How to Become a Robotics Technologist: Career Path Guide
If you want to become a robotics technologist, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as a robotics technologist:
Those who become robotics technologists are typically individuals with a natural aptitude in electronics. They are also individuals who posses excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Those who become robotics technologists are typically individuals who enjoy working with their hands, as well as identifying and solving technical problems.
If you want to become a robotics technologist, you must be comfortable working closely with other professionals and sharing your opinions with them. You must also be willing to work a typical weekday schedule, that may involve work after hours to repair and maintain equipment, and perform other duties as needed.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a robotics technologist. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become a Robotics Technologist
Many employers require robotics technologist candidates to posses an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology.
Many employers encourage their robotics technologists to take pursue additional coursework and gain a higher degree. Some even offer educational fee reimbursement as a benefit to their employees undertaking further training.
What is a Robotics Technologist?
Robotics technologists work with robotics engineers to build, implement, test, maintain and repair robots that are used in manufacturing, health care, service industries, and military applications. These systems may include mechanical components, sensors, actuators and control systems.
Robotics Technologist Job Description
Robotics technologists can be separated into two groups: those that work with robotics engineers and designers to assemble and test robots; and those that work in industrial manufacturing.
Design, Assemble and Test Robotics: Robotics technologists that work with robotics engineers and designers are responsible for helping these professionals develop computer programs that control robots and direct them to do specific tasks. These technologists must posses an excellent understanding of computers, electrical and electronic systems, sensors, as well as the inner workings of robots and automation control systems.
Industrial Manufacturing Robotics Technologists: Robotics technologists that work in the industrial manufacturing sector are responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining existing electrical, electronic and mechanical robotic systems. They must ensure that robots are kept in proper working order for their employers, in order to avoid losses in productivity.
Robotics Technologist Job Duties
The job duties of robotics technologists may vary by the sector they work in, who their employer is, their level of responsibility, and many other factors. Generally, robotics technologists may be responsible for performing the following work duties:
• Designing and producing automated cells or systems
• Designing and assembling printed circuit boards
• Programming industrial controls
• Calibrating and maintaining control systems
• Keeping records and preparing reports related to processes and products
• Planning production needs, including financial resources and facilities
• Programming complex systems such as vision systems
• Replacing defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, and servomotors
• Installing new robotic systems in stationary positions or on tracks
• Installing, programming, and repairing programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors
• Performing preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components
Who Creates Jobs for Robotics Technologists?
Robotics Technologists are hired on a part-time, full-time or contractual basis by organizations involved in designing, building, testing, selling and repairing robots that are used in manufacturing, health care, service industries, and military applications. Organizations that hire robotics technologists include:
• Manufacturers of electronic equipment and components
• Manufacturers of food and beverage products
• Companies that use computers, biomedical equipment and integrated circuits instrumentation
• Companies that design and build robotic systems and components
• Energy, communication and industrial automation companies
• Research and testing laboratories
• Microelectronic and nanofabrication centres
• Health care facilities
• Environmental monitoring organizations
• Engineering consulting firms
• The Armed Forces
• Colleges and universities
Traits and Skills Needed to Become a Robotics Technologist
In order to be effective in a career as a robotics technologist, you need to posses a certain set of skills and personality traits. These skills and traits will not only allow you to perform your job duties with competence; they will allow you to effectively handle the challenges of this career, and maintain a positive attitude towards your work.
• An aptitude for mathematics and science
• Patience, persistence and dedication to work activities
• Fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and excellent hand-eye coordination
• Good colour vision
• The ability to work well with other professionals, such as robotics engineers
• A methodical approach to work activities
• Must be able to isolate technical variables and determine root of problem
• Enjoy analyzing technical problems and finding solutions
• Enjoy working with tools, equipment, instruments and machinery at tasks requiring precision
Working Conditions of Robotics Technologists
Work Hours: Robotics technologists usually work a normal working week of 35-45 hours. Overtime, including evenings, weekends and holidays, may be required in order to perform various tasks, such as emergency repairs, or completing a project before a deadline. Some employers may require their robotics technologists to work shift work, which involves working in cycles of morning, afternoon or night shifts.
Work Environment: Robotics technologists often are members of teams when working on particular projects, and often work closely with robotics engineers. They may work in offices, laboratories, factories or outdoor settings, as their job tasks may involve engineering theory and/or assembly line production.
Work Hazards: Robotics technologists may be exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials, although accidents are rare if proper safety procedures are followed. The intense concentration required for this job, and the pressure of deadlines can be stressful for robotics technologists.
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Robotics Technologist Salary
The salary level of robotics technologists can vary based on factors such as their level of education, their level of experience, where they work, their level of responsibility, and many others.
Robotics Technologist Salary Alberta: According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans working in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupational group earn a mean wage of $35.19 per hour.
Robotics Technologist Salary Canada: According to Service Canada, the average salary level of workers in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupational group is $53,981 per year.
Robotics Technologist Salary United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of workers in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians is $56,040 per year. The lowest 10% of salaries in this group are below $34,070, and the top 10% are above $81,290 per year.
Careers Similar to Robotics Technologist
Listed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature to Robotics Technician, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
• Instrumentation and Control Engineer
• Medical Laboratory Technologist
References: How to Become a Robotics Technologist
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a Robotics Technologist.
Occupations in Alberta: “Automated Systems Technologist.” (March 31, 2018). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
You’re a What?: “Robotics Technician.” Elka Torpey (October, 2018). Bureau of Labor Statistics - United States Government website. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
Science & Engineering Careers: “Robotics Technician.” (n.d.). Science Buddies website. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
Scholarships for Becoming a Robotics Technologist
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Robotics Technologist can be found on our All Scholarships by Major page.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Robotics Technologist: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a Robotics Technologist. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
