Electrical and Computer Engineering

Robotics Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Get the skills needed to research and develop robust autonomous systems. Automation is one technology advancement that defines Industry 4.0.

Understand why robots and autonomous machines are useful. Applications go beyond industry and manufacturing into areas of mobility. Learn how to interface robotics with other systems. Take courses in robot operating systems and microcontrollers for cyber-physical systems. Apply robotics to electric machinery and drives. See the relationship between robotics, sensation, and perception.

Robotics engineers learn open-source hardware and software implementation. As a student, you'll learn computer-based signal processing and control. You can create autonomous motion in the physical world. You will have the opportunity to work with advanced robot platforms and sensors. Many are unique to Michigan Tech:

  • Ground robots
  • Drones
  • Autonomous surface vessels
  • Underwater autonomous vehicles
  • Autonomous on-road and off-road vehicles
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Robotics engineering is at the intersection of three distinct areas. Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and applied computing form the basis for robotics. Robotics engineers are fluent in these disciplines. They apply these principles to autonomous vehicles and automation design in manufacturing. Robotic systems impact human endeavors.

Robotics Engineering Design Options

Students in Robotics Engineering choose an engineering design path to meet their goals. Join an Enterprise, such as Robotic Systems or Aerospace. Focus on interfaces and control with Blue Marble Security or Wireless Communication. Work on robotics-related projects in an interdisciplinary setting. Or, complete a year-long, industry-sponsored project centered on robotics. Collaborate with fellow ECE students through our Senior Design program.

  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
  • No. 9
    for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Tomorrow Needs Autonomy, Engineered

In a world continuously shaped by robotics and automation, the future relies on adaptable, forward-thinking robotics engineers. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, industrial automation, and human-robot collaboration, robotics engineering is anticipated to improve productivity and develop new solutions for the challenges of the future. Robotics engineers will continue to enhance daily life, from transportation and manufacturing to healthcare and space exploration.

Be Career-Ready

Hands-on engineering education is a primary focus at Michigan Tech. The field of robotics engineering is an important, growing field. Become career-ready to work in cutting-edge industries. Robotics applications are emerging at a fast pace. Help design the landscape of automation.

Explore career opportunities for robotics engineers.

  • Controls
  • Digital logic
  • Immersive visualization
  • 3D printing

$81,743 mean entry-level salary
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

Engineering Salaries

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying robotics engineering at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

Watch My Michigan Tech: Emily Ladensack video
Preview image for My Michigan Tech: Emily Ladensack video
"I chose robotics engineering because it's a great mixture of things. It's got electrical, it's got computer, it's got mechanical."Emily Ladensack, undergraduate robotics engineering student

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

We are committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ faculty in the College of Engineering alone, we provide a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

As a student at Michigan Tech you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, immerse yourself in experience-powered learning, and gain a thorough understanding of engineering practice. Collaborate and innovate in laboratories, coursework, Enterprise, and Senior Design—you'll work with industry partners on real engineering projects and develop strong skill sets for your future.

You could study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to one full year. Or focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers you a range of options.

More than 400 employers regularly recruit our students for internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. Engineering students average seven interviews, and 98 percent are employed within their field of study, enlist in the military, or enroll in a graduate school within six months of graduation. A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere.

Tomorrow Needs You

Engineers do a lot of things, but there's one thing we do first and foremost: we help people. We use creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in health care, energy, transportation, hunger, space exploration, climate change, and more—much more. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

Student Stories

Be an MTUengineer

Join the LEAP leaders, wow the elementary students, and attend the AIPG National Conference.

Teach coding and circuitry. Research combustion and nanotechnology. Do a co-op with Kimberly-Clark. Show us how to slurry sand and complete miners training.

Tell us how important wetland mitigation is to you.

This is what we're all about.

Read Student Stories

A Professional Start

Robotics engineering majors have great peers.

  • Copper Country Robotics at Michigan Tech
  • MTU Society of Women Engineers
  • National Society of Black Engineers
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Compete in Enterprise. Design exploration tools.

Begin your networking journey here.

Join clubs and groups.

Beyond Engineering

Engineering majors cultivate their interests and talents at Michigan Tech. Join Superior Wind Symphony, follow military service, and be active in local politics.

Dive into Yucatan Culture.

Attend GeekU.P., become a lifeguard, and do a Canal Run. Be a musher. Set a Guinness World Record. Take part in Parade of Nations.

Let yourself shine.

Go Beyond

The ECE Department

  • Faculty mentoring takes the quality of your education to the next level.
  • You will have labs, shops, and makerspaces to apply your skills.
  • The department creates the best environment to create, innovate, and design.
  • Use lasers, microcontrollers, robots, and power stations.
  • We provide industry standard software and current generation computer systems.
  • Gain the personal attention you need for academic success.

Connected, innovative.

Build real skills at Michigan Tech. Become an engineer.

Gain diverse experience.

Engage in design and research.

Leap forward in your program.

Connect with students and industry.

"Everyone I talked to said that Michigan Tech has a great reputation. Everyone loves the students that graduate from here and are always looking to hire them."Emily Ladensack, undergraduate robotics engineering student