What Is Robotics Engineering? Career Scope and Skills Required

Robotics engineering is a dynamic discipline that blends engineering, computer science, automation, and artificial intelligence to design and build intelligent machines. These machines can assist humans, replace repetitive tasks, and execute operations that require speed, accuracy, and endurance.

Robotics engineering focuses on:

• Creating robots that resemble human-like actions
• Building automated systems that streamline industrial processes
• Designing intelligent machines that can “think” and adapt
• Developing hardware components and writing advanced software algorithms

Robotics engineers are trained to design mechanical parts, develop electrical systems, and write complex programs that help robots interact with their environments. Their work powers innovations across:

• Medical surgeries
• Automotive manufacturing
• Aerospace missions
• Defense technologies
• Agriculture
• Satellite and GIS systems
• Smart factories

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A robotics engineer is primarily responsible for developing robotic applications in different industries, including medicine, manufacturing, automotive, and so on. You can expect to work on designing a product, assembling and organising a prototype to test the software or get a potential solution. 

Here is a detailed description of the major roles and responsibilities of a robotics engineer: 

Seamless Design and Development

In designing and creating robotic systems, robotics engineers work with Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Software Engineers, etc., to conceptualise high-performance robotic systems. They also design mechanical structures, design electric circuitry, and produce the robotic hand, or end effector, that touches or interacts with objects.

Accurate Programming and Control

Robotics is fundamentally about programming, which is the software that tells robots how to move, where to go, when to do a specific job, and how to sense their surroundings through the use of various sensors. Thus, a robotics engineer is responsible for programming and controlling. 

Testing and Validation

All robots go through multiple layers of testing before being deployed into their work environments. Robotics engineers make prototypes, run simulations, analyse failures and design improvements, and document performance and use to ensure Robotics safety and performance.

Project Management

Robotics Engineers manage the many disciplines of their projects, including establishing timelines for project completion, allocating resources, and documenting progress as they move from concept to production.

Continuous Research and Innovation

Robotics continues to evolve; therefore, Robotics Engineers must keep updated on New Technologies that emerge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Embedded Systems, and Automation. The results of this study lead to innovation in future robots.

Installation and Production

Once robotic systems have been designed and developed, robotics engineers supervise the installation of these systems, troubleshoot any early technology issues that may arise during the early days of installation, and work to maximise system performance during the Real-World Implementation Phase.

As a robotics engineer, you can take your passions for building machines, coding smart systems, or expanding what we know about science to achieve incredible professional growth. Here are some of the popular careers in robotics engineering: 

1. Robotics Software Engineer

The role of a robotics software engineer is where those with a strong interest in how robots “think” would fit best. In this role, Robotics Software Engineers create the intelligence behind how robots function, including the development of the algorithms that allow the robot to navigate and perform its tasks. 

They also build the perception systems by integrating sensor and camera data to create an artificial intelligence system. An engineer works on various languages and applications such as AI, Python, C++, and Robot Operating Systems (ROS). 

2. Design Engineer

A Robotics Design Engineer creates the physical structure of a robotic machine. This includes designing mechanical components such as joints, motors, actuators, robotic arms, chassis, and grip systems. They work on programs such as SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, etc., to turn concepts into an actual working robotic machine capable of performing actions such as lifting, moving, navigating, or assembling with extreme precision. 

This type of position is perfect for someone who enjoys mechanical engineering and solving problems.

3. Robotics AI Specialists

Robotics AI Specialists are required because robots require intelligence, not just the ability to move. Robotics AI Specialists will design machine learning models for: object recognition, route and path planning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and mapping of the robot’s immediate environment.

A Robotics AI Specialist is also responsible for creating the algorithms that enable robots to recognise obstacles, learn new tasks, and make informed decisions similar to humans.

4. Control Systems Engineering

How do robots maintain their balance, stability, and precision while executing intricate movements? Control Systems Engineers are responsible for crafting and designing control algorithms that manage a robot’s speed, torque, force, and accuracy. 

Control Systems Engineers possess vast expertise in mathematics, physics, electronics, and real-time systems.

5. Automation Engineering

Automation Engineers design and create large-scale, industrial robotic systems, which can be used across manufacturing, industrial and production environments. 

An Automation Engineer creates automated solutions to improve process speed and efficiency, reduce the physical demands on human workers, and automate repetitive tasks. Examples of solutions include: 

• PLC programming, 
• Robotic Arm Integration, 
• Sensor Network Development, and 
• Smart Manufacturing Solutions. 

6. Research Scientist (Robotics)

If you love exploring the unknown, robotics research offers limitless opportunities. Research scientists experiment with new materials, create future-ready robots, design prototypes, test new AI algorithms, and publish scientific papers. Many work in top labs, government programs, and advanced research centres exploring everything from humanoid robots to space rovers.

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Robotics engineering isn’t only about being focused on one subject, but it’s a vast combination of technical and soft skills. Here’s a detailed look at the essential skills you need to thrive in this exciting field:

1. Math and Science

The mathematics component of robotics provides the underlying structure for a robotic control system. Robotics depend on numbers for motion, turning, balancing, gripping, and navigating, so it is necessary to understand how to use math to describe all aspects of robotic movement.

Robotics require:

• Algebra and Calculus (for predicting the motion, acceleration, and control of the robot)
• Geometry (for designing the physical structure of the robotic systems in space, and performing spatial mapping)
• Physics (for understanding the forces, balance, torque, friction, and energy that affect the motion of the robotic system)
• Applied Mathematics (for algorithms, simulations, and optimisations)

2. Programming Skills 

Automation and robotics engineering​ is a combination of hardware and software, which leads to an overlap between the two disciplines. To be successful in robotics programming, you must have control over both hardware and software. Given below are some of the most demanding programming languages you need to have command of: 

• C and C++: used to control robots in real time
• Python: used for AI, machine learning, and automated scripts
• Java: used for mobile and industrial robots
• Embedded Systems: microcontrollers, e.g. Arduino, ESP32, STM32
• Sensor Integration: including LIDAR, Ultrasonic, IMU, GPS, and Vision Sensors
• Robotic Operating System (ROS): the most popular robotics framework currently in use.

3. Teamwork & Collaboration

Sometimes building a robot takes a team; that means multiple people who specialise in different areas working together to create a robot. Some examples of people you may be working with include:

• Mechanical Engineers
• AI / Machine Learning Engineers
• Electrical / Electronics Engineers 
• Designers
• Product Management
• Quality Testing

In addition to having the required technical skills for robotics, soft skills are just as important as hard skills. In robotics development, there is a great deal of complexity, collaboration, and iteration involved.

4. Complex Problem-Solving

Robotics is an ideal field for those interested in puzzle-solving. Problems will arise in robotics, as with any other technological field, including incorrect data from sensors; overheating motors, misclassification of objects by algorithms; and robots losing balance while attempting to perform a task.

A skilled robot engineer can systematically identify problems, evaluate several ways to resolve them, and identify bugs in the software and hardware associated with the robot. 

5. Thinking Creatively

One of the most important traits an engineer should possess is creativity. This is necessary because innovation is rarely the result of working with established methodologies. Creative thinking is needed to: 

• Create new robotic devices, 
• modify current designs to bring them into a real-world context; 
• Integrate hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) in novel ways;
• Identify new possibilities for enhanced performance; and 
• Tackle non-textbook challenges that demand creative solutions.

6. Active Learning

Robotics evolves faster than almost any other engineering field. What you learn today may be outdated in two years. So continuous learning isn’t optional, it’s expected.

You’ll constantly explore:

• New AI models
• Advanced sensors and materials
• Modern simulation tools
• Next-generation robotic systems
• Automation technologies like AMRs and cobots

Employees who know Robotics earn an average of ₹24.3lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹16.9lakhs to ₹61.3lakhs. However, the salary of a robotics engineer in India depends on many factors such as experience, location, skills, and the type of company you’re working with.

Here’s the snapshot of robotics engineer salaries based on their experiences and location. 

Pro-tip: If you want to increase your robotics engineer salary, it is important to work on your skills. The best way to do it is by enrolling in multiple robotics engineering courses and consistently upgrading your knowledge with hands-on projects, emerging technologies, and real-world problem-solving experience.

Robotics Engineer Salary By Experience

Robotics Engineer Salary By Locations

Here is a quick overview of a robotic engineer salary in India by location and with 1 to 7 years of experience: 

The robotics field and industry are continually changing. Each year brings new trends, tools and components into the market. Thus, the continual adaptation of your technology knowledge base through training and education will be crucial for future success as a robotics engineer. If learning about new technologies and continuing to enhance your knowledge is an interest of yours, you are on the right track towards becoming a successful robotics engineer.

Problem-solving also plays a major role in this role and career. Most likely, when employed as a robotics engineer, you will be presented with numerous complex problems in several layers to resolve. You will be responsible for researching and testing, analysing and experimenting to achieve the solution to those challenges, often working under extreme pressure! You will build a better product using a combination of your desire to explore new technologies and improve your technical abilities. 

If you are enthusiastic about Robotics, Robotics has the potential to be your career of choice for the future.

The robotics engineering industry is one of the greatest innovations of our time, offering new opportunities for growth, creativity, and innovative thinking. The robotics industry provides numerous opportunities for developing your career, with excellent salaries and the chance to work within the highly competitive world of emerging technologies.

So, if you want to expand your knowledge and learn from the best, Jaro Education is a trusted platform. We are India’s leading online higher education and upskilling platform that has strong domain expertise. We bring various online degree courses and certification programmes in the field of technology, including AI, Blockchain, cybersecurity, management, marketing, and many more. Whether you want to pursue an online MBA from a renowned institution to hone your technical background with Online MCA and BCA, we are here to transform your careers. 

Jaro Education provides learning experiences that are relevant to the robotics engineering industry, providing you with a solid technical foundation to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing landscape of robotics engineering. 

With our programmes, you also get a chance to work on real-world projects and earn internationally recognised certification. So, take the first step towards “UdaanKiTaiyaari” and build a future where your ambitions take flight, and your potential truly shines.