by Olivia Kay

Created on: April 13, 2009

Are you intrigued by robots? How about the concept of turning human tasks, both simple and intricate, over to machines? Are you creative, a designer or inventor by nature? If you answered yes to the previous questions, a career in robotics may just be a path you'd want to consider exploring.

Robotics is the blanket term for the science and technology involved in the overall process of designing, manufacturing, and finding ways to apply robots to a variety of settings including, but not limited to: the medical field, space exploration, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, construction, electronics, and tasks involved with everyday living. Those interested in establishing a career in the field of robotics are likely creative individuals with a strong mechanical aptitude who are academically strong in the areas of math and science. The program of study involved in a certificate or degree program in robotics involves a great deal of emphasis upon the areas of computer programming, design, engineering, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and other manufacturing technologies.

Career possibilities in robotics are endless as it is an ever expanding field that is likely to continue to grow well into the future. Twenty or thirty years from now it's likely that robots will be integrated into tasks and areas of life that we may not even imagine them being part of today. Through the ingenious innovations of those currently working in the field of robotics, robots are becoming more and more intelligent all of the time. These robotics technicians and engineers are taking concepts that were only seen as a part of science fiction a few decades ago and turning them into reality. Many of today's robots are able to think and learn much like humans through the use of artificial intelligence. They're able to use sensors and cameras installed in them and use a combination of the five human senses to learn by storing images and sounds, and sometimes even scents, tastes, or the way something feels to the touch in their long-term memory. By possessing this ability, robots are becoming more human-like than ever and are able to complete most all tasks that humans are in less time with less effort, saving humans from taking a great deal of risks and from suffering injuries that used to be commonplace in certain lines of work, such as tasks involving heavy lifting or cleaning up hazardous waste.

Entry level work in the field of robotics is primarily assistive in nature. To become

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>