Robotics

Robotics is a rapidly growing field that has applications in diverse industries. Robotics is a field of engineering concerned with the development and application of robots, and computer systems for their control, sensory feedback and information processing. In other words, Robotics is all about designing robots, maintaining them, developing new applications and conducting research. Robotics is an exciting area of computer-controlled technology. Robotics is one of the most inter-disciplinary of engineering endeavors. In an elaborate form, Robotics Engineering is a sub field of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. This is a rapidly developing field, with advances in computing constantly opening up new possibilities for robotics applications. The term 'robotics' includes research and engineering activities involving the design and development of robotic systems. The experts working in the area of robotics are called robotic engineers. Robotics engineers are basically concerned with the science of robotics that is the science of flexible automation. Robotics engineers design robots, maintain them, develop new applications for them, and conduct research to expand the potential of robots. The robotics engineer must determine the particular needs of each application and customize the robot accordingly. These engineers use computer-aided design and drafting, and computer-aided manufacturing (CADD/CAM) systems to perform their tasks. Their duties include analyzing designs, debugging programs, standardizing and servicing the robots and combining the robots with new mechanical devices. They also supervise other technicians and engineers. Robots are machines that are devised to replace human beings. They are also employed in jobs which are too dirty, dangerous or dull to be suitable for humans. Some of the robots function, manually while others function on remote control. It is an artificial agent guided by computer or electric programming. The many types of robotic systems include robotic manipulators, robotic hands, mobile robots, walking robots, aids for disabled persons, tele- robots and micro electromechanical systems. Today, robots are taking over most of the manipulative, hazardous and tedious jobs in factories, mines, atomic plants, space ships, deep-sea vessels, etc. from man. Robots are used in industries for speeding up the manufacturing process. They are also used in the field of nuclear science, sea-exploration, servicing of transmission electric signals, designing of bio-medical equipments etc. Eligibility A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field which is of four years duration is required for most entry-level positions in robotics engineering. Robotics being an inter-disciplinary course invites students who have completed their graduation in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering or computer engineering with an interest in robotics and artificial intelligence. Most colleges or universities offer robotics engineering as specialisation of other engineering degrees rather than as a stand alone program. However now there are universities that offer robotics engineering degrees as itself. For advancement in positions you need a master's degree or PhD. A PhD is required to teach in this field as well as for most high-level research positions. A master's degree requires two years, while a PhD takes three to five years to complete. A course in robotics trains and educates a student in the field of artificial intelligence, computer-aided manufacturing, computer integrated manufacturing system, computational geometry, robot motion planning, digital electronics and micro processing. Personal attributes Like engineers in other disciplines, robotics engineers must be able to work well as team members. They must be able to communicate their ideas effectively. Those entering this field should have an aptitude for mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics. They should also be skilled in using computers. Robotics engineers must be familiar with logic, microprocessors and computer programming so that they can design the right robot for each application. Along with the technical know-how, interest in research is essential in this field. For this Robotics engineers must continually upgrade their technical knowledge to keep abreast of new developments in this rapidly changing field.