4 answers
William
Student
Denton, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What major should I choose for a career in robotics Mechanical or Electrical Engineering??
After college, I'd like to pursue robotics to create new ways to reduce humans' negative impact on the environment. I'm interested in both mechanical and electrical engineering, but I don't know which one would be best for this. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
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4 answers
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi William,
This is a very interesting situation. Frankly speaking, robotics requires both mechanical & electrical engineers, in addition to software engineers.
You need to consider which of the two disciplines comes to you more naturally in the short run. It's important to love what you do. It's also possible to obtain both qualifications alternately - which obviously requires more time.
Electrical engineering provides an easier pathway to software engineering, though.
In the event that you have equally good potential for both, you will have to trust your heart. Otherwise it's wiser to opt for what you're better at.
This is a very interesting situation. Frankly speaking, robotics requires both mechanical & electrical engineers, in addition to software engineers.
You need to consider which of the two disciplines comes to you more naturally in the short run. It's important to love what you do. It's also possible to obtain both qualifications alternately - which obviously requires more time.
Electrical engineering provides an easier pathway to software engineering, though.
In the event that you have equally good potential for both, you will have to trust your heart. Otherwise it's wiser to opt for what you're better at.
Ellen Davalos
Recruiter
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Look into companies you admire and are interested in. Check out their job listings to see what skills they value and often look for. Reach out to recruiters and engineers from these companies to build your network.
ROBERT HARRELL
Electrical & Automation Engineer
5
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
ROBERT’s Answer
A while back, I worked with a Chemical Engineer who moved into control systems and robotics. This shows that any engineering degree can lead you there. However, you might want to consider a "Mechatronics" engineering degree, as some schools offer this focus. Alternatively, you could study Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and choose courses related to robotics. In your first two years, you'll cover basic engineering subjects, which are essential.
You'll need to understand electric motors, servo controllers, motion control, gear setups, and software (from an Electrical Engineer's view). Knowing how mechanical systems work is important too.
Remember, there are different types of robots. Many industrial robots are used for tasks like assembling cars and computers. Then there are "humanoid" robots you see on TV or online, which look cool but aren't widely used yet. Think about whether you're more interested in practical applications or research.
You'll need to understand electric motors, servo controllers, motion control, gear setups, and software (from an Electrical Engineer's view). Knowing how mechanical systems work is important too.
Remember, there are different types of robots. Many industrial robots are used for tasks like assembling cars and computers. Then there are "humanoid" robots you see on TV or online, which look cool but aren't widely used yet. Think about whether you're more interested in practical applications or research.
David Allen
Consultant
84
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Choosing the right major for a career in environmental robotics requires aligning your interests with the core functions of the machine: Mechanical Engineering (ME) focuses on the robot's physical body and movement, while Electrical Engineering (EE) focuses on its intelligence, sensors, and power. If you are passionate about designing rugged, energy-efficient structures, actuators, and the mechanisms that allow a robot to physically interact with the environment (like a deep-sea cleanup device or a waste-sorting arm), ME is the better path. Your studies would heavily involve material science, dynamics, and mechanism design, making you the expert in creating the durable and functional machine that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and efficiently perform tasks requiring physical force and precision.
Conversely, if you are drawn to the robot's electronic nervous system—its sensors, power management, control systems, and data processing—then EE is the ideal choice. For environmental applications, an EE would specialize in designing the efficient motor controls for autonomous navigation, integrating complex sensor arrays for pollution monitoring or precision agriculture, and engineering the battery and power systems (like solar charging) essential for remote operations. Since robotics is fundamentally interdisciplinary, the best strategy is to choose the major that aligns with your preferred mode of problem-solving (physical building vs. electronic systems) and then pursue a Robotics or Mechatronics concentration or minor to acquire the necessary foundational skills from the other discipline.
Conversely, if you are drawn to the robot's electronic nervous system—its sensors, power management, control systems, and data processing—then EE is the ideal choice. For environmental applications, an EE would specialize in designing the efficient motor controls for autonomous navigation, integrating complex sensor arrays for pollution monitoring or precision agriculture, and engineering the battery and power systems (like solar charging) essential for remote operations. Since robotics is fundamentally interdisciplinary, the best strategy is to choose the major that aligns with your preferred mode of problem-solving (physical building vs. electronic systems) and then pursue a Robotics or Mechatronics concentration or minor to acquire the necessary foundational skills from the other discipline.