What is Robotics? Skills, Jobs, & Pay (Full Breakdown)

Creative Freedom

Robotics engineering can be a canvas for your creativity. Whether you're designing a robot to assist in surgeries or developing an entertainment robot, robotics tests your ability to think innovatively and solve problems.

Career Growth in An Expanding Industry

Choosing a career in robotics is choosing a path of continuous learning and growth. GlobalData reports that the robotics industry market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 28% between 2020 and 2030, making now the perfect time to jump in. 

Multiple new roles are emerging in the domain of robotics due to recent advances in AI. Robotics engineers and technicians are increasingly needed to install, maintain, and repair AI-driven automated systems across a host of industries. 

Roles and Responsibilities in the Robotics Field

As you approach a career in robotics, it’s a good idea to explore the diverse range of roles and responsibilities within the field. You don’t need to start with a specific role in mind, but it helps to know where you can go and how to get there. 

Here's a closer look at some key positions.

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers design, build, and maintain robotic systems, with an eye on both hardware and software. This versatile profession can lead to jobs in industries ranging from industrial engineering to biotechnology and manufacturing.

Remember, this role requires a careful balance of creativity, strong technical expertise, and forward-thinking.

Robotics Programmer

A robotics programmer writes code for robots to keep their actions precise and effective. Their innovative programming is key to optimizing, as well as advancing, robot functionality. This role also requires constant collaboration with the engineers.

Robotics Technician

Robotics technicians are responsible for the continuous operation and efficiency of robots in manufacturing and other industrial settings. They are hands-on problem solvers involved in every aspect of installing, maintaining, and repairing robotic systems.

Specialized Roles

As you move along your career trajectory, you might decide to explore the many specialized roles (more than we can mention here!) in the field. 

These include: 

• Research Scientist: Advances robot capabilities through research on new technologies and methodologies.
• Robotics Specialist: Translating complex tasks into executable actions to better manage robotic systems.
• Robotics Integrator: Oversees the design and implementation of robotic systems within manufacturing ecosystems.

Whether you're drawn to the technical side of programming and design or the hands-on aspects of installation and maintenance, robotics offers many paths that align with your interests and skills. 

As the field continues to evolve, so too do the roles within it. The future is full of possibilities.

Education and Skill Development for Robotics Professionals

There are more ways than one might expect to approach a career in robotics. The ideal preparation includes a solid educational foundation, hands-on experience, and continuous skill development. 

Here's how you can navigate your education and skill development in the field of robotics.

Unmudl Courses to Kickstart Your Robotics Career

Unmudl offers multiple courses designed to equip you with the necessary skills for a successful career in robotics.

These courses provide foundational knowledge and skills as well as certifications that enhance your resume for roles such as Mechatronics Technician, Data Analyst, Electrical Technician, and more.

Most importantly, Unmudl is a Skills-to-Jobs® Marketplace, where courses are specifically designed to connect you directly with employers. 

Not only does Unmudl offer free trials, but its partnership with Amazon includes reimbursement for certain courses if students complete them with 80% or higher marks and are hired onto the Amazon Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME) team within 6 months of course completion.

Here’s a look into what Unmudl offers:

• Introduction to Mechatronics: Covers inspection, safety, quality, electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, and fluid systems. This popular course, with proven results, trains you in approximately 4-5 weeks long and costs just $499.
• Mechatronics for Equipment Maintenance Level II: Developed in conjunction with Amazon, this course builds job-ready skills in 10 to 12 weeks. It provides an in-depth understanding of electrical, mechanical, motor control, and pneumatic content. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply for maintenance technician roles. Priced at $674, this course lasts about 4-5 weeks.
• Mechatronics for Equipment Maintenance Level II - Virtual Lab: This course supplements the previous one, giving you 40 hours to build your skills through practical simulations. Its focus on hands-on experience ensures you will be even better prepared for on-the-job training.
• Principles of Control Systems: With its focus on control systems, sensors, and actuators, this course offers knowledge and skills that are in demand across multiple industries. Designed in collaboration with Amazon, this comprehensive, 10-week, self-paced course is priced at $999.

College Degrees

A popular route to gaining credentials as a robotics professional is by earning a college degree. A strong educational foundation readies you for a wide variety of careers in the field of robotics.

An undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science can lay the groundwork for a career in robotics.

Here are a few other specialized college degrees relevant to robotics: 

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Robotics or Mechatronics
• Systems Engineering

The caveat with college degrees is that they cost significantly more than other educational and training pathways while also taking up considerably more time. Most programs will also require in-person attendance.

Skill Development Opportunities

There are endless skill development avenues for people at every stage of their careers in robotics. Whether you have no experience in the field, are looking to polish up certain technical areas, or preparing yourself for a major career leap––there’s a skill development opportunity right for you.

Here’s a look at some of the skills you can work on to strengthen your job application.

• Programming and Design: Learning various programming languages is crucial for developing and prototyping robots. Computer-aided design (CAD) is another key skill that allows for the creation of detailed and accurate robot models.
• Hands-on Skills: Machine shop skills like welding, soldering, machining, mechanics, carpentry, and power tool proficiency are great for creating prototypes and models. These skills help bring theoretical designs into tangible reality.
• Soft Skills and Business Acumen: Creative problem-solving, quick learning ability, teamwork, and knowing basic business and marketing principles make you more than just a bag of technical skills. These skills aid in your day-to-day tasks as well as future leadership opportunities.

• Practical Abilities Over Credentials: Employers value practical abilities and problem-solving skills. Gaining real-world experience through internships or project work can sometimes outweigh academic credentials.
• Continuous Learning: The field of robotics is moving quicker than ever before. Stay on your toes and always stay current with the latest technology trends and advancements.

The Future of Robotics and Employment Trends

The future of robotics is reshaping employment trends in ways we are only beginning to grasp. Here's a snapshot of what's unfolding.

Industrial Robotics Market Growth

The industrial robotics market is projected by Zion Market Research to nearly double from $41.7 billion in 2021 to about $81.4 billion by 2028. This explosive growth is being driven by an increasing demand for automation across various industries. 

Industrial robots have a wide range of applications, including assembly, material handling, welding, painting, and inspection. They offer significant improvements in productivity, quality, and worker safety. 

New Jobs in Robotics

There are going to be plenty of new jobs in the coming years for those already working in robotics. 

As robots become increasingly integrated into manufacturing processes, supply chains, and service industries, the need for mechanics and technicians with specialized robotics expertise will continue to soar. 

The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report estimates more than 2 million new jobs over the next 5 years in mechanics and machinery repair alone. 

Robotics engineers, in particular, will be in high demand as companies seek to develop and implement cutting-edge robotic solutions to one-up each other in efficiency and productivity. Out of more than 100 jobs studied by the WEF, robotics engineers were expected to have the 7th highest net growth in jobs.

Robots Becoming More Commonplace

We can thank technical advancements that are making robotics systems more capable, efficient, and cost-effective for their sudden surge all around us. 

As robots become more advanced and capable of handling a wider range of tasks, they are being deployed in greater numbers across factories, warehouses, and production facilities.

This WEF report finds that robots are becoming more commonplace in industrial settings––with industrial robot density nearly doubling over the last 5 years.

Robots For Everyone –– Not Just Huge Businesses

Technological advancements and economies of scale have made robotic systems more affordable and adaptable, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from automation. 

Traditionally, the benefits of robotics have been retained by larger companies but this may not be for long. A rise in accessibility has led to smaller and mid-sized manufacturers, in particular, increasingly turning to robotics as a solution for labor shortages, productivity challenges, and remaining competitive. Robotics also helped these manufacturers deal with challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The flexibility and scalability of modern robotic systems make them well-suited for companies with different production volumes and diverse product lines. 

AI in Robotics

The integration of AI techniques in robotics is nothing short of a revolution. 

By combining the physical capabilities of robots with the cognitive abilities of AI, manufacturers can achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and quality control. 

AI-powered robots can learn from data, optimize processes, and make real-time decisions that result in smoother production lines with fewer errors and downtime. AI-driven predictive maintenance can also help identify potential issues before they occur and reduce interruptions and costly breakdowns. 

This synergy between AI and robotics is driving demand for professionals skilled in both disciplines, creating exciting career opportunities at the forefront of Industry 4.0.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is enabling seamless connectivity and data exchange between machines, robots, and industrial systems. This interconnected ecosystem paves the way for a new generation of ‘smart’ robots that can communicate with other devices, share data, and optimize production processes in real-time without human intervention. 

These intelligent robots can adjust their operations based on data insights, respond to changes in demand or supply chain disruptions, and coordinate with other machines. 

The convergence of IIoT and robotics opens up exciting opportunities for professionals skilled in areas such as industrial automation, cyber-physical systems, and data analytics.

Diversity of Applications

From traditional manufacturing sectors like automotive and aerospace to cutting-edge fields like biotechnology and quantum computing, the demand for diverse robotics expertise is skyrocketing. 

Specialized roles are emerging in areas such as surgical robotics, autonomous vehicles, space exploration, and even air traffic control systems. 

The information and technology services sector, in particular, is experiencing rapid growth, with 60% of companies anticipating job creation in the next five years. 

This breadth of opportunities allows robotics engineers to pursue work in industries they are truly passionate about, rather than be constrained by limited opportunities. 

Cobots (Collaborative Robots)

Cobots, or collaborative robots, are designed to work alongside human workers in shared spaces, with safe and efficient coordination. 

These advanced robots are equipped with sensors and control systems that allow them to perceive their surroundings and adapt their movements and actions accordingly to ensure the safety of nearby personnel. 

Cobots are transforming manufacturing lines by integrating with human workers, taking on repetitive or physically demanding tasks, while allowing humans to focus on more complex and cognitive-intensive tasks. 

This enhances productivity, improves overall product quality, and ensures better safety by leveraging the strengths of both humans and machines. 

As cobots become more prevalent, there will be a growing demand for professionals skilled in their programming, integration, and maintenance.