Robotics engineers are primarily in charge of designing, developing and configuring robotic prototypes. They also build and test machines and design software systems to control these machines. What does a robotics engineer do?
Job Profile
Robotics engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of computer science and engineering in which engineers are responsible for testing, creating, developing and updating robots or robotic equipment.
These engineers design automated robotic systems to increase productivity and precision and collaborate with developers and fellow engineers to understand the requirements of a robotics project.
Is robotics engineering a good career?
Robotics is considered a high-end professional career in most countries and so there are tremendous job opportunities awaiting freelancers who have professional training in this field.
Responsibilities
A robotics engineer designs and develops robotic systems and analyses technical procedures and schematics. They draft blueprints and sketches to demonstrate their ideas and then modify them based on feedback received.
These engineers conduct the necessary research to determine the parameters of a robotic application. They also assist with cost estimates and perform integration tests and quality control.
Robotics engineers provide technical support when necessary and troubleshoot robotic systems and applications. They also evaluate and calibrate systems for maximum efficiency.
They apply machine learning techniques to their work and maintain knowledge of existing and developing technology and trends in robotics. Lastly, these engineers are in charge of maintaining accurate documentation and records.
What are the responsibilities of a robotics engineer?
- Design and develop robotic systems
- Analyse technical procedures and schematics
- Draft blueprints and sketches to demonstrate their ideas
- Modify blueprints and sketches based on feedback received
- Conduct necessary research to determine the parameters of a robotic application
- Assist with cost estimates
- Perform integration tests and quality control
- Provide technical support when necessary
- Troubleshoot robotic systems and applications
- Evaluate and calibrate systems for maximum efficiency
- Apply machine learning techniques
- Maintain knowledge of existing and developing technology and trends
- Maintain accurate documentation and records
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Skills
Robotics engineers have excellent mathematical skills and have the ability to develop mechanical and electrical systems. They are also well-versed in computer science, applied physics, and mechanics.
They have excellent knowledge and proficiency in drafting programs such as CAD and possess the ability to use tools and perform tasks such as soldering and welding.
Engineers in this field have a thorough understanding of electrical wiring and computer software engineering and have proven skills in writing software and programming systems. They also have knowledge of cost, efficiency, and productivity optimization methods.
In terms of soft skills, robotics engineers have strong analytical skills and are creative when it comes to problem-solving. They also have the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and possess excellent communication skills – both verbally and written.
What are the skills of a robotics engineer?
- Excellent mathematical skills
- Ability to develop mechanical and electrical systems
- Knowledge of computer science, applied physics, and mechanics
- Excellent knowledge and proficiency in drafting programs such as CAD
- Ability to use tools and perform tasks such as soldering and welding
- Thorough understanding of electrical wiring and computer software engineering
- Proven skills in writing software and programming systems
- Knowledge of cost, efficiency, and productivity optimization methods
- Strong analytical skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills – both verbally and written
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Background
Is it hard to be a robotics engineer? To work as a robotics engineer, you will need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree. This can be in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Mechanical, Robotics, or a related field.
Some employers also prefer candidates that have Master’s degrees or additional certifications and diplomas.
Options for certifications can be found below:
- Robotics In-Depth Course
- Robotics Specialization
- Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control Specialization
- The Mechatronics Revolution: Fundamentals and Core Concepts
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Salary
How much does a robotics engineer make and are robotics engineers paid well? Robotic engineers can make quite a lot of money depending on what role they occupy and the experience they have.
Junior engineers can earn around $61,000 per year whereas senior engineers can earn $126,000 per year. The average salary is $85,000.
In Germany, the salary range is €49,000-€187,000 whereas in the UK, the range is £25,000-£56,000.
Salary of a robotics engineer:
| Junior | $61,000 |
| Average | $85,000 |
| Senior | $126,000 |
Salary range of robotics engineer:
| US | $61,000-$126,000 |
| Germany | €49,000-€187,000 |
| UK | £25,000-£56,000 |
Salary of a freelance robotics engineer:
| Average rate Robotics Engineers (2022) | $81/hr |
The average hourly rate amongst freelance Robotics Engineers is $81/hr.
Freelance rates in Robotics Engineering range between $52 and $100 for the majority of freelancers.
Considering a freelance rate of $81/hour, a freelancer would charge $648/day for an 8-hour working day.
