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- Masters of Science (MS) in Robotics Engineering
Masters of Science (MS) in Robotics Engineering
Robotics engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on designing the plans and processes to build machines that replicate human actions (robots), and to have them work effectively. Some robotics engineers also design the machines that assemble the robots.
Engineers need to determine with in depth analysis what the robot will be used for, and ask questions before they start designing, like - What issue is the robot solving? Is it a repetitive task? What could restrict the robot from functioning properly?
The electronics and software development teams focus on getting their systems working, and the robotics team works on higher level design. The focus of robotics is a mixture of computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering. Robotics engineers create designs down to the circuit level with the help of 3D CAD (computer-aided design) tools. CAM (computer-aided manufacture) tools are then used to actually build the robots. The building process takes time, as robots are highly technical and difficult to create. For this reason, most robotics engineers work on a handful of projects throughout their entire career.
Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that relies on multiple fields of study: computer science, mechanical and industrial engineering, and electrical and computer engineering.
Computer science (CS) focuses on a robot’s higher-level control systems, use complex artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) programs - telling the robot what to do. Mechanical and Industrial Engineering work on lower-level control systems and mechanisms. These types of systems could include the rotor inside a drone, or a robotic arm on an assembly line. Designing these systems requires an emphasis on stability and safety, especially if systems will be used alongside humans. Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) look at how the high-level and low-level control systems come together and develop protocols for system integration. There could be an overlap between this ECE and CS within the robotics field.
1) Math and Science
Algebra and calculus help write the equations and formulas that represent the abstract concepts that a robot manipulates. Geometry and physics help understand the different ways a robot can move to minimize movement, reduce wear and tear, and increase the lifespan of equipment. Applied mathematics helps address challenges such as predicting how a robot will move under certain circumstances.
2) Programming
C, C++, Python, and Java. But there are differences between programming for robotics and programming to develop software.
Software applications tend to interact with other software applications while robotsinteract with software, hardware, and various electronics.
3) AI and ML algorithms
High-level robotic system programming depends on highly complex and technical AI and ML algorithms.
4) Team Work
Being a team player is essential. A team usually consists of 5-6 engineers, a project manager, product developers, and a user experience expert. a willingness to work with others and accept their contributions can help the entire team come up with a new idea or different solution.
5) Out of the box thinking
Generally a robotics team follows an Agile project management style, with an iterative process for developing, testing, and getting feedback on a product.
6) Solving Complex Problems
It is important to be able to figure out why a system is NOT functioning properly. In many cases, problem-solving in robotics can be a matter of trial and error, and persistence.
7) Active Learning
The field of robotics is always changing. There are new programming languages to learn, new AI concepts to test, and new and more durable materials to work with. A robotics engineer can demonstrate their value by constantly learning about these changes and applying them to new fields of robotics.
Mechatronics
Robotic Manipulation
Embedded System
Parallel Computing
Microprocessor System Design
AI Programming
Design & Analysis of Algorithms
Natural Language Processing
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
There is a great demand for robotic engineers in the gaming industry and manufacturing units as well. If the candidate has good merit records, then they can find themselves in top profiles in research organizations such as ISRO and NASA. Some institutions offer accredited robotics engineering programs, but many employers will also accept a degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering or mathematics. Typical tasks include:
Building, configuring, and testing robots
Designing software systems to control their robotic systems, such as those robots used for manufacturing
Designing automated robotic systems that are used to increase the production and precision levels within a specific industry
Analyzing and evaluating the prototypes and robotic systems they have created. This is generally a never-ending task, since technology is constantly changing and advancing
Reviewing and approving cost estimates and design calculations
Serving as technical support for the robotic systems they have created
Teaching plans paths to robots
Performing research into the design, operation and performance of robotic mechanism components or systems
