What Types of Jobs Are in Robotics?

Decades ago robotics was science fiction, and any consideration of the types of jobs in robotics was a thing of the future. Well, it's no longer science fiction, but rather science fact. It's still a thing of the future, but it's also very much a thing of the present with many job opportunities. It will continue to grow and increase in job prospects. If you're even remotely interested in this science, now is the time to get the training to enter this field.

A few of the types of jobs in robotics include:

Source: MIT

Robotics Engineer

This is a profession for someone with a lot of patience, besides a lot of training in engineering. An engineer has the responsibility for developing the robot on paper. This creation can take quite some time, because of research and the high technicality and sophistication of robotics. Then, as it's being built, he will oversee practically every aspect of the development of the robot, from safety to testing to analyzing and reviewing every movement.

An engineer will also need to debug any problem within the software system. Because of the need to oversee every project, engineers don't create very many robots throughout their careers. This type of robotics job is very technical and time consuming.

Software Developer

Each robot needs to have a computerized internal system that is highly efficient in operating the machine. This schematic design is written and coded by the software developer along with the engineer to assure the robot performs the functions it's designed to carry out in a safe and precise way. Obviously, the software developer has to be very efficient in computer coding and software design.

Technician

There are a couple types of technicians. A robotics technician can repair and maintain robots and build some robotic parts along with other tasks.

An electromechanical technician works with the engineer in the design process of new robots.

Sales Engineer

Sales engineers must know the products inside and out, as they will be attempting to sell advanced technological robots and their designs to potential customers. They must also be able to consult with the buyer and make any changes in the design to satisfy their needs.

Operators

Of course every robot has to have someone operating and overseeing it 24 hours a day. In case anything should go wrong or break down, someone would need to be on top of the situation immediately. That's where an operator comes in. Working in shifts around the clock, they ensure everything goes smoothly.

They are also needed to operate and repair such equipment as flying drones, undersea robots and robots designed for military activities.

Robotics Account Manager

Yes, there are even jobs within the robotics field that include accounting. For this, an individual would need a strong background in robot technology, sales, accounting, and customer service. He or she would need to be outgoing yet independent, and have a strong personality to connect with and make sales to customers within the robotics industry.

Related Resources: Types of Jobs in Biostatistics

As you can see, the technology of robotics is growing. According to an article in The New York Times, more and more robots will be replacing humans in everyday tasks and jobs, with the need for more and more robotics engineers, technicians and others in the field. It's a growing industry and worth focusing your sites on if you're interested in making a future in one of the many types of jobs in robotics.