1.1 Engineering and Core Technology

Robotics engineering

Robotics engineers design, build, and test robots and robotic systems. They apply principles of mechanics, electronics, and computer science to create machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, often in manufacturing, healthcare, or exploration.

Science (PCM)

Career role details and responsibilities

Robotics engineers design, build, and test robots and robotic systems. They apply principles of mechanics, electronics, and computer science to create machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, often in manufacturing, healthcare, or exploration. Robotics engineering sits within the 1.1 Engineering and Core Technology career cluster and focuses on applying domain knowledge to practical problems.

Role details

Robotics engineers design, build, and test robots and robotic systems. They apply principles of mechanics, electronics, and computer science to create machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, often in manufacturing, healthcare, or exploration. Robotics engineering sits within the 1.1 Engineering and Core Technology career cluster and focuses on applying domain knowledge to practical problems.

Responsibilities

Design and develop robotic systems, including mechanical components, electronic circuits, and control software. Conduct tests and simulations to ensure robot performance and safety. Troubleshoot and maintain robotic equipment, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate robots into existing systems.

Next Gen career options

AI Integration Specialist, Human-Robot Interaction Designer, Autonomous Systems Engineer, Drone Technology Specialist, Cobot (Collaborative Robot) Programmer.

Pointer: Next Gen career options related to this role

AI Integration Specialist, Human-Robot Interaction Designer, Autonomous Systems Engineer, Drone Technology Specialist, Cobot (Collaborative Robot) Programmer.

Educational institutes

Top 5 educational institutes in India

Name of Institute Location Website
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Mumbai, Maharashtra https://www.iitb.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai, Tamil Nadu https://iitm.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi, Delhi https://home.iitd.ac.in/
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Pilani, Rajasthan https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/
Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore, Tamil Nadu https://vit.ac.in/

Top 5 educational institutes globally

Name of Institute Location Website
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, USA https://www.mit.edu/
Stanford University Stanford, USA https://www.stanford.edu/
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, USA https://www.cmu.edu/
University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom https://www.cam.ac.uk/
ETH Zurich Zurich, Switzerland https://ethz.ch/en.html
Refer our tool Unifinder to explore university matching your requirements https://counselnavi.com/uni-finder
Career role Name
Robotics engineering
Career Cluster
1.1 Engineering and Core Technology
Super Cluster
1. Technology, Engineering & Digital Systems
Career Statement
A career where you get to bring machinery to life and turn cold mechanical joints and sensory arrays into autonomous, self-aware physical units; this field is all about uncovering the secrets of kinematics and computer vision, experimenting with machine automation loops, and engineering physical systems that navigate the world.
Industry alignment
Manufacturing (automation, assembly lines), Automotive (autonomous vehicles, industrial robots), Aerospace (drones, space exploration robots), Healthcare (surgical robots, assistive devices), Logistics (warehouse automation), Defense (unmanned systems).
Work environment
Typically an indoor environment, working in offices, laboratories, or manufacturing floors. Standard working hours are common, but project deadlines may require extended hours. Work-life balance can vary depending on project intensity.
Opportunity Type
Offers good growth opportunities with increasing demand for automation. The work can be intellectually stimulating and creative, leading to career advancement. Stability is generally high due to the expanding applications of robotics.
Key skills needed
Mechanical Design (Proficient), Electrical Engineering (Proficient), Software Development (Proficient), Control Systems (Proficient), Problem-Solving (Expert), Analytical Thinking (Expert), Machine Learning (Intermediate).
Interest type alignment
Investigative (analyze and solve complex problems), Realistic (work with machines and technology), and Conventional (follow procedures and standards). Aptitudes include strong mathematical and spatial reasoning abilities.
Career growth Path
Junior Robotics Engineer (0-3 years), Robotics Engineer (3-7 years), Senior Robotics Engineer (7-12 years), Robotics Team Lead/Manager (12+ years), Robotics Consultant/Specialist.
Suggested education Pathways 10th standard onwards
  • Grade 10: Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Applications. Grade 11/12: Science Stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science).
  • Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering followed by a Bachelor's in Robotics or related field.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Mechatronics.
Education Stream recommendations
Science (PCM)
10th Subjects Suggested
Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Applications
11th/12th Mandatory Subjects Suggested
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
11th/12th Optional Subjects Suggested
Computer Science, Engineering Graphics
Demand in India
High demand in India, driven by the manufacturing sector's push for automation, the growth of the automotive industry, and the increasing adoption of robotics in logistics and healthcare.
Demand globally
Very high global demand, with significant growth expected in industrial automation, autonomous systems, healthcare, and consumer robotics markets.
Career & Job Prospects
Opportunities include roles in R&D, design, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance of robotic systems. Related role families include automation engineering, mechatronics, and AI engineering.