by Megan Sheldon

Created on: January 28, 2010

When most people think of robots they think of human shaped machines that can speak, walk, and perform a variety of different daily tasks.  While it’s true that such robots do exist, the term “robotics” more often applies to the robotic mechanics in factories, hospitals, and a variety of different job sites.  Robots play a large part in the industrial automation systems that are in place today, and are only expanding in their reach to makes things that were once impossible simple to do.  As a Robotics Technician who is certified on Fanuc robots, I can provide a great deal of insight on what is involved with getting into the robotics industry.

A person who is seeking a profession in the robotics field must have an aptitude for electronics, electrical theory, and must be capable of participating in hands-on work.  Education is absolutely vital to succeeding, or even getting started, in this field.  There are several levels of education that one can reach in order to work with robots professionally, starting from being an Electronics Technician (which would allow the graduate to work on small-scale robots, such as those available from Solarbotics and the like), to earning a diploma as a Robotics Technician (which allows for the graduate to work on industrial robots for assembly, repair, programming, electrical work, and troubleshooting), to going into university to earn a diploma in Computer Sciences or Electrical Engineering.  When deciding on which avenue to take, here are a few points to keep in mind:

Electronics Technician (Offered at College Level)

-          Limited ability to work on robots

-          Usually no opportunity to work on industrial robots

-          Limited job prospects

-          Mediocre income (in comparison to other avenues in the electronics field)

-          An opportunity to gain skills to seek higher education

Robotics Technician (Offered at College Level)

-          Usually limited to maintenance /repair

-          Limited job opportunities (popular field)

-          More likely to find contract work than permanent employment

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