Robotics [https://blog.robotiq.com/what-to-study-for-a-career-in-robotics]
A summary of an article published by Alex Owen-Hill. Last updated on Mar 31, 2020 1:00 PM – see the link at the bottom of the page. [7 min read time]
The competition that our Sixth Form are currently engaged in is the Vex Robotics Over Under Challenge 2023-24 which involves designing, building, coding and testing a robot for competition with and against other schools during the year. Two years ago the team reached the UK Nationals in Telford and the current team plans to repeat that success.
What skills do you need to work with robots?
Which subjects should you study?
How can you start your dream career in robotics?
Robots are the future. Robots are already here. Robots are everywhere!
Many people, just like you, are interested in pursuing a career in robotics.
Robotics engineers are learners.
Robotics engineers are masters-of-all-trades.
Robotics engineers know a little bit about everything (at least, everything important to robotics).
They are the bridge between mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and even psychology.
Robotics involves so much more than just "building robots". To be a robotics engineer, you have to have a whole range of different skills and areas of expertise. There are 10 essential skills that all good roboticists should have.
Of course, other jobs in robotics don't involve becoming a robotics engineer. You could be a robotics technician, a programmer, or even a robotics operator (which can be almost anyone these days). Not all of the jobs in robotics will require you to get a university degree.
Robotics is a truly interdisciplinary career. This makes it different from many traditional jobs.
You want to be a doctor? Study medicine.
You want to build bridges? Study civil engineering.
You want to work with robots? Well… you could study electronics, computer science, biotechnology, manufacturing, cognitive science…
Core subjects for high school students
At the most basic level there are 2 core subjects which you need to get started in robotics:
- Mathematics — This is a must. A good grasp of algebra and geometry are essential to all of the subjects which make up robotics.
- Physics (or another science) — It is important to have a solid understanding of science if you want to work in any branch of engineering. Physics is particularly useful because it provides foundational knowledge in energy, electrical circuits, mechanics, material science, and other key topics for robotics. However, all sciences are useful as they teach how to apply mathematics to real-world problems. Here are 3 skills that are useful for robotics and some subjects which provide them:
- Computing and Programming — Programming is important for robotics so subjects like Computer Science and Information Systems are a great choice.
- Design and Technology —Subjects that can boost the practical side of engineering include Product Design, Graphic Communication, Technological Studies and Manufacturing.
- Specific Engineering Disciplines — Some schools provide subjects in specific engineering disciplines such as Automotive, Bioengineering, Electronics, Mechatronics and Mechanical engineering. All of these can be beneficial for aspiring roboticists.There are 3 core disciplines within robotics: mechanics, electronics, and computer science.
- "The Body" - Mechanical Engineering - This branch of engineering looks at the physical systems which make up a robot. Subtopics like mechanics, materials engineering and manufacturing are core to industrial robotics. Often, mechanical engineering courses will have specialization in mechatronics or robotics, but these tend to be focused mostly on physical design and actuation.
- "The Nervous System" - Electrical and Electronic Engineering - This branch of engineering gives you the basics of electronics, embedded systems, low-level programming, and control theory. Often, electrical engineering courses will also provide specializations in robotics or automation, which will be centred around the control of robots rather than the mechanical design.
- "The Brain" - Computer Science - A lot of people in research seem to enter robotics through computer science. This trend is likely to continue as standard robotic hardware platforms become the norm. Common platforms remove the research focus from the physical hardware and instead allow researchers to concentrate on software and high-level programming. Often, these courses will include robotic programming topics such as Artificial Intelligence and Software Design. It is usually at this level of study where people with a background in psychology and related fields can enter robotics with a postgraduate Masters course.
- Physics (e.g. Aude Billard from EPFL and Arianna Menciassi from Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)
- Cognitive Science and Psychology (e.g. Leila Takayama from Google X)
- and even Sociology and Social Psychology (e.g. Astrid Weiss from Vienna University of Technology).
- Pure Mathematics (e.g. Rodney Brooks from MIT)
- Law (e.g. Ryan Calo from UW School of Law)
- and Civil Engineering (e.g. Raj Reddy winner of the Turing Award).
Each route places the main focus of study on a different core part of robotics:
Other big names in robotics have also started from degrees such as:
Whatever path you choose, make sure you continue to develop your knowledge in all of the other areas as well. Of course, you are never going to be a leading expert in all of the sub-fields of robotics, but developing yourself into a competent computer scientist, electrical engineer and mechanical engineer will put you in a great position when you continue to specialize throughout your career.
The vital importance of extracurricular fiddling
Whatever you study, there is one aspect of robotics training that is often neglected.
Take a look at the NASA Career Corner and you will some great advice from robotics professionals on how to get started in robotics. Many of them recommend getting some extracurricular hands-on experience with robots throughout your education.
I call this "extracurricular fiddling."
Getting physical experience fiddling with robots, electronics, programming and mechanics is essential to truly understand the theories of robotics. It also allows you to find out which areas of robotics you are really most interested in.
Robot kits, like Lego Mindstorms, are a good place to start playing with robotics at home, as are embedded systems like Raspberry Pi.
One of the best ways to get hands-on experience is to enter one of the many robotics competitions, which are available for various age and education levels. If you know other people who are interested in robotics, why not get together a team and enter one?
The competition that our Sixth Form are currently engaged in is the Vex Robotics Over Under Challenge 2023-24 which involves designing, building, coding and testing a robot for competition with and against other schools during the year. Two years ago the team reached the UK Nationals in Telford and the current team plans to repeat that success.
There really are many ways to get started in robotics. The key thing is to supplement your knowledge with hands-on activities and keep learning!