Robotics have been in demand since industries like healthcare and manufacturing have found it easier to perform tasks with robots. That said, these industries also have a need to hire robotics engineers. If you have any interest in the field of robotics, here’s how to get a career in robotics.
What Degree Should You Finish to Become a Robotics Engineer?
One thing’s for certain, you need to finish an engineering degree to start your robotics career. Some universities do offer robotics engineering as undergraduate courses or classes. In some instances, you can also sign up for boot camps to get more experience in robotics. However, you can still study robotics in these fields:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Industrial
Currently, being in robotics requires graduating in these fields. Robotics is a complex and technical field, and accomplishing degrees in these specializations can help you move forward in your career in robotics.
Getting a PhD in Robotics
If you’re seeking to add a doctorate to your name, getting a PhD in Robotics is the same as getting PhDs in most fields. You’ll need some experience working in the robotics industry. It’s not required to have a Master’s Degree to get the coveted PhD. However, it’s a must that you have a high undergraduate GPA and a strong command of English (for most universities). Other universities MAY require you to have published prior research to become qualified as a PhD student.
What To Expect When Studying to Get a Doctorate in Robotics?
Although it’s not required to get a PhD to get a career in robotics, having a PhD gives you a leg up among your peers. And if you want to pursue robotics and gain more knowledge and experience on the topic, here’s what to expect when studying for a doctorate in robotics.
Coursework
There would be coursework in getting your PhD in robotics, no matter which university you’ll apply to. In some cases, coursework blends with research work, allowing you to study and learn concepts for practical application.
For example, at Georgia Tech, you need 36 hours worth of coursework to complete. You will get introduced to robotics if you haven’t yet, and some elective courses relating to robotics.
Laboratories
Hands-on work is necessary for a career in robotics. After all, you need to know the robot inside out and other technologies in operating the robot. For example, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute has different lab classes, with some focusing on healthcare, intelligence, and communications.
Thesis
If you want to get that PhD, a thesis is necessary to pass. You should have your thesis prepared and approved by instructors or professors before you push through with your thesis.
For example, if you were to enroll in the The Robotics Institute Carnegie Mellon University, you need to dedicate your time to finishing your thesis. They estimate you will spend around two to four semesters.
How Much Will I Spend on My PhD?
Well, for starters, PhDs are expensive. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost for a PhD (in most private universities) can go upward of $127,000. For robotics, that number can be even higher, but funding is available for some universities. The University of Michigan has guaranteed funding options for robotics students seeking to get their PhD in the field.
Robotics Careers
Here are some well-known careers in robotics to pursue:
- Robotics engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Aerospace engineer
- Controls engineer
- Applications engineer
- Sales engineer
- Software or hardware engineer
- Computer scientist
Salary of Robotics Engineers
According to the World Scholarship Forum, if you want to become a robotics expert and have a career in it, expect that you will get paid at least $50,000. Meanwhile, Recruiter says that a general robotics engineer could get up to $100,000++ a year.
