How to Start a Career in Robotics: Professions, Universities, and Useful Resources
Robotics is a field of science and engineering focused on the creation and programming of robots. Today, robotics plays a key role in many industries, such as manufacturing, medicine, automotive, aerospace, and more.
Author - Mansur Ismagulov
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In-demand professions include robotics engineer, robot programmer, biomedical engineer, AI specialist, and educator. Universities in Kazakhstan (Nazarbayev University, Turan University, Satbayev University, KazNU), Kyrgyzstan (KG TU, Kyrgyz-German Institute, Ala-Too International University), and Uzbekistan (Tashkent State Technical University, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers) offer specialized programs. Free online courses are available from the University of Pennsylvania, ETHx, ColumbiaX, and PennX, lasting 3–4 months. Useful YouTube channels include Engineering Insiders, Nikodem Bartnik, JoshBuilds, and Robotix with Sina.
In-Demand Professions
— Robotics Engineer: creates and develops robots, including their mechanical, electronic, and software components
— Robot Programmer: writes software for controlling and managing robots, including developing algorithms and artificial intelligence systems
— Biomedical Engineer: develops medical robots and devices for diagnostics, surgery, and therapy.
— Artificial Intelligence Specialist: develops and implements machine learning algorithms and neural networks to enhance robot functionality
— Educator: a specialist who teaches students the basics of robotics and robot programming.
Universities
Kazakhstan
Nazarbayev University, "Robotics and Mechatronics"
Turan University, "Intelligent Robotics"
Satbayev University, "Robotics and Mechatronics"
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, "Robotic Systems"
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz State Technical University, "Automation, Robotics, and Mechatronics"
Kyrgyz-German Institute of Applied Informatics, "Software Technologies"
Ala-Too International University, "Artificial Intelligence and Robotics"
Uzbekistan
Tashkent State Technical University, "Robotics and Mechatronics"
Online Courses
"Introduction to Robotics" by the University of Pennsylvania
This is a series of six courses that will teach you the basics of robot movement, their ability to navigate obstacles, and operate in complex conditions. You will encounter real-world examples of robot applications in various scenarios. Upon completion, you will learn how to program a robot to perform specific movements.
Duration: 3 months
Cost: Free
Autonomous Mobile Robots by ETH Zurich
The main focus is on the movement and kinematics of mobile robots, environmental perception, probabilistic localization and mapping, as well as motion planning. The course lectures and exercises introduce several types of robots, such as wheeled robots, legged robots, and drones.
Duration: 4 months
Cost: Free
In this course, you will learn about the representation of 2D and 3D spatial relationships, homogeneous coordinates, how to manipulate robotic arms, and how to program robots. You will also design current and future applications for robots.
Duration: 3 months
Cost: Free
Robotics: Kinematics and Mathematical Foundations by PennX
This is an advanced course designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar field. In the course, you will learn how to describe, analyze, and critically think about fundamental problems in robotics, mobile robots, and other robotic platforms.
Duration: 3 months
Cost: Free
Useful YouTube Channels
Engineering Insiders
The channel features universal solutions for all engineering challenges. It provides useful information aimed directly at engineering students and enthusiasts, presented through simple animations.
Nikodem Bartnik
The author discusses robotics, electronics, 3D printing, and programming. He shares useful tips and solutions for various engineering tasks, as well as step-by-step instructions for creating different projects.
In the channel, the author demonstrates how to make DIY projects using readily available materials. He explains how to create hoverboards, drones, solar-powered crafts, and other items, while also sharing useful tips.
An experienced surgical robotics software engineer who created a robot for remote surgery in space, he shares insights on how to become a robotics engineer and provides roadmaps on his channel.
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