What Careers are in Robotics?

The careers in robotics are open to graduates who have degrees in computer, mechanical, electronic and robotics engineering. Additional degree concentrations that prepare students for careers in robotics include software engineering, machine programming and automation technology. Regardless of the program, it should be approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Robotic Maintenance Technician

Robot maintenance techs perform scheduled and emergency service maintenance on robots, machines and equipment. They provide training and guidance to maintenance personnel regarding the proper care and operation of automated machinery. Robot maintenance techs help develop automation strategies and identify potential improvement areas. They also help maintain all critical spares units and pieces of equipment that is necessary for continual facility operation. They perform daily, weekly and monthly preventative maintenance duties. Senior robot maintenance techs will monitor and track maintenance requests in order to re-prioritize tasks based on urgency and personnel availability. They are expected to participate in design reviews for new equipment and provide technical support during new program launches.

Software Engineer

Robotic software engineers work closely with the mechanical engineering teams to build systems that automate work processes. This means that they create the API’s and web apps for user input in order to communicate with the robot. They assist with data analysis, through streamlining coding processes, and the debugging of programs and machines. They are usually assigned to work with scientists to plan out projects. They develop the automating protocol for the robotic lab through coding in programming languages like Ruby, Python, Ruby and DevOps. Robotic software engineers must be fluent in Unix and Linux and also have strong project management skills. Software engineers should know how to design, program and troubleshoot PLCs and other industrial control systems.

Robotic Maintenance Supervisor

Robotic maintenance supervisors need the above mentioned technical skills along with knowledge of hydraulics, mechanics, electronics and pneumatics to install, program, repair, troubleshoot, modify and maintain robotic circuitry, machinery and control systems. For example, manufacturing facilities depend on automated workstations with robotic arms to manipulate and process materials. Robotic maintenance supervisors will dispatch maintenance teams to deal with unexpected problems and other teams to perform scheduled preventative maintenance. Their work tends to be project-orientated, so they will work on simultaneous projects at various stages during the day. They must know how to determine proper placement of peripheral equipment and program robotic equipment for specific motions and manipulations.

Electrical Design Engineer

Electrical design engineers develop various analog and digital circuitry for manufacturing companies. They must have a high degree of technical competence because they perform circuit design, debugging and testing tasks for embedded microprocessor and other power subsystems. This means that they must be familiar with analog to digital conversion and motion control applications. It also means that they must be experienced with troubleshooting problems using knowledge of microprocessors, circuit analysis and programmable controllers. Electrical design engineers will define the theoretical basis and estimated time, labor and expense for assigned projects. They will then evaluate and plan how to achieve solutions for highly complex and technical problems.

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The careers in robotics also include automation technician, machine learning engineer and industrial maintenance specialist.

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