Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 per year
Employment Outlook: Very good
Definition and Nature of the Work
Robotics engineers work in the science of robotics, or flexible automation. Most robots are "manipulators"—machines devised to function in place of a human. Some robots function as "walking" machines, or teleoperators, using remote control or sensory manipulators. Microprocessors, which are very small computers, direct most robots in their tasks.
Robotics engineers are responsible for designing, testing, and building robots that are productive and safe to operate as well as economical to purchase and maintain. These engineers use computer-aided design and drafting, and computer-aided manufacturing (CADD/CAM) systems to perform their tasks. Robotics research engineers design robotic systems and research methods to manufacture them economically. Robotics engineers who work for robot manufacturers are sometimes called robotics test engineers or automation system engineers. These engineers apply the robotic system to a particular use on a manufacturing assembly line. They also create an integrated environment between people and machinery.
Robotics applications vary widely. Robots are used in the automotive, aerospace, metals, nuclear, mining, textile, and computer industries, among others. The robotics engineer must determine the particular needs of each application and customize the robot accordingly. To do this, robotics engineers must plan the
A robotics research engineer tests a racing robot.
Most robotics engineers are employed by private robot manufacturers or robot users. Some engineers work in military and space programs. Others work for colleges and universities or vocational and trade schools.
Education and Training Requirements
You generally need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering to enter this field. Because robotics technology draws on the expertise of many different engineering disciplines, engineers who specialize in robotics often have degrees in mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, electronic, or industrial engineering. Some colleges and universities now offer robotics engineering degrees. Robotics courses typically include training in hydraulics and pneumatics, CADD/CAM systems, numerically controlled systems, microprocessors, integrated systems, and logic. It usually takes four to five years to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some colleges offer work-study programs in which students receive on-the-job training while still in school. Most universities that offer robotics courses have well-equipped labs with lasers and CADD/CAM equipment. For most positions and to advance in the field you need a master's or doctoral degree. Robotics engineers must continually upgrade their technical knowledge to keep abreast of new developments in this rapidly changing field.
Like engineers in other disciplines, robotics engineers must be able to work well as team members. They must be able to communicate their ideas effectively. Those entering this field should have an aptitude for mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics. They should also be skilled in using computers.
Getting the Job
Your college placement office may be able to help you find a job as a robotics engineer. If you are enrolled in a work-study program during college, you may be able to continue working for a participating employer after graduation. Check the classifieds in newspapers and professional trade journals for possible job openings. You can also apply directly to robot manufacturers or to firms in industries that use robots. A number of computer firms are entering the robot manufacturing market, so be sure to check this source. Conventions of the American Association of Artificial Intelligence and computer science organizations may also be a good job marketplace.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Robotics engineers can advance to management positions and become robotics managers or directors of automation. Some robotics engineers advance by moving into robot sales or by starting their own robotics consulting firms.
The employment outlook for robotics engineers is very good. Increasing use of robots is expected in many different manufacturing industries. The military will also operate more robots in the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecast a need for more than eight hundred thousand people in this high-growth field to design, maintain, and operate robots.
Working Conditions
Most robotics engineers are employed in offices, manufacturing plants, or laboratories. Manufacturing plants may be noisy, depending on the industry. Robotics engineers usually work forty hours per week. They may also have to work overtime, especially when project deadlines must be met.
Earnings and Benefits
Earnings vary depending on the experience of the robotics engineer, the location, and the kind of job. In 2006 robotics engineers earned from $50,000 to $60,000 per year. Benefits usually include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans.
User Comments Add a comment…
about 1 month ago
9thgraderinHarvard:D
This actually helped me for my 9th grade career paper I'm doing. I plan to be a robotic engineer or an environmental. I love the subject. I'm into C-Mites. I took ALOT of robotics classes. I like environmental engineering because I would using and manipulating to help people be more GREEN. Robotic engineering is the same thing but it helps us discover ways to help humankind and explore in dangerous places like Mars.
2 months ago
Segun kingsegex ((at)) yahoo dot co dot uk
This web have given me an insight on what it will take to be Robotic Engineer and how it can be implemented. TO EVERYONE IN THIS FIELD/SECTOR: Robotic Engineer Isn’t all about earning salary but it's all about been unique and making Computer Dream comes through. Robots Owns 75% of the world. We need to be productive so that we can start achieving dreams.
8 months ago
kript_keeper couchpotato_247 ((at)) comcast dot net
actually, i have researched more into the amount of money robotics engineers are making on average for an anual salary for a more recent time...so far in 2009 i think it was they are making on average $70,000 a year...i think it's because they are getting more and more funding.
11 months ago
kaw speedy_d_w ((at)) yahoo dot com
thank you this has been very helpfull though i have seen major variations of the salery.
11 months ago
R megamonkey5 ((at)) hotmail dot com
Thanks, I'm doing a major assignment that's worth almost half my grade and this site helped a lot
11 months ago
douche dbxsnow ((at)) aim dot com
im doing a report on this stuff
11 months ago
fred harth tntrmnrmntr ((at)) tnetne dot com
this site is a life saver!!! it is helping me with my report in school. im taking a tough class in 7th grade and this is all the information i need to make a 100. thanks to the creator!!! :]
11 months ago
w mac ((at)) mac dot net
This site is helping me with a report I am doing.
11 months ago
s s ((at)) d dot com
i gonna be the robot engineer because i gonna be the rich!!!
about 1 year ago
Raiyan rc_smart ((at)) hotmail dot com
I had a career assingment aobut Robotics Engineer and this totally helped me out with it Thanxs a ton for who ever made this website
about 1 year ago
Super d@ d0n/mR.PoLo h!gH boriscash ((at)) ymail dot com
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about 1 year ago
Bethany bet17 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Yay! Thank you!
about 1 year ago
Robo Geek jemko15 ((at)) verizon dot net
Thank you so much you guys! whoever designed this web page, should get some form of raise. This site helped with practically all I needed for a project that I am on right now.
about 1 year ago
Joshua fullthrottleplayer ((at)) yahoo dot com
well im 15 and i have grown up around robots I have taken about 4 Robot/engineering classes and im getting certified for CAD and of everything i have read this one clarifys all of my questions on robotics engineering
about 1 year ago
Joey nonya ((at)) nonya dot net
thnx, im only 13, but this helped me with a report i had to do
about 1 year ago
Asian qpwo ((at)) qowi dot com
Thanx very much for this info. HOwever, these people can make up to $100.000.00 or more if they are working with a high tech company that deals with advanced robots like nanobots.
about 1 year ago
Josh jjciambriello ((at)) yahoo dot com
This was very useful for this essay i had to write for math
about 1 year ago
Glitch tjn ((at)) bellsouth dot net
Thanks to whoever made this site. it's been a big help!!
about 1 year ago
Da Ron getmoney-_2day ((at)) yahoo dot com
how funny is it learing how to make robotand other robic things
about 1 year ago
Sexyboy13 sir dot hamby ((at)) yahoo dot com
thanks this information helped me alot in my project
about 1 year ago
elie elie dot a dot a ((at)) hotmail dot com
this is a very helpful website but what disappointed me was that robotic engineer earned from $50,000 to $60,000 per year which is approximately 4300$ per month which is low i mean as much as we work the higher level that we might reach is 5000$ per month a chef might get 20000$ a month this is what disappointed me
about 1 year ago
Kyle bissell Vacuumboy1 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Im only 11, and this is what im goin to be when I grow up!
about 1 year ago
Aru Von Dai momiji_usagi_chi ((at)) hotmail dot com
This information was really useful in writing my report
about 1 year ago
Cyworld fan noelanisammy ((at)) yahoo dot com
Thanks
about 1 year ago
hi fcdfyhg ((at)) aol dot com
this helped me find info on the job
about 1 year ago
Awesome Person bob ((at)) hotmail dot com
all i can say is, thax dude...
about 1 year ago
Dave davew0927 ((at)) hotmail dot com
Great site, thanks for the info. Oh and Carlos, if you're going to be an engineer of any kind then you're going to want to learn how to spell. Just a hunch, but I think that's important.
about 1 year ago
nishia nishiab ((at)) yahoo dot com
hey thanks for this website it was very helpful
about 1 year ago
carlos carloszero000 ((at)) hotmail dot com
i really give thanx to this website because it help me alot in school. we were doing a research on carrers and since i want to be a robotics engineer someday i decided to do this research here and it really helped me alot..thanks
about 1 year ago
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about 1 year ago
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over 2 years ago
ryan mccoy painintheneckryan ((at)) yahoo dot com
This page helped me alot with my report on robotics engineering. Thanks.