Topic: “What is Robotics Engineering” Robotics engineering is an engineering field in which engineers design, test, create, upgrade and maintain robots. Robotics engineers create automated systems to help humans perform actions they cannot do or tasks they do not want to, thus facilitating their work. Those who work for robotics manufacturers are also called automation systems engineers or robotic testing engineers.
Robotics engineers develop different types of robots. For example, robots designed to work in place of humans are known as manipulators. In contrast, robots that operate with the help of sensory or remote control manipulators are called remote controls.
Robotics engineering is involved in multiple fields, including the computer, aerospace, automotive, nuclear, mining, metallurgy, and textile industries. For example, in the manufacturing industry, robotics engineering improves safety and efficiency at work.
What does a robotics engineer do?
A robotics engineer develops plans and processes for building robots. Their responsibility is to build robots that are safe, productive, inexpensive to buy, and easy to maintain. They also make machines that make robots.
Robotics engineers start by understanding the employer’s needs and then define the specifications of the application they need to design. Next, they estimate costs, create prototypes and study the efficiency of their creation.
Here are some of the tasks a robotics engineer might perform daily:
- Create, test, and build robots
- Preparing and auditing accounts to develop cost proposals
- Writing quality control reports
- Designing automated systems to increase productivity and accuracy
- Design the software systems that manage the robotic systems they create
- Continuous analysis and improvement of mechanical systems to keep pace with the latest modern technologies as technical support for their robotic innovations
- Research into the design, operation, and the performance of computerized components or systems
How to become a robotics engineer
You can follow these steps to become a robotics engineer:
- Take advanced science and math classes in high school.
- Get a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete an internship.
- Find your first robotics engineer job.
- Get a master’s degree.
- Get a license to work independently.
1. Take the advanced science and math classes in high school
If you are in high school, you can prepare for engineering by taking advanced classes in algebra, physics, computer science, trigonometry, and computer-aided design. In addition, becoming a member of your school’s robotics club or extra-curricular engineering electives can help you improve your skills in robotics and show your interest in robotics to college admissions officials.
2. Get a bachelor’s degree
Earn a bachelor’s degree in a program such as electronic engineering or mechanical engineering. Look for the programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Electronic engineering programs study the basics of standard electronic components and circuits. In mechanical engineering programs, you learn applied mathematics, materials science, and physics concepts to create manufacturing, transportation, or communications tools.
Courses in robotics generally include logic, microprocessor, pneumatics, hydraulics, integrated systems, and numerically controlled systems.
3. Complete an internship
Gain some experience and start networking through internships at a robotics or engineering company. These companies offer students job opportunities regularly, allowing them to get a good start in their careers. Whether your training involves completing a project or requires you to perform more administrative or monitoring tasks, get the most out of it.
4. Find your first robotics engineer job
Apply for an entry-level robotics engineer job or continue your internship to start your career. Once you become professionally active, ensure that your technical knowledge is constantly updated by attending seminars, annual conferences, and training courses.
5. Get a master’s degree
Earning a master’s degree in robotics engineering can help you increase your salary and advance your career in high-level positions. You learn more about sensors and navigation systems, robotic simulation, machine learning, human-machine interaction, and control systems during your graduate program.
Many schools offer graduate programs that allow you to study in more depth the engineering concepts you learned in your undergraduate program and teach how to create intelligent mechanical portable devices.
For some programs, you may need to complete a research project or capstone for graduation.
6. Obtaining a license to operate independently
To work as a freelance robotics engineer, you must obtain a license first. To get a permit, graduates of ABET-accredited engineering programs must have four years of engineering experience. Once they complete these requirements, they must pass the Fundamentals of the Engineering Exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam. Robotics engineers must earn continuing education credits to maintain their licenses.
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