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Learn robotics engineering: What is it and how to get started

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What is robotics engineering?

Robotics is a branch of engineering focused on creating, developing, and implementing autonomous machines designed to emulate human actions and behaviors.

The study of robotics combines principles from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to create systems that interact with the physical world. Robotics has applications in various career fields, including science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.

What does a robotics engineer do?

Robotics engineers design, build, program, and test automated systems that perform tasks and solve problems. They work with hardware components and systems, such as sensors and motors, as well as software that governs movement, decision-making, and interaction.

Robotics engineers must be proficient in:

Why learn robotics?

Learning robotics can help you:

  • Prepare for a stable, high-paying career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineering jobs, including robotics engineering jobs, are projected to grow by 9% from 2024 to 2034.
  • Enter in-demand sectors like artificial intelligence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Build skills in coding, electronics, and design thinking, combining technical expertise and creativity.

In a robotics course, you can learn how intelligent machines sense their environment, process information, and perform physical tasks. From surgical robots to automated agricultural machines, robotics systems shape everyday life. Studying robotics engineering can help you understand these technologies and prepares you to design and build the systems that power modern industries.

How to get started in robotics

1. Build foundational math and science skills

Robotics engineering requires a foundational knowledge of:

  • Computer science: For programming algorithms and understanding data structures
  • Linear algebra: For calculating the forces and motion involved in robotic movement
  • Calculus: For modeling motion, velocity, and acceleration
  • Probability: For calculating the uncertainty that influences making engineering decisions
  • Physics: For understanding mechanical and electrical torque, energy, and circuits

You can develop these skills by enrolling in individual online courses or pursuing a degree program in a relevant field. The right learning path for you depends on your existing knowledge of the above topics, career goals, financial constraints, and schedule.

2. Learn core robotics programming languages

Learning programming languages can help you perform different robotics engineering tasks. Some core programming languages to prioritize learning are:

3. Develop problem-solving and engineering skills

Problem-solving and engineering skills are key in the robotics field. If you plan to pursue a career as a mechanical or robotics engineer, you'll want to brush up on:

  • Using systems thinking to combine mechanical parts, electronics, and software.
  • Troubleshooting hardware, software, and systems.
  • Strategically designing navigation logic, pathway planning, and task execution.
  • Prototyping robot designs based on real-world performance.

You can build these skills during a comprehensive mechanical engineering degree program or through shorter courses and programs in mechanical engineering.

4. Develop your own personal robotics projects

A key milestone in your robotics learning journey is developing the ability to apply what you learn to real-world scenarios. Seek opportunities to join clubs, organizations, and competitions to network with like-minded peers and work on projects that you can add to your portfolio.

Evidence of successful robotics projects and your ability to work alongside others in the field can help you stand out to employers (and schools, if you plan to eventually apply for a graduate program).

5. Pursue entry-level career opportunities

Once you feel ready to pursue a career in robotics engineering, the next step is to stand out from the crowd as you pursue employment in the field. One way to achieve this is by earning a professional certificate in robotics. These programs can be completed in 2-10 months and help you build expertise through structured, stackable learning designed for career growth.

Some entry-level robotics positions you may qualify for include:

  • Junior robotics engineer
  • Robotics technician
  • Junior automation engineer
  • Junior embedded systems engineer
  • Junior controls engineer
  • Junior software engineer

What you'll learn in a robotics engineering program

To master robotics engineering, you will need to gain knowledge across multiple disciplines. Foundational robotics courses within a degree program typically cover modeling, kinematics, and equations of motion before progressing to more advanced topics such as planning and control.

Other topics covered in robotics engineering courses may include linear problems, machine learning for optimization, and operations research.

Most robotics engineering bachelor's programs follow a trajectory similar to the following:

  • Year one: The fundamentals of robotics, including calculus, linear algebra, physics, and programming
  • Year two: Core engineering skill-building in mechanics, circuits, electronics, and control systems
  • Year three: More advanced courses in kinematics, dynamics, sensors, actuators, and robotics-specific programming within ROS
  • Year four: Specialization opportunities in advanced robotics (e.g., computer vision, AI, healthcare robotics, and industrial robotics), plus a capstone project or internship that demonstrates your understanding of applied robotics

How many years does it take to become a robotics engineer?

According to the BLS, mechanical and robotics engineers typically possess a bachelor's degree in robotics or mechanical engineering. Completing a bachelor's program takes roughly four years. Then, you'll likely need to complete 1-2 years of experiential learning in the form of an internship or entry-level role.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in a related field, you may be able to spend 1-2 years taking focused robotics courses, acquiring a professional certificate, or earning a master's degree in mechanical engineering.

How to choose the best robotics program for you

To find the right robotics program for you, consider your career goals, interests, time constraints, and budget. edX offers a range of robotics programs designed to fit various student needs, including:

  • Courses: Robotics engineering courses are ideal for learners seeking to acquire new skills or deepen their existing knowledge.
  • Professional certificates: Professionals seeking career advancement or a career change should consider earning a professional certificate in robotics engineering. These programs can help you expand your knowledge within the subject while earning credentials recognized by employers.
  • Executive education: Executive education programs are designed for individuals already working in their chosen field who wish to develop leadership or management skills and advance to executive-level positions.
  • Degrees: Pursue a master's degree in engineering or artificial intelligence to build a robust robotics knowledge base and prepare for advanced robotics roles.

Jobs that use robotics engineering

Robotics is transforming how humans complete tasks and solve complex problems.

Robotics engineers identify problems, design sophisticated solutions, and redefine what's possible in our world. Robotic engineering skills can be applied to multiple career paths and industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace.

Here are a few positions that you may qualify for with robotics experience, along with salary data from the BLS:

Robotics engineer

Robotics engineers research, create, and maintain robots and other automated systems. Responsibilities include designing and testing robotic sensors, programming software, and developing solutions that can improve a machine's performance, safety, and reliability.

While licensure may not be required for every entry-level mechanical or robotics engineer position, a Professional Engineering (PE) license may be needed as you advance in your career.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field from an accredited program and state licensure
  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $102,320

Your next steps to learn robotics online with edX

If you're just starting out, it can be helpful to take some time to explore the field of robotics casually through a short course or program. These shorter pathways can help you learn the fundamentals while discovering the aspects of robotics that interest you the most.

edX offers courses and programs from top robotics schools like MIT, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania, which can help you build foundational industry knowledge and experiment with real-world tools to understand how different systems work together. You may want to:

Frequently asked questions about robotics

What is the salary of a robotics engineer?

O*NET OnLine reports that robotics engineers earned a median annual salary of $117,750 in 2024. Your salary may vary based on industry, location, and experience.

What does a robotics engineer do?

A robotics engineer uses software and mechanical hardware to design, build, and test robots that automate human tasks and solve complex problems.

Do you need coding for robotics engineering?

Coding is an essential skill for a robotics engineer. The code you create provides the instructions robots need to carry out a particular task.

Python is one of the most popular programming languages for robotics. While learners don't necessarily need to be expert coders, it's important to have some prior knowledge and be willing to learn.

Can you teach yourself robotics?

While it's possible to independently learn relevant skills related to robotics, many employers require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

If you already have a degree in engineering or a related topic, a robotics course or MicroMasters Program can offer additional resources and instructors to support you in learning field-specific skills.

Is robotics hard to learn?

Robotics requires strong mathematical, programming, and engineering knowledge, which may be challenging for beginners. However, you can get started at any time by enrolling in an online robotics course or an engineering degree program.