What is a Master’s in Robotics?

With a Master's in Robotics, technical professionals are able to gain the skills and knowledge that will be needed for an exciting and rewarding career designing the systems of the future. Robotics engineers, technicians, and specialists are an integral part of the development of processes, systems, and robotic machines that improve everything from production to worker safety.

Foundation Course Work in a Robotics Graduate Degree Program

Graduate students in robotics programs will work toward the development of knowledge and ability in building and testing robots and robotic systems. This requires skill in designing, analyzing, evaluating, and performing research. Foundation course work to help in the development of these includes introduction to robotics, research and evaluation methods, algorithm analysis, machine learning, and computational linguistics.

Much of the emphasis of graduate programs in robotics is placed on hands-on learning as well. The courses typically require completion of smaller scale projects that enable students to put the ideas and concepts learned in classwork into actual application. Additionally, graduate students are also often able to take part in internship opportunities where employment in a robotics company is utilized for course credit.

Completion of electives can be helpful for graduate students to further gain knowledge in specific areas of the robotics field. Elective course work might include options in computer interfaces, aerodynamics, experimental methods in robotics, and integrated computer-aided design. Electives can further support the completion of a concentration or specialization as well.

Master's in Robotics Specializations

In addition to the foundation and elective course work that a robotics graduate student will finish for a degree, many programs also offer specializations in a specific area of the field to further prepare graduates for a specific type of design and innovation. Specializations often include artificial intelligence, perception, robot design, and control systems.

In an artificial intelligence concentration, students complete additional course work such as artificial intelligence fundamentals, advanced machine learning, advanced topics in artificial intelligence. Perception concentrations likely include courses such as computer vision, computational photography, and advanced concepts in machine perception. Control systems concentrations include courses in linear systems, real time systems, embedded systems, and advanced control systems. Students completing a robot design concentration will most likely complete courses in computer animation, computer graphics, and mechatronic systems design.

Additional Requirements

After completion of course work, graduate students in robotics programs are also likely to be required to complete a master's thesis or project to illustrate the various skills and abilities developed during the program. This can also be beneficial for building a portfolio for future employers. The IEEE Robotics & Automation Society has additional information on skills and education required for careers in the field.

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A passion for building and designing the machines that will take society into the future might take someone who is creative, mathematically inclined, and scientific to consider pursuing a career in the field of robotics. A Master's in Robotics degree can help to further develop the skills and abilities for these future robotics specialists, technicians, and engineers.