How to Build a Career in Robotics
The first “modern” robots were created in the 1950s, but did you know that one of the first instances of a mechanical device being built was around 3,000 B.C.? Egyptian water clocks used human figurines to strike bells on the hour.
Nowadays, robots look a lot different, and we use them in our everyday lives. As the support they provide us continues to grow, the need for building and maintaining robots is going up as well — that’s where you come in.
Learning how to build a career in robotics might feel daunting, but with the proper planning, you’ll be on your way to working in no time. Luckily, we’re here to take you through the entire process. Read on to learn more.
What Is Robotics?
Put simply: robotics is the creation of machines (robots) built to replicate human actions. The humans who work in this industry build, maintain, and repair them as needed, among other things.
You might think of Optimus Prime when you hear the word “robots,” but they definitely don’t look like that in everyday life. In fact, a lot of robots are actually used in factories to build cars, or they’re sent to space to conduct research (we’ve been sending them to Mars for decades).
There are a few different kinds of robots: pre-programmed, humanoid, autonomous, teleoperated, and also augmenting. The kind of robots you work with is going to depend on your career choice and education level, but it’s possible to get involved in any sector of the industry you’d like.
Significance of Robotics and Automation
Did you know that investment expectations for this industry are expected to increase by 88 percent? Investors are interested in robotics for a lot of reasons, but the most significant factors are:
- Reduced production costs
- Improved quality and accuracy
- Increased productivity and flexibility
While humans can build and program robots, that machine is capable of carrying out tasks that we could never dream of. Depending on the materials used, they can withstand higher temperatures, work longer hours, and never get tired while doing it.
They’re a lot more accurate than humans, and they can do a lot of the same things we can.
If robots aren’t capable, it’s only because humans haven’t figured out a way to create them yet.
Industries Using Robotics
Here are a few of the biggest industries using robotics:
- Aerospace
- Medicine
- Automotive
- eCommerce
- Foodservice
- Hospitality
- Consumer goods and shipping
This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but it is one with a lot of impacts. In the medical industry, robots can provide a steady hand during surgeries, or in some cases, they can carry out the entire operation by themselves.
For foodservice and hospitality, robots can deliver food to tables and rooms, clean up tables after groups leave, and they’re even being used to sanitize areas of public places.
The pandemic helped us realize that they are a lot more capable of helping others than we sometimes are — especially for infectious disease care or entering areas that are dangerous for us.
How to Build a Career in Robotics
Now you know what industries are using robotics, but how can you begin building your career? The easiest place to start is with the basics.
Even as an entry-level prospect, you’re going to be expected to understand sophisticated systems, like artificial intelligence or certain coding languages. Learn as much as you can to develop your skill set across different areas. A STEM qualification, such as a Bachelor of Information Technology is a great starting point.
Pick a Field
In some cases, knowing your field is going to be helpful before you start with the basics. Some processes are a catch-all, but others are going to need some specialized training.
If you have an idea about the field you’re looking to enter before you start your education, then you can turn to more specific resources during your study. That might even give you an advantage when the time comes to apply for schools, depending on where you want to go.
Choosing your field is also going to help you determine the amount of education you’ll need. Techs usually only need a two-year degree while engineers and other higher-ups need a four-year.
Choose Your Speciality
Within that field, you’re going to need to get even more specific.
Take robotic welding, for example. While the automotive industry might seem like a great place to start, you can also turn to opportunities in the military, aerospace, and industrial industries.
Spending some time on research before you commit can be a great help for this step.
Rewards of Robotics Career
Not only does the robotics industry offer a competitive salary, but it can also present opportunities for frequent travel, an active work environment, and plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles.
You’re likely to need extensive education, especially if the industry you’re looking to enter is competitive and complex, but it’s rewarding in the end. You’re also likely to be hands-on if you’re involved in building these machines and fixing them as well.
No matter what, if you’re a natural problem-solver, and you like the challenge of creating something complex and intricate, then a career in robotics might be perfect for you.
Ready to Get Involved in Robotics?
Now that we’ve gone over how to build a career in robotics, are you ready to get started? Whether you’re starting your degree or you’re looking to make a career change, SISTC can help you get there.
The school offers a Bachelor’s of Information with two field major options: Digital Enterprise (DEN) and Business Information Systems (IFS).
To learn more about the course SISTC has to offer, you can visit our course information page.