So, you are interested in robotics and want to get a job working with them…
Robotics is a huge field spanning areas such as Electronics, Mechanics, Software engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology and Biology.
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Testing of a prosthetic arm
Robots for entertainment
Working on space rover
Careers
At present there are few day-to-day jobs where you can actually work with robots. The following shows a number of possible career opportunities:
- Robot Service Engineer
- As a service engineer you would be responsible for installing, maintaining and fixing any faults with the robots.
- Qualifications: Often offered as a modern apprenticeship (Requiring GCSEs), a BTEC in electronics or an A-level in an engineering related subject.
- Product Consultant / Demonstrator
- If you are confident in presenting in front of a group then this job may be perfect for you. You would be required to learn everything about a companies and demonstrate it to a group of potential customers.
- Qualifications: This would depend on the specific company. If presenting is the primary role, an A-level in English would be beneficial.
- Research Assistant
- If you are passionate about developing new robot technology and can demonstrate good analytical and practical skills you may be ideal for research.
- Qualifications: A-level, Higher education certificate, Degree or Masters in an engineering related subject.
Education
If you’re passionate about Robotics and would like to learn more, by far best thing to do is complete a course in a robotics related subject. In this way you will get the opportunity to meet people who share your interest in robots, as well as being taught by experts who can guide you through your education.
What if Robotics is not taught at my local University/College?
Don’t worry if you can’t find a Robotics course, as you will find you can learn just as much about Robotics on any engineering course. Remember that most courses are flexible in how you complete your assignments, and most lecturers actively encourage students to research beyond the syllabus.
The following is a list of subject areas which would allow you to explore your interest in Robotics, while also gaining skills in a good scientific subject:
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
Which course is right for me?
Before making a decision on the course that you may spend 3+ years doing, you should think hard about why you want to take the course and what you hope to get out of it. Ask yourself this question:
Of course there are thousands of answers to this question, but the following will give you an idea of the sorts of answers people often give:
- I want to work with robots like the ones I’ve seen in the movies
- I am fascinated with how robots are built
- I like how Robots move around un-aided
- I am interested in Robots that help people
- I want to work with military robots
- I want to build robots thats go into space
After you have thought about what you like about Robotics and what you want to get out of a Robotics course, you should think of the subject that would best suit you. As previously mentioned the main subject areas relevant to Robotics, are:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Each of these subjects would allow you to learn more about Robotics, for example on a Mechanical or Electronic course you could build a working robot; and in a Computer Science course you could program a robot with Artificial Intelligence.
In addition to these traditional engineering subjects, the following subjects also have wide application in Robotics:
- Phycology
- Biology
- Chemistry
You may think at first that these subjects would have little to do with Robotics, however, much of the current research is looking at issues of human-robot interaction, biological power supplies and modelling robots on nature. Therefore, in a Psychology course you could research how humans interact with robots; in Chemistry you could experiment with new fuel technology for powering robots; and in Biology you could investigate how robots could be modelled on animals.
Where do I go from here?
Firstly make a list of the Universities or Colleges you wish to study at, then contact each via post, e-mail, or in person, asking for more information about the Engineering courses they run. You should receive information packs, giving you details of the courses and entry requirements. Also, look out for open-days where you will be able to visit the institution and get the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
- European Robotics Research Network
- Robotics Salary Watch
- Robotics Universities in India
- University of the West of England – Robotics BSc(Hons)
- University of the West of England – MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate
- University of Plymouth – Robotics BSc(Hons)
- The Open University – Computing BSc(Hons)
- NASA’s Robtics Career Corner