Robotics and Automation Engineering

Each day there is some groundbreaking robotic activity taking place, which we are all witnesses through the internet. Starting the craze was surely Sophia humanoid, but driverless cars, robotic cells, and bionic organs don’t fall far behind. It is an ever-advancing field which is a flagbearer of progress and is revolutionizing how we live our lives. Exploration in robotics is spearheaded by scientists and researchers at some leading universities around the world. Before delving into a discussion on universities, here are a few subjects that form the core of studies in Robotics and Automation Engineering. 

Subjects in Robotics and Automation Engineering

The core subjects fundamental in understanding Robotics and Automation Engineering is:

• Programming
• Engineering Systems
• Engineering Mathematics
• Electrical Networks
• Systems Modelling and Analysis
• Robot Autonomy
• Computer Vision
• Mechatronic Design
• Decision-making in Robots
• Integrated Intelligence
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Manipulation Algorithms
• Mobile Robotics
• Biomechanics
• Humanoids
• Human Robot Interaction
• Sensing 

Also Read: Syllabus of Data Science

Why Pursue this Degree from Abroad?

Typically, students go for a master’s degree in robotics after completing an undergraduate degree in any relevant discipline like Electronics or Computer Science. But, in the past few years some universities have started offering Bachelor’s degree in Science with Robotics, Mechatronics or Automation as major options. Also, since Robotics and Automation Engineering is a broad and interdisciplinary field of study, students are increasingly encouraged to go for an integrated masters course. While robotics is a growing field in India, it is still majorly taught as part of overarching disciplines. So, to acquire a quality degree in the field of robotics, students are, to an increasing extent venturing abroad in search of quality education, research opportunities, and career prospects.

Prerequisites for Robotics and Automation Engineering

There are certain entry-level requirements that every applicant needs to fulfill while applying for a program abroad:

• Prerequisites for Bachelor’s Program

A bachelor’s degree in any country abroad is subject to fulfillment of some basic eligibility criteria. An applicant from India needs to have studied and scored around 75% in English and other Science related subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science. English proficiency certifications such as IELTS and TOEFL are also universally required. Moreover, US schools require undergraduate degree applicants to appear for the SAT exam as well.

• Prerequisites for Master’s Program

This is the most preferred programme for students looking to further their research in robotics and automation engineering. A high-ranking bachelor’s degree in any engineering discipline is desired but any science-oriented programme is accepted by a majority of universities. A strong personal statement and quality letters of reference significantly increase chances of acquiring an admission offer. English proficiency needs to be proved through tests like IELTS and TOEFL. US universities also require GRE scores. A score of 320 or more is recommended on the GRE score. 

Top Universities for this Course

Some of the top universities offering this course are:

Universities QS World Ranking 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1
California Institute of Technology 6
University of California, Berkeley 27
Stanford University 3
Carnegie Mellon University 52
University of Tokyo 23
Georgia Institute of Technology 88
University of Pennsylvania 13
Technical University of Munich 49
National University of Singapore 11
Cornell University 20

University of Michigan

Ranked as one of the top two universities in robotics, Michigan University is on the list of any robotics enthusiast. It offers both Masters and Ph.D. programmes focusing on robotic sensing, reasoning, and action. Students here learn how to make robots understand the human world better and how human/robot interactions can be perfected.

University of Sheffield

It has a high-variety course catalog in terms of programmes related to Robotics and Automation Engineering. A Bachelor’s in Engineering, Mechatronic and Robotics Engineering is a great course aimed at those starting their undergraduate studies. It also offers a year in the industry. Students can choose to pair it up with a Master’s in Engineering in the same discipline. Additionally, the University of Sheffield’s high-ranking department also offers a more specialised MSc. Robotics program.

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a popular choice among students going for higher studies in Robotics and Automation Engineering. It offers both Bachelor’s in Science with a Robotics major as well as the more specialised Masters of Engineering (Mechatronics). Graduates have options to pursue careers in Automation, Computer science, Artificial intelligence, etc. Industry mentors provide a multi-dimensional experience in the learning process.

Carnegie Mellon University

Times Higher Education Rankings ranked Carnegie Mellon University as 27th best university in the world. The Robotics Institute is one of the most revered institutes in the School of Computer Science at the university. Besides offering the MS in Robotics, it also offers the MS in Robotic Systems Development and the MS in Computer Vision. A Doctoral program is also on their list of quality programs.

Other Noteworthy Institutions:

Here are some more quality institutions worldwide that offer programs in Robotics and Automation Engineering.

• Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
• Johns Hopkins University
• Oregon State University
• Purdue University
• Cornell University

Also Read: Future First Careers

Career Prospects

Robotics and Automation Engineering offer a wide range of opportunities in various fields including life sciences, aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, entertainment industry and gaming industry. Students can also choose to find opportunities in research organizations including NASA and ISRO.

Job Profile and Salary

the following are the popular career paths after pursuing Robotics and Automation engineering:

Job Profile Avg. Salary
Robotics Engineer 3.5 Lakh
Robotics Programmer 3 Lakh
Analyst 6 Lakh
Robotics Technician 4 Lakh
Robotics Specialist 3.5 Lakh

Top Recruiters

The following are the top recruiters in the field of Robotics and Automation:

• TATA
• INFO
• NASA
• ISRO
• DRDO
• BARC
• Tech Mahindra

Robotics and Automation engineers are involved in some cutting-edge research, it presents some of the most-vibrant career options for engineering graduates. That said, it requires a lot of effort in getting through the application phase and securing an offer of admission. At Leverage Edu, there are mentors who know the field of engineering, have studied from the above-mentioned colleges and are now pursuing successful careers. With a little help from them, you can also be on your way to your dream college and career.