Robotics combines computer science, engineering, and technology to design, construct, and utilize machines that are programmed to replicate or substitute human actions and decision-making. These machines, known as robots, are deployed across a broad spectrum of industries to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety. Because robots can be used in so many ways, robotics is a broad, interdisciplinary field, meaning that there are many ways to study it and find a specialized career.
Robots aren't new. They've been around since ancient times, but the Industrial Revolution’s rise in manufacturing highlighted the need for widespread automation. The first autonomous machines were built in the mid-20th century. In the 1990s, researchers developed the foundational elements for social robots that could understand and interpret human language and emotion. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning launched the field forward, expanding what is possible for robot automation and autonomy.
Each robot, regardless of its level of autonomy—meaning its ability to operate and make decisions without human supervision or intervention—consists of the same three components: mechanical construction, electrical power and control, and software or programming.
Robotics professionals can design and construct entire robots holistically, or they might focus on one component. They can specialize even further into sensors, control systems, human-robot interaction, and more. With a wide range of ever-growing industry applications, possibilities in the field of robotics are boundless.
What Are Robotics Applications?
Robotics got its start by providing an advantage in manufacturing and industrialization. But now, nearly every industry has found a need for robotic applications to make work more efficient and safe.
Manufacturing
From automobiles to smartphones, robotics have revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Industrial robots can assemble products, sort items, and even fix and maintain other machines in a factory or warehouse.
Healthcare
Medical robots transport medical supplies, perform surgery and diagnostics, manage hospital logistics, and dispense medications. As the robotics industry advances, more sophisticated machines are being developed to improve the efficiency of medical professionals and quality of patient care.
Agriculture
Robots help agricultural businesses meet growing global demand by performing routine tasks such as planting, pest and weed management, and harvesting.
Construction
Construction teams are safer, efficient, and more accurate thanks to robotic assistance. Autonomous technologies operate construction machinery and complete specialized tasks like welding, drilling, and brick-laying.
Shipping and Delivery
Robotics have streamlined the logistics of shipping and delivering goods. Autonomous mobile robots maneuver through warehouses and collect items for shipments, while companies deploy delivery bots to complete local deliveries in a timely manner.
More Real-World Robotics
Robots and autonomous technologies keep clean energy affordable through system installation and maintenance. Robots navigate mines for materials and analyze structural integrity. Search and rescue robots help disaster response teams by navigating floodwaters and putting out forest fires. In the home, robots keep surfaces clean and sanitized, mow lawns, engage with children, and assist people with disabilities.
Types of Robots
Robots come in all shapes and sizes, which is understandable given the variety of purposes they serve, from education and entertainment to integration as vital components in the manufacturing industry.
- Humanoid robots look like and mimic human behavior. Development of more advanced models is ongoing, as demand rises for robots to assist with research and professional services.
- Industrial robots are heavy-duty machines that automate manufacturing processes at scale.
- Mobile robots sort and deliver goods in warehouses, in the home, and on the street.
- Collaborative robots, or cobots, work in conjunction with people in the service industry and manufacturing.
- Social robots are AI-powered machines with a variety of applications in education, early childhood development, disability assistance, and companionship.
- Microrobots and nanorobots run diagnostics, monitor and treat diseases, and assess injuries.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Robots
Robots have expanded what's possible across industries. But their onset has drawbacks as well as benefits.
Advantages of Robotics
- Increased accuracy: Robots perform repetitive tasks with greater precision and accuracy than humans, allowing people to focus on more complex tasks.
- Enhanced productivity: Robots can work at a faster pace than humans for longer durations, leading to more consistent and higher-volume productivity.
- Improved safety: Robots can complete tasks and operations in unsafe environments, protecting workers from injuries.
- Rapid innovation: Robots equipped with advanced sensors and cameras can collect and organize data quickly, leading to faster analysis and innovation.
- Greater cost-efficiency: As robots accelerate productivity, they can be a more cost-effective option for companies over human labor.
Disadvantages of Robotics
- Workforce displacement: Robotic process automation may put some human employees out of work and change the skills necessary for work in certain sectors.
- Limited creativity: Robots aren't good with surprises. In unexpected situations, robots don't possess the same level of problem-solving skills as humans.
- Security risks: Robots can be subject to cyber attacks, potentially exposing large amounts of data.
- Maintenance costs: Robotic machines are expensive to repair and maintain. Faulty equipment can lead to production disruptions and revenue loss.
- Environmental waste: Robot construction requires large amounts of raw materials. Discarded robots and parts can lead to pollution and waste disposal issues.
What Skills Do People In Robotics Fields Need?
Robotics professionals need to possess an interest and understanding of all three robotics components: mechanical construction, electrical power and control, and programming.
While the level of understanding across the three components may vary depending on career or role, all robotics professionals must have strong mathematical skills, expertise in physical sciences, computer programming proficiency, and ample problem-solving abilities. Robotics professionals must also possess strong communication skills in order to work well with others and present their developments to clients and stakeholders. Professionals can specialize based on skill, expertise, and interest.
What Careers Are There in Robotics?
The robotics field is broad and ever-expanding. Robotics jobs and careers vary widely depending on specialization, interest, and industry. Different robotics careers require different kinds of skills and education. Some standard robotics jobs include the following:
- Robotics engineer
- Mechatronics engineer
- Robotics programmer
- Automation engineer
- Robotics integration designer
- Industrial engineer
- Software engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- User interface/user experience (UI/UX) designer
- Robotics operator
- Controls engineer
- Manufacturing technician
How Much Do Robotics-Related Careers Earn?
Just as robotics careers can vary widely, so can salaries for robotics professionals. Salaries depend on the qualifications for specific roles, education level, industry, experience, etc. Overall, robotics professionals are well-paid with above-average earnings.
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Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024. Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025. |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) | Mean Annual Salary (Payscale) | Top 10 Percent (Payscale) |
| Robotics Engineer | $81,743 | $95,446 | $137,000 |
| Robotics Technician | $55,982 | $65,449 | $70,000 |
| Software Engineer | $70,115 | $144,570 (BLS) | $211,450 (BLS) |
| UI/UX Designer | $71,708 | $81,868 | $116,000 |
See additional computing salary information and engineering salary information.
The Future of Robotics
The future of robotics relies heavily on the advancements of artificial intelligence (AI). Advanced AI can affect robotic autonomy and problem-solving abilities as autonomous machines develop neural frameworks. Through generative AI tools, robots acquire the capability to adapt to unexpected situations and communicate with human operators more effectively.
As robots become increasingly prevalent in everyday life, the field of human-robot interaction is expanding to understand how people can operate and live harmoniously with robots in homes, in the workplace, and on the street. As interactions between humans and robotic systems grow, the look and behavior of robots has changed to be more visually appealing to humans, better understand human language and emotion, and respond more effectively.
With millions of robots being used around the world, societal and organizational developments will be needed as humans determine how to best work alongside robots and adapt the workforce to counteract the rise in displaced jobs from robotic labor. With the introduction of technologies such as AI and machine learning, humans will need to adapt to work alongside robots in a more efficient and productive society.
Pursuing a Robotics Degree
There are several paths you can take to a career in a robotics profession. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. According to our undergraduate academic advisor, Kate Marin, these tips can help prepare you to pursue a degree in the robotics field.
Tips for High School Students
If you're currently in high school and are considering getting into the robotics field, here are some things to consider.
- Focus on your mathematics and sciences classes as these will form the basis for your robotics education. Additionally, courses related to engineering and computer science may also help. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not robotics may be right for you.
- Participate in FIRST Robotics or other robotics-oriented organizations where you can learn, compete, and have fun.
- Read overviews or watch videos about different robotics degrees to get a sense for which one you may want to pursue.
Choosing a College/University for Robotics
Selecting a school to study the robotics field can be easier if you follow these tips:
- Research colleges and universities that would put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called robotics to have a successful career in this industry. Look for degrees that fall within the computer technology umbrella.
- Make sure the schools you're considering offer accredited degrees, since most employers will only consider graduates from such institutions.
- Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about the programs, scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines.
Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Get important deadlines on your calendar to make sure you don't miss them.
Tips for College Students
If you’re currently in college, our advisor recommends considering these tips to help ensure your success in the robotics field of your choice.
- Work with your academic advisor to choose the appropriate program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in the robotics field.
- Gain experience in real robotics projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, co-ops and internships, and research projects at your institution.
- Form relationships with faculty members in your program. These connections will help you as you look for relevant robotics experience during and after your college career.
- Network with professionals. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
- Keep your resume up to date and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may even have a dedicated career center that can help you.
