Electrical engineering and robotics engineering are among the most popular courses, given the numerous career prospects they have to offer.
Besides, the world is shifting towards science and technology, and robots and electrical gadgets are a big part of this shift.
If you’re undecided on whether to pursue electrical engineering or robotics engineering, this detailed comparison will guide you on which program to choose.
What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on studying electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
It uses a multidisciplinary approach to study sub-disciplines such as telecommunications, power engineering, digital computers, electronics, radio-frequency engineering, instrumentation, and microelectronics.
What is Robotics Engineering?
Robotics engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with studying robots and machines that mimic human behavior.
Robotics engineering entails designing, developing, and operating robots and robotic systems that imitate human actions and behaviors. It borrows electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering concepts, making it unique from other engineering disciplines.
Electrical and Robotics Engineering Compared
Electrical and robotics have several similarities but also have a few differences. For instance, to study robotics, you must have some background knowledge of electrical engineering concepts.
Electrical engineering lays the foundation for robotics since nearly all robots and robotic systems consist of electrical parts and components. In contrast, electrical engineering doesn’t rely on robotics, but robotics engineering is more of a course in electrical engineering.
With that said, here’s a detailed comparison of electrical and robotics engineering.
Entry Requirements
Electrical engineering and robotics engineering have varying entry requirements. The only common requirement is to have a high school diploma with a solid understanding of mathematics, physics, and physical sciences.
To pursue a degree in electrical engineering, you require excellent problem-solving and technical skills. You must also be a critical thinker to make it and qualify as an electrical engineer.
The entry requirements for robotics engineering are similar. The major highlight about robotics engineering is that you can pursue this degree program if you already have a diploma or degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or computer science.
Verdict: The entry requirements for electrical and robotics engineering are similar
Also read: Do Engineering Students Need Laptops?
Complexity
Let’s face it. No engineering program is easy. These programs involve a lot of abstract thinking, and you have to grasp complex concepts to become an engineer. Electrical engineering and robotics engineering are no exceptions.
According to EDN, electrical engineering ranks at No. 5 as one of the most stressful engineering majors and occupations. Aspiring electrical engineers and those already in the job have to design, create, and improve all sorts of electrical equipment from scratch.
Robotics engineering is more complex than electrical engineering. To become a robotics engineer, you must have a solid knowledge of electrical engineering concepts.
Since robotics involves automation and artificial intelligence, you must also be ready to learn computer science, electronics, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics elements.
Verdict: robotics engineering is more complex than electrical engineering
Scope of Innovations
The role of engineering is to develop innovations and fulfill functional objectives. Engineers research, invent, design, construct, produce, build, and test various systems and machines to help make the world better.
The main difference between these two disciplines is that electrical engineering students study already known concepts, while robotics engineering entails researching and developing new machines and robotic systems.
Robotics engineers design and create robots and related systems for various industries ranging from
Verdict: Robotics engineering has more room for innovation
Career Prospects
Engineering offers numerous career prospects in various fields. Whether you’re an electrical engineer or a robotics engineer, there’s no limit to what occupation you can do.
You can work in academia, telecommunications, data science, aerospace, and augmented reality, among many other jobs.
Electrical engineering and robotics engineering are lucrative professions with significant room for career growth and progression.
Verdict: Both electrical engineering and robotics engineering have excellent career prospects
Average Pay
Engineering is one of the highest-paying careers in the U.S and the rest of the world. Many companies consider engineers experts in their field, so they only receive high wages and perks.
The average annual salary of an electrical engineer in the United States is about $90,275, while that of a robotics engineer is about $91,751 per year. Seemingly, robotics engineers earn more since they undergo more training than electrical engineers.
Verdict: Robotics engineers ostensibly earn more money than electrical engineers
Don’t miss our guide: Robotics Engineering Vs. Aerospace Engineering
FAQ
Is electrical engineering good for robotics?
Electrical engineering is good for robotics. It has weightage and significance in the robotics field since you have to grasp electrical engineering concepts in your journey to become a robotics engineer.
In essence, electrical engineering lays the foundation for becoming a robotics engineer. If you’re a graduate electrical engineer, your chances of succeeding in the robotics field are much higher.
If you don’t want to pursue a degree in robotics engineering from scratch, you can enroll in a Master’s program instead after completing your electrical engineering degree. Many institutions accept electrical engineering graduates to join their Masters’s programs or even Ph.D. programs.
Do electrical engineers make robots?
Electrical engineers don’t primarily make robots, but they can do so depending on their level of training and experience.
Robotics engineering borrows heavily from electrical engineering, which means some electrical engineers may have the expertise to make robots.
Making robots entails designing control electronics, power amplifiers, sensors, and motors, which are all part of electrical engineering. The role of a robotics engineer is to research and improve on these components to make them better.
Electrical engineers work with robotics engineers, mechanical engineers, and computer scientists to design and develop robots in most cases. It’s more of a collaborative effort than a job confined to one profession.
Did you know that electrical engineers can do software engineering? Read our guide to learn more.
Can you do robotics after electrical engineering?
You can do robotics after electrical engineering. Electrical engineering is the basis for robotics engineering. Many robotics engineers start their careers by studying electrical engineering before moving on to robotics.
Many institutions of higher learning also accept students with electrical engineering as their first degrees to pursue programs in robotics. Moreover, electrical engineering programs offer specializations in robotics and automation.
Since it is much easier for electrical engineers to grasp the concepts of robotics and robotic systems, you do not have to take 4 or 5 years to complete the program and graduate.
Also read: Can An Electrical Engineer Be An Aerospace Engineer?
Is robotics engineering a high-paying job?
Robotics engineering is one of the most lucrative jobs. Robotics engineers are experts, and they undergo rigorous training before qualifying to become professional engineers. For this reason, it isn’t surprising that they earn high salaries and perks.
Moreover, robotics engineers are in great demand while remaining scarce in the industry. They play a crucial role in nearly every sector ranging from healthcare to finance, which explains why they earn lucrative salaries.
According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary of a robotics engineer is about $91,751. The pay isn’t constant across the board as it depends on the hiring company or organization.
Is robotics engineering in demand?
Robotics engineering is in great demand. From banking to healthcare, nearly every sector embraces robots and robotic systems to perform various complex functions. Therefore, the need for more robotics engineers is undoubtedly set to rise.
The demand for engineers who know how to design, develop, and operate robots and robotic systems is soaring every day.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for qualified robotics engineers will grow by as much as 9 percent by 2026. Moreover, job opportunities will rise by over 25,000 new positions during the projected period.
Which country is best for robotics engineering?
The best countries to study robotics engineering are the USA, the UK, Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark, and Australia. These countries have top universities and colleges that offer programs in robotics engineering.
If you want to pursue a career in robotics engineering, consider relocating to Germany, South Korea, or Singapore. According to the Automation Readiness Index, these are the most automated countries globally.
Their economies revolve around automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, making them the best country for career progression. Japan, Estonia, Canada, China, and Australia are other countries to consider.
Which engineering has the highest salary?
Petroleum engineering is one of the most lucrative occupations and has the highest salary. Petroleum engineers earn as much as $137,720 per year.
Petroleum engineers develop extraction methods for oil and natural gas. They also design and create equipment to make extraction processes faster and more affordable.
However, the demand for petroleum engineers depends on various factors ranging from politics to oil prices to renewable energy.
Final thoughts
No doubt, engineering is one of the most difficult programs to pursue in college. However, it can also be the most rewarding. You only need to have a positive mindset and work hard to complete your degree program and graduate successfully.
Choosing between electrical engineering and robotics engineering depends on your specific preferences. But if you want a career in robotics, you may need to start with a foundational course in electrical engineering.