Robotics degrees are fast becoming the must-have highly interdisciplinary graduate studies of choice if you want to launch an engineering career that is specifically focused on the operations and mechanics of robots.
For anyone aspiring for a career in robotics, its fare to wonder what type of education is required to launch a successful career as a robotics technician.
To start your dream career as a robotics technician, you will need a Bachelor’s degree or an associate degree at the very least to secure an entry position into the robotics industry where you will find numerous on-the job training opportunities in so many disciplines.
However, the majority of bachelor’s degree holders in engineering or software and technology often lead to professional job placements in various sectors straight away.
Which Degree Is Best For A Robotics Technician
Whether you want to work in the Big Data (artificial intelligence, data aggregation, and analysis sector), machine learning, aerospace, nanotechnology, deep-sea exploration, medical and laboratories testing quality assurance technicians, all you need is to graduate with a bachelor’s degree that has a major in:
- Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering & Construction
- Bio & Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics & Embedded Technology
- Energy & Power Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- General Engineering & Technology
- Marine Engineering
- Mechatronics
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Seriously, with so many internationally renowned universities and colleges offering all and more of the Robotics degrees, there are no topics not covered that you maybe interested in getting your career in robotics off the ground.
Its hard to believe how time in technology evolves! There was literally a time not so long ago when robotics was simply a concept if not speculation of what the future would be like if robotics engineering had a breakthrough.
We would see movies and TV shows like star wars that exhibited what robots would do, and how they would blend into our everyday lives.
Today, online marketplace giants like Amazon and Warmart are using robotics technology to fulfil customer orders and speed up production processes. So, when it comes to robotics engineering, we are not only studying them, but we can actually associate with them.
We are able to create them, program them to do tasks and, ultimately, they assist us in so many things, from performing repetitive work in a manufacturing company, all the way to cooking us dinner when we get home from work or school.
While the creation of robots has replaced workers and put a high population out of employment, robots have also led to the creation of a lot of jobs.
In the end, we can say that robots are giving us jobs
The advancement of robotics in these years has led to the creation of university undergraduate, master’s and PhD degrees that allow us to share a workspace with robots, giving us an experience of working hand in hand with them.
With a degree in robotics, there are so many places you can go. You can go into industries such as designing, constructing, operating or programming robotics. You can also go into business fields.
For the most part, individuals that are interested in working with robotics will find that they have possibilities in a wide range of fields, such as engineering, information technology and of course, sales.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best jobs that you can do with a degree ion robotics.
What Is Robotics?
In simple terms, we can define robotics as a career which involves designing, constructing, operating, and using robots either in the establishment or elsewhere, to perform various tasks that they were programmed to do.
Robotics is a broad research area at the crossing point of computer science and Engineering. In other words, it is a career that blends the two, just as a career, such as business administration, which blends marketing, accounting, sales and everything else in between.
Why do we have robotics?
From the definition, we know that robots are made to perform complex and tiresome tasks humans can’t do over long periods.
They work so that we can be at ease, since a lot of them are programmed to perform repetitive tasks that most humans will find “boring” and less satisfying.
Therefore, the main reason behind having robotics is simple. Robotics allows us to design these highly intelligent machines that will help us live an easy life, not forgetting keeping us safe.
Generally, robotics provides us with the knowledge that we can use in order to program these machines effectively, so that they can perform their various programmed tasks proficiently. I mean, where else would you learn how to design robots and program them to execute codes?
Robotics draws on the success of careers such as information engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and electronic engineering- the list goes on, though.
A person who is studying engineer is commonly called a robotics or a robotics engineer. Either way, he/she is keen on the robotics engineering industry. Let’s talk a little about robotics engineering.
Robotics engineering vs. robotics engineer
Robotics engineering can simply be defined as the creation of robotic systems that make life safer.
As such, we can define a robotics engineer as someone who is responsible for creating robots as well as robotic systems that are able to perform various programmed duties.
These duties may be those that humans are either not able to or they can’t complete.
So, at this point, we can easily identify the robots around us that help us to perform a wide range of tasks on a daily basis.
At the end of the day, a robotics engineer not only helps to make jobs safer. He/she also uses his robotic creation to make work more efficient in the manufacturing industry- for the most part,
What is involved in robotic engineering?
In most cases, the duties of a robotics engineer revolve around the designing and manufacturing of robotic systems. In fact, a majority of their time is spent here.
Besides working on the actual design, robotics engineers also explore the processes that are necessary in order for the robotic systems to perform their intended tasks efficiently.
Some of these robotics engineering specialists are also responsible for designing the machines that actually assemble the robots that they design.
Here’s a look at the other duties that a robotics engineer executes from time to time.
- You are supposed to review and approve the design calculations as well as any other cost estimates.
- Developing and executing strategies on how they can make robots, as well as a detailed list of activities that the robots will be able to perform.
- Conducting research into the particular design, set-up, and the performance of such robotic components or systems.
- Manufacturing the robots, after which they work on configuring and testing the systems.
- Designing software systems. Robotic systems require a special software program that, when activated or changed, gives commands to the robotic systems. Most of the robots that fall under this category are the robots that are used for manufacturing.
- Design systems for increased production. Most of the robotics engineer’s work is geared towards creating automated robotic systems that are used to increase the production levels within a specific industry or in multiple industries.
- Helping as technical support. It almost always the case that the robotics engineers that designed and created the robotic systems will serve as assistance.
- Robotics engineers are also required to analyze and evaluate the prototypes and robotic systems they have created.
How To Land A Robotics Dream Jobs
When you have completed your degree, it can be a little challenging to find a job, especially when you don’t know where to start.
And this isn’t just in the robotics sector, but almost every other industry.
Fortunate for you, you have a couple of resources that can help you to secure the perfect job.
Your first recommended place to look for jobs can be your college placement office. Through that office, you can very easily find a job as a robotics engineer.
Also, you can also check the newspapers as well as professional trade journals for any possible job openings in this career or other related job opportunities in the same industry.
You can also enroll in a work-study program.
If you aren’t familiar with them, work-study programs are programs that allow you to work into the field that you are studying, while you are still in college. The advantage of such programs is that you won’t have to graduate then spends weeks going through newspaper feeds.
If you’re signed up in a work-study program while you are in college, you may be able to continue working after you graduate, particularly when the employer is also taking part in such programs.
Therefore, you may need to do your homework to find out if your school offers such programs, as well as the potential employers that are involved.
On top of this, you can actually just apply directly to robot manufacturers or to firms in industries that use robots.
The best part is that most computer manufacturing firms are also getting into the robot manufacturing business, which means there is an increase in the job growth. As such, you will likely find a spot, if you can get passed the high competition. Always be sure to do some research.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of job marketplaces such as Conventions of the American Association of Artificial Intelligence and computer science organizations. Sooner or later, you will land that dream job.
Here Are The Top 10 Best Jobs You Can Do With A Degree In Robotics Engineering.
A degree in robotics can open up a whole world of opportunities for you. Here’s a look at the top 10 best jobs that you can do with a degree in robotics.
Robot Welder
Becoming a robot welder will require an in-depth knowledge of how they operate. An undergraduate degree will equip you with the right skills that you need to pursue this career.
As a robot welder, your job involves operating as well as programming welding machines. On top of this, you are required to spot weld parts, although this won’t be done as often. Sometimes, you will also check parts using various checking devices.
In terms of the salary, a robot welder typically receives a pay ranging from $50,000 to about $90,000.
Computer and information research scientist
As a computer and information research scientists, your main goal is to find ways in which technology can be used more effectively.
Alternatively, you also aim on creating new technological tools. You focus primarily on the software. For instance, you will be required to create programming languages.
To become a computer and information research scientists, it is very common to start with an undergraduate degree in fields like computer science or any related field.
After completing that program, you can then pursue a master’s degree in robotics, which will allow you to specialize in the discipline. Typically, computer and information scientists earn a salary ranging from $20,000 to only as high as $26,000.
Automation Robot Engineer
As an automation robot engineer, your job consists of reviewing all alterations to the robots’ paint control plan. Why and how is this important?
By reviewing, you are ensuring that such changes are relevant. You are also observing to check whether or not they are in compliance with the spray operations resulting from continuous improvement activities, not forgetting customer requirements.
Besides those duties, you are also in charge of guiding the activities that are performed by robot technicians in the organization. The average salary of an automation robot engineer is between $50,000 and $75,000.
Machine Builder
This one is pretty easy to understand, just from the name. In the robotics world, a machine builder is responsible for the actual building of devices.
As a machine builder, you will be reading and reviewing schematics as well as drawings that illustrate a specific design. Then you will be required to organize materials and, at the end of the day, build the machines. You will be earning an average salary ranging from $60,000 to somewhere around $73,000.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineering is one of the most common and lucrative sectors where your robotics degree is likely to take you.
Mechanical engineers often have complex work, so if you love solving problems and conducting experiments, then this is the job you will love.
As a mechanical engineer you will be handling designs and layouts of products, equipment and everything else in between.
You are required to perform original design work- that’s after you have been given the task of solving a problem or achieving a certain goal from your design. While programmers focus on the software part of technology, mechanical engineers mainly handle the hardware.
In the design process, a mechanical engineer uses computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software. Overall, your salary will be anywhere between $80,000 and $115,000 per annum which, if you love designing, is like being paid to have fun.
Perception Engineer
A perception engineer is computer programmer that is responsible for designing perception algorithms. This is where programming gets a little tough.
The aim of a perception engineer is to solve everyday challenges. For instance, he/she deals with object detection, tracking of objects, as well as sensor tuning or calibration.
As a perception engineer, you will be creating complex algorithms and implement them in a well-tested C++ programme. Perception engineers earn a salary that ranges from $100,000to as high as $144,000, which is a lot more than what typical programmers make.
Electrical Engineer
With a degree in robotics and work experience in the robotics arena, you have the chance to become an electrical engineer.
As an electrical engineer, you are required to provide direction to process and maintenance of production equipment.
Also, your job involves auditing of design as well as redesigns. On top of that, you play a huge role in the manufacture, installation, and operation of equipment to ensure that all the installed machinery is performing efficiently.
Electrical engineers are said to earn a salary ranging from $70,000 to about $110,000. .
Software Developer
Just as the name states, software developers mainly work on the complex task of creating software programs. While developing software programs may seem complicated, it is actually fun to those individuals that love a good challenge.
As a software developer, you will be required to either develop original software programs or alter off-the-shelf programs in a way that will make them more efficient for your organization.
You job consists of identifying a particular problem that the software will fix. Then, you will design and implement those improvements.
This may involve automating manual processes or optimizing data delivery and many other activities. In terms of the salary, software developers are said to earn around $60,000 to $80,000 per annum.
Service Account Manager
With your robotics degree, you have a wide range of job opportunities, even in the sales and marketing sectors.
Service account managers deal with aspects in the sales field, such as the developing of self service sales strategies.
Also, they are required to oversee the effectiveness of the deployed strategies for the assigned process industry accounts, hence the name service account manager.
As a service account manager, you will be receiving an average salary ranging from $60,000 to about $65,000 annually.
Project Controls Engineer
Last on our list is a career as a project controls engineer. This position mainly involves overseeing all the activities that take place in order to execute a project.
As a project controls engineer, you will be monitoring project schedules and provide support to the project managers by the scheduling reviews.
On top of that, you have to handle cash flow against the budget. After making all the necessary calculations and estimates, you are required to report this to the project manager or other stakeholders. A project controls engineer typically receives about $60,000 to $75,000.
Employment Outlook for Robotics Jobs
In the robotics industry, Engineers can advance to senior positions where they can either work as robotics managers or directors of automation. The sky is the limit on this one.
Some automation engineers advance by moving into sales or even by opening their own robotics consulting firms.
The need for using robots is increasingly becoming common in almost all manufacturing industries. The robotics career will likely be more demanding in the future.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 800,000 jobs will be available in the robotics field.
Conclusion
These days, robots are increasingly becoming a huge part of our daily lives. With that said, robotics jobs are becoming just as popular.
Almost everybody in looking forward to work with robots. Lucky enough, there are so many job opportunities for all robot lovers.
While the pay may vary based on the organization you are working for, a career in robotics will surely move you.