Jobs in Robotics

[mattsdragons]

Just wondering what kind of jobs there are based around robotics and how would you get into them? I've had the 'Need to figure out what i want too do with my life' realisation today so looking at various things involving my loves robots, reptiles and music right now)

[psycho_fling]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

well the hobby of robots really helped with understanding loads of different skills, CAD, CNC, model making, drawing, electronics, rc stuff, the list is endless

it made me choose a course at uni with all these skills in, BsC product design, great choice so far and it's always building my skills

i think you could apply knowledge from this sport to many different courses, jobs and future plans

[ewan]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

I would recommend Engineering Design or Product Design personally. I'm in the middle of a Mechanical Engineering course at the moment but am finding the degree of maths a little tedious- I'm much more a fan of the hands on/design modules rather than swatting up for exams- though perhaps the pressures are different at other universities under the same course title.

[tweedermeister]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

i took systems and control as a gcse just so i could build on my skills and hopefully it will help me get a job that has something to do with robotics but i'm definetly taking a course at uni with something to do with robotics

[harry hills]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

read my mind matt, i would love to find something interlinked or similar to this to do for a living

[teamshock]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

As a couple of other people have said, roboteering helped me to choose my uni course.

I am currently in my 2nd year of my MEng Cybernetics course at Reading Uni and my personal tutor is Professor Kevin Warwick (those of you who are familiar with the Real Robots Magazines may know who he is).

It is a really interesting course although there is a fair bit of maths and programming but we have some interesting projects- this term we are building a Mars Rover type exploration robot which has to complete a range of tasks on a simulated planet surface.

So if you are really interested in getting into a career in Robotics- uni seems to be the best bet!

[terry]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

That all sounds like too much work for me, I'm quite happy with my job as a male porn star

[psychostorm]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

That all sounds like too much work for me, I'm quite happy with my job as a male porn star

Speaking of which, how goes the effort to crack heterosexual porn?

Well, this thread is a disappointment to me. University degrees are all well & good but as will be pointed out: are there jobs in robotics?

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

I'm in the middle of a Mechanical Engineering course at the moment but am finding the degree of maths a little tedious- I'm much more a fan of the hands on/design modules rather than swatting up for exams

This completely sums up my feelings when I was at uni!

It was Robot Wars that got me interested in engineering and the reason I pursued it in later education. However I expected a lot more hands-on stuff compared to theory, but the most I did was build a hinge in first year and dismantle and rebuild a two-stroke engine in second year.

In retrospect, as much as I loved the uni life, if I was to go through it all again, I'd look at some form of apprenticeship as a route into employment with the bonus of qualifications. Some of the highest figures in large engineering companies took this route too so it's not a lesser way to progress your career.

It depends on what you want to do I suppose. I think the theory-heavy uni courses are suited to people who are strong-willed when it comes to self-study and want to focus more on the design of engineering projects (not that that applies to everyone who goes through uni) rather than the physical construction of said projects. If hands-on practical work is what you prefer, consider the apprenticeship route.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

I got into mechanical engineering because of my days in robot wars. Best decision I ever made.

The best piece of advice that i could give you would be, don't specialise too early. Essentially what I'm saying is that if you are going to go to university then choose a relatively general course such as mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, product and engineering design etc etc. By specialising too soon you cut yourself off from many opportunities later on in life.

And if you want to chase the big money then do what I did and head for oil. Crazy amounts of cash and you should see the size of the robots on an oil rig. Nothing but electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems over the whole thing.

Also in the current climate you want to keep in mind getting a job after whatever you do whether that be apprenticeship, university, college etc which is easier said than done.

To answer the robotics job question, no not really.

[Mouldy]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

I got into robowars when I was about 14, left school at 16 to do a Btec in mechanical engineering, then started an apprenticeship at LDV vans to become a mechanical engineer... Machining/fabricating parts for production lines etc which consisted of a first year college based learning doing cnc machining, welding, turning, milling, precision grinding, bench work, PLC programming, hydraulics, pneumatics, industrial wiring, then a 2nd year on site work in the factory... When the company went bust I was head hunted to Finnish my apprenticeship at Cadburys...

In my last 2 years I did mainly electrical work, doing an electrical/electronics Btec course once a week, working full time and completing a level 3 nvq in electrical/mechanical maintenance course all at the same time (stress!)

Now I do a lot of work maintaining industrial ABB robot arms and production line machinery...

The other good thing about getting an apprenticeship is you can go to degree level if you ask nicely/have a good employer... Meaning you can get a degree, experiance and not be in debt.

[shakesc]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

The best piece of advice that i could give you would be, don't specialise too early.

I would echo this. Engineering courses are a great foundation to take you into many areas and your interests will change over time.
Apprenticeships were also mentioned. Sadly I think these have declined as engineering in the UK has declined but a valuable way to get solid skills

[mightymouse]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

Would agree with most of the above comments, I left school for an apprenticeship with the Ordnance factories and got onto a degree course through work and was paid - those options I am afraid are long dead.

Jobs in robotics are few and far between but engineering in general will give you the skills to take your hobby to the highest level and you will make contacts who will be able to make the bits you want, unless you can use your employers equipment out of hours, in which case you have arrived......

Don't specialise though, the world of engineering is so diverse that basic degree qualifications will open most doors. A good practical grounding is also good, but rarely combined........I have been lucky.

Like some of the previous comments I found the theoretical a bit heavy going and to this day have never used any of it................

To finish.... look for an apprenticeship that will sponsor you through University.....and if you find one make sure it is yours before telling anyone else

Trev

[Mouldy]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

this is about as interesting as robotics gets in industry IMO;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82w_r2D1Ooo

[psycho_fling]

Re: Jobs in Robotics

those robots are really cool to watch in person, i was lucky enough to do my yr 10 work expierence at a company that services and progammes such robots