If you get an adrenaline rush from watching action-packed sci-fi movies such as Star Wars, The Terminator, Star Trek, or Transformers, and are thrilled by the ingenuity of these machines, or you are an engineer or a hobbyist, a robotics degree may be the best option for you. Not only will you satisfy your curiosity and passion for robots and machines, but you will also learn fundamental aspects of robotics in general.
Robotics focuses on the design, operation, construction, and use of robots along with computer programs to control, obtain sensory feedback, and information processing. It is a field of study that deals with developing machines that can imitate human actions or substitute for humans in high risk or dangerous environments. Read on for more information about the course, possible career paths, and specializations.
Robotics is a branch of computer science, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, and electrical engineering. This field of study deals with the design, operation, construction, and application of robots or machines as well as computer systems for their sensory feedback, control and information processing.
Students will cover robot technology and multidisciplinary topics such as dynamic system analysis, engineering, computing, and automation.
Robotics programs are generally offered by universities under applied sciences, engineering and technology. These courses are usually provided under mechanical engineering or any related engineering courses. Find the best universities for robotics degrees here.
Applicants require a strong background in mathematics and physics to qualify for a robotics degree program. Some universities require solid knowledge in electrical circuits, energy, mechanics, material science, among others. Additionally, there are some institutions which will require applicants to have a background in programming, design, and technology as well as specific engineering courses such as bioengineering, automotive, among others.
Generally, robotics is a multidisciplinary program. Hands-on and experiential learning of robotics in an engineering set-up from the various disciplines is advantageous. Typically, robotics degrees target students with a basic knowledge of practical applications and technological implementations of robotics with interest in the field.u00a0u00a0
Are you not sure about the specialization you want to take? This should not worry you because the first one or two years of your robotics degree program will provide you with an overview and foundation of the various robotics-related topics. Below is a list of the topics you are most likely to cover:
Some specialist topics which may be covered include:
Here are some of the specializations:
Aerial robotics
u00a0In this program, students will get a foundation in the mechanics of flight and developing dynamic models, controllers and create planners for operating in 3-D environments. Additionally, students get exposed to maneuvering through complex, 3-D environments and the difficulties of using noisy sensors for localization.
Mobility in robotics
In this program, students learn how to design robot bodies and behaviors that cause general appendages to move in intricate and dynamic environments. This course will focus on constructing simple progressive concepts that partly computerize the generation of complex sensorimotor systems. The program will revolve around kinematics, behavior, and dynamics of machines using energy landscapes.
Robot Perception
This course focuses on learning how robots use perception to interact with the real world. Students will learn how images and videos are obtained and transformed into representational features and optical flow. Using the cameras mounted on these machines, students can get 2-D representations which will then be used to provide 3-D computation on where the cameras are placed and the direction in which the robot moves. Additionally, through research, image analysis, pattern recognition, physics-based vision, digital geometry, students learn how to extract binary language and convey it as images.
Computational motion and planning
In this program, students learn how robots operate to obtain their objectives (motion planning). You will cover techniques to address motion planning through randomized planners, graph-based methods, and potential artificial fields. Additionally, you will learn about the three components of robotic systems which include mechanisms, perception, control and decision systems.
Robot estimation and learning
In this program, students learn how to control robots to integrate ambiguity, estimate and learn from dynamic and changing environments. Areas that may be covered in this program include Bayesian estimation for mapping and localization, probabilistic generative models, Kalman filtering, among others.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence
In this program, students will be taught the fundamentals and advancement of artificial intelligence through research. Additionally, they will learn how artificial intelligence is used and its benefits in robotics and other computerized technologies.
There are numerous career options to choose from in various industries within the engineering field if you are a robotics major. Some of these include:
1. Mechanical Engineer
These professions are responsible for designing and developing mechanical devices. They oversee the manufacturing of various products including power machines such as electric generators, combustion engines, robots, among other devices.
2. Operations Technician and Aerospace Engineer
Operation technicians handle the delicate parts of the assembly line in the production and manufacturing industries. They examine assembled products to ensure they meet industry standards, update databases and manage electronic quality checklist. On the other hand, aerospace engineers are responsible for maintaining and creating airplanes, space crafts, and other related equipment.
3. Computer Programmer
Computer programmers in the field of robotics are responsible for generating code for systems designed to control robots and related equipment. They run tests on these systems to ensure they work correctly and make necessary adjustments.
4. Computer and Information Research Scientist
These professionals are responsible for conducting research to determine more ways of using technology effectively or develop new technology. They work closely with mechanical engineers to ensure robots are suitably programmed to ensure they achieve their intended objectives.
5. Sales Engineer
Sales engineers are responsible for selling technical and scientific equipment or conducting research to develop new products that meet market demands. Additionally, they provide feedback to designers so that necessary advancements can be done. Sales engineers that work in the robotics field should be familiar with robotics technology and applications for the equipment they sell.
6. Development Engineer
Development engineers are responsible for ensuring that a companyu2019s technical development solutions to meet the vision for end products. They will be in charge of making sure that all aspects of product development align with the sales, marketing, and manufacturing goals.
7. Robotics Technician
Robotic technician maintain, service, install, and test robots. They also help in the designing process, distribute robots to clients, install as well as program and train people on how to use new robotic technologies. They are also responsible for maintaining and repairing distributed robots to ensure they are working correctly.
8. Robotic Scientist
Robotic scientists are responsible for developing mechanical devices to complete a variety of functions and operations such as outer space, deep sea, high-risk environments, and others. Generally, they are responsible for conducting research, designing and developing robotic systems that are safe, cost-effective and reliable.
9. Electro-mechanical Technician
Electro-mechanical technicians are responsible for maintaining, operating, testing, and regulating automated, electromechanical and servo-mechanical equipment. They may operate aircraft, submarines or equipment at worksites, such as oil rigs, deep-sea exploration, hazardous waste removal, among others.
10. Maintenance Mechanic Technician
Maintenance technicians are responsible for maintaining facilities such as commercial or residential buildings. They ensure that machinery and mechanical equipment are working correctly by performing preventive and repairing requirements on engines, production machines, motors, conveyor systems, pneumatic tools and so on.
11. Automation Engineer
Automation engineers are responsible for programming, designing, simulating, and testing machinery to ensure they perform tasks effectively. These professionals can work in various industries including food processing, car manufacturing and any other where robots and machines are used to accomplish particular functions.
12. Manufacturing Production Technician
Manufacturing production technicians layout and control production equipment to ensure they are in excellent manufacturing standards and operating procedures. They also help engineers to develop, build, and test products, processes, systems or prototypes.
13. Manufacturing Engineering Technician
These professionals assist industrial engineers in implementing designs. They organize materials, machinery, plan workflows, equipment layouts, conduct statistical production research and evaluate production costs.
14. Electrical Engineer
These professionals develop, design and test electrical equipment and devices such as communication devices, navigation systems, automobiles, electrical systems as well as oversee the manufacture and production of these devices, systems, and equipment.
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