appears that companies in the following industries are using robotics:
- Manufacturing:
Robotics is used extensively in manufacturing for tasks like assembly, welding, painting, material handling, and quality control, significantly boosting productivity and accuracy.
- Healthcare:
Robotics is utilized in healthcare for tasks like surgery, drug delivery, patient care, and lab automation, improving accuracy, speed, and safety.
- Transportation:
Self-driving cars, automated logistics, and robotic systems for cargo handling are transforming the transportation industry, enhancing efficiency and safety.
- Agriculture:
Robotics is used for planting, harvesting, pest control, and crop monitoring, increasing yields and reducing labor costs.
- Construction:
Robots are used for tasks like bricklaying, concrete pouring, and site preparation, improving speed and safety on construction sites.
- Logistics and Supply Chain:
Robotic arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and other robotic systems are used for warehousing, sorting, and palletizing, streamlining logistics operations.
- Food and Consumer Goods:
Robotics is used for tasks like palletizing, labeling, and robotic butchery, increasing efficiency and productivity in the food industry.
- Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing:
Robots are used for assembly, testing, and inspection in the electronics and semiconductor industries, ensuring precision and quality.
Since each of the industries mentioned is very broad, it would be wise to focus on the aspects of robotics that you enjoy most as a starting point.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best!
Marco de Carvalho
Professor
8
Answers
Curitiba
Updated
Marco’s Answer
Hi, James!
It’s fantastic that you’ve been experimenting with robots – that passion and hands-on experience give you a fantastic head start toward a career in robotics technology! Whether you’re just beginning to plan your journey or looking to refine your path, here’s a guide to preparing for this exciting field, along with answers to your questions.
How to Prepare for a Career in Robotics Technology
- Build on Your Hands-On Experience: your lifelong tinkering with robots is a huge asset! Experiment with robotics kits (like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or LEGO Mindstorms) to deepen your understanding of hardware and software integration. Document your projects – they’ll showcase your skills to colleges and future employers. Try entering robotics competitions (e.g., FIRST Robotics or VEX Robotics) to gain teamwork and problem-solving experience.
- Develop Technical Skills: robotics is a blend of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Focus on learning programming languages like Python, C++, or ROS (Robot Operating System), which are widely used in robotics. Familiarize yourself with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for designing robot components and simulation tools like Gazebo for testing. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, or YouTube tutorials can help you get started.
- Pursue Relevant Education: a degree in a robotics-related field will open doors. Programs like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or specialized Robotics Engineering degrees are great choices. Look for colleges with strong robotics labs or programs like MIT, Carnegie Mellon, or Georgia Tech. If you’re not ready for college, take advanced math (calculus, linear algebra) and physics in high school to prepare.
- Network and Gain Experience: connect with robotics communities through forums like Reddit’s r/robotics, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, or local maker spaces. Seek internships, co-ops, or part-time jobs in even entry-level robotics-related fields. These experiences will help you apply your skills and build a professional network.
- Stay Curious and Updated: robotics is a fast-evolving field, with advancements in AI, machine learning, and automation. Follow industry trends through blogs like IEEE Spectrum, Robotics Business Review, or podcasts like “The Robot Podcast.” Your passion for experimentation will keep you ahead if you stay curious and open to learning.
Recommended College Courses
Since robotics is interdisciplinary, a mix of courses will prepare you well. Here are some key ones to consider, depending on your major or college offerings:
- Mechanical Engineering: Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Control Systems, Mechatronics – these cover robot design and movement.
- Electrical Engineering: Circuits, Embedded Systems, Sensors and Actuators – for understanding robot electronics and sensors.
- Computer Science: Programming (Python/C++), Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision – essential for robot autonomy and decision-making.
- Robotics-Specific: Introduction to Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Robot Kinematics – these directly apply to designing and programming robots.
- Math/Physics: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Physics (Mechanics and Electromagnetism) – foundational for modeling and analysis.
If your college offers a robotics minor or concentration, consider adding it to your major. Also, look for project-based courses or capstone projects where you can build and program robots hands-on.
Companies Needing Robotics and Programming Expertise
Many companies are always looking for people skilled in robotics and programming! The demand is growing in various industries. Here are some notable sectors and examples of companies:
- Industrial Automation: companies like FANUC, ABB, and KUKA hire for robotic arms and factory automation, needing engineers who can program and optimize robotic systems.
- Tech and AI: Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, and Google (DeepMind) work on advanced robotics, from humanoid robots to AI-driven systems, seeking programmers and robotics experts.
- Automotive: Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise focus on autonomous vehicles, requiring robotics engineers with programming and sensor integration skills.
- Aerospace and Defense: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman develop drones and robotic systems, needing expertise in control systems and programming.
- Consumer Robotics: iRobot (Roomba), Dyson, and Amazon (delivery robots) hire for home and logistics robotics, blending hardware and software skills.
- Startups and Research: smaller firms like Agility Robotics or research labs at universities always need innovative minds for cutting-edge projects.
These companies value candidates with strong programming skills (Python, C++, ROS), hands-on robotics experience, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. Check their career pages regularly, and consider internships to get a foot in the door.
Your lifelong passion for robotics is your superpower – it’s rare and valuable! Keep experimenting, learning, and sharing your projects. As you prepare for college, focus on building a strong technical foundation, gaining practical experience, and connecting with the robotics community. The field is wide open, and companies are eager for creative, skilled people like you. Whether you’re programming a robot to navigate a maze or designing one to explore Mars, your journey is just beginning, and it will be a fantastic ride.
It’s fantastic that you’ve been experimenting with robots – that passion and hands-on experience give you a fantastic head start toward a career in robotics technology! Whether you’re just beginning to plan your journey or looking to refine your path, here’s a guide to preparing for this exciting field, along with answers to your questions.
How to Prepare for a Career in Robotics Technology
- Build on Your Hands-On Experience: your lifelong tinkering with robots is a huge asset! Experiment with robotics kits (like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or LEGO Mindstorms) to deepen your understanding of hardware and software integration. Document your projects – they’ll showcase your skills to colleges and future employers. Try entering robotics competitions (e.g., FIRST Robotics or VEX Robotics) to gain teamwork and problem-solving experience.
- Develop Technical Skills: robotics is a blend of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Focus on learning programming languages like Python, C++, or ROS (Robot Operating System), which are widely used in robotics. Familiarize yourself with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for designing robot components and simulation tools like Gazebo for testing. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, or YouTube tutorials can help you get started.
- Pursue Relevant Education: a degree in a robotics-related field will open doors. Programs like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or specialized Robotics Engineering degrees are great choices. Look for colleges with strong robotics labs or programs like MIT, Carnegie Mellon, or Georgia Tech. If you’re not ready for college, take advanced math (calculus, linear algebra) and physics in high school to prepare.
- Network and Gain Experience: connect with robotics communities through forums like Reddit’s r/robotics, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, or local maker spaces. Seek internships, co-ops, or part-time jobs in even entry-level robotics-related fields. These experiences will help you apply your skills and build a professional network.
- Stay Curious and Updated: robotics is a fast-evolving field, with advancements in AI, machine learning, and automation. Follow industry trends through blogs like IEEE Spectrum, Robotics Business Review, or podcasts like “The Robot Podcast.” Your passion for experimentation will keep you ahead if you stay curious and open to learning.
Recommended College Courses
Since robotics is interdisciplinary, a mix of courses will prepare you well. Here are some key ones to consider, depending on your major or college offerings:
- Mechanical Engineering: Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Control Systems, Mechatronics – these cover robot design and movement.
- Electrical Engineering: Circuits, Embedded Systems, Sensors and Actuators – for understanding robot electronics and sensors.
- Computer Science: Programming (Python/C++), Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision – essential for robot autonomy and decision-making.
- Robotics-Specific: Introduction to Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Robot Kinematics – these directly apply to designing and programming robots.
- Math/Physics: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Physics (Mechanics and Electromagnetism) – foundational for modeling and analysis.
If your college offers a robotics minor or concentration, consider adding it to your major. Also, look for project-based courses or capstone projects where you can build and program robots hands-on.
Companies Needing Robotics and Programming Expertise
Many companies are always looking for people skilled in robotics and programming! The demand is growing in various industries. Here are some notable sectors and examples of companies:
- Industrial Automation: companies like FANUC, ABB, and KUKA hire for robotic arms and factory automation, needing engineers who can program and optimize robotic systems.
- Tech and AI: Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, and Google (DeepMind) work on advanced robotics, from humanoid robots to AI-driven systems, seeking programmers and robotics experts.
- Automotive: Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise focus on autonomous vehicles, requiring robotics engineers with programming and sensor integration skills.
- Aerospace and Defense: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman develop drones and robotic systems, needing expertise in control systems and programming.
- Consumer Robotics: iRobot (Roomba), Dyson, and Amazon (delivery robots) hire for home and logistics robotics, blending hardware and software skills.
- Startups and Research: smaller firms like Agility Robotics or research labs at universities always need innovative minds for cutting-edge projects.
These companies value candidates with strong programming skills (Python, C++, ROS), hands-on robotics experience, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. Check their career pages regularly, and consider internships to get a foot in the door.
Your lifelong passion for robotics is your superpower – it’s rare and valuable! Keep experimenting, learning, and sharing your projects. As you prepare for college, focus on building a strong technical foundation, gaining practical experience, and connecting with the robotics community. The field is wide open, and companies are eager for creative, skilled people like you. Whether you’re programming a robot to navigate a maze or designing one to explore Mars, your journey is just beginning, and it will be a fantastic ride.