In today’s technology-driven world, the fields of robotics and automation are becoming more and more vital to our everyday lives.
Robots assist us in surgery, work on companies’ manufacturing floors, and perform many other tasks that make our lives, jobs, and products safer, more efficient, and of high quality.
For these reasons and more, students who wish to be on the cutting-edge of technology in their careers are studying robotics at their chosen college or university.
Does this sound familiar to you? Keep reading to learn why robotics is important and to explore the many benefits of studying robotics in college.
What is Robotics?
Robotics is a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), computer science, and engineering dedicated to designing, developing, and producing robots to perform tasks to help or, in certain instances and situations, replace humans.
Mixing complex math with science, programming, art, and engineering, robotic technicians and other professionals in this field create robots that follow instructions with high precision.
Taking it a step further, robotics professionals enable devices with artificial intelligence (AI), such as deep learning. These robotic devices can learn to perform tasks that they have not been previously programmed to do. Different types of robots include sensors, drones, medical assistants, prosthetic limbs, exoskeletons, and even vacuum cleaners.
5 Benefits of Studying Robotics
Due to their ability to complete many tasks at high precision, robots are becoming an essential part of our everyday lives. Thus, students pursuing this career field and studying robotics in college are reaping various benefits.
1. Robotics is an Ever-Expanding Field.
As mentioned, robots are embraced and utilized in almost every industry, including automotive, healthcare, information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), entertainment, and virtual reality (VR).
More than that, robots perform tasks beyond what mechanical systems (like CNC machines) can handle. These tasks include:
- Machining: Robots can do many of the same tasks as CNC machines, including drilling, boring, slotting, and contouring.
- Pick and Place: Robots can move objects around a workspace.
- Welding: Robots are programmed to weld in various settings, such as spot, arc, and resistance welding.
- Sorting: Using sensors to detect object types allows robots to sort objects into different groups.
- Painting: Going beyond traditional paint and brush, technicians program robots to perform processing tasks that require moving tools along a repetitive up-and-down or side-to-side motion.
2. Robotics and Automation are Interdisciplinary.
The interdisciplinary field of robotics requires students to understand mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and programming, bioengineering, and even cognitive psychology.
Just as robots are not restricted to performing one specific task, students are not limited to one particular area or specialty. In fact, many robotics programs offer a variety of courses for students to gain an understanding of motor and programmable controls relating to the automation process, as well as the basics of maintaining, troubleshooting, and programming automated systems.
For example, at Goodwin University, students expand their knowledge and skill sets by taking courses in:
- Principles in Manufacturing Mathematics
- Basic Electrical
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Electrical Schematics
- Motor Control
- Programmable Controllers
- Industrial Robotics
- Robotics and Automation Programming
3. Robotics Offers Numerous Opportunities for Creativity and Innovation.
Robots are meant to make our lives easier and safer, meaning there are numerous opportunities for individuals to make more advanced, creative, and innovative robots.
Robotics technicians and engineers are essential in pushing the boundaries of their creativity and imagination, meaning they will always be learning, evolving, and growing, much like the technology they use.
Each day is a learning experience as technology advances, and individuals in this field will strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and other science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) skills.
4. There are In-Demand Jobs and Career Growth.
Our world cannot function without technology, which means that robotics technicians, engineers, and other professionals in the robotics field are essential. Their technical and creative ability to make social, environmental, and economic impact is at an all-time high as more industries embrace robots.
Graduates of robotics programs spend their careers in a variety of fields and positions, including:
- Robotics researchers
- Artificial intelligence robotics engineers
- Robotics engineers and technicians
- Robotics deployment
- Prosthetics engineers
- Electro-mechanical technicians
Plus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mechanical engineering professions, which robotics engineers fall under, can expect an employment growth rate of ten percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This results in an average of 19.200 openings each year.
5. Robotics Careers Have High Salary Potential.
In-demand careers are often associated with high salaries, and robotics is no different. Popular careers and their median annual salaries, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the robotics industry are:
- Robotics engineers – $96,310, with the highest ten percent earning more than $151,260.
- Robotics technicians – $61,990, with the highest ten percent earning more than $94,720.
- Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians – $60.570, with the highest ten percent earning more than $99,390.
- Robotics researchers – $136,620, with the highest ten percent earning more than $232,010.
Starting a career in this engaging, expansive, and evolving robotics and automation field begins with a postsecondary Robotics and Automation Technician Certificate.
Students learn core concepts of robotics and automation and how they can apply them to manufacturing, supply chain, retail operations, and more, as well as gain a robust understanding of how to maintain, troubleshoot, and program automated systems and robots.
Plus, with a flexible and affordable program, like ours at Goodwin University, full- and part-time students can complete this twenty-four credit certificate quickly.
Take the next step by studying robotics and automation at Goodwin University. We can’t wait to help you get through college and into an exciting career.