Can A Mechanical Engineer Do Robotics (Guide)

If you are studying to be a mechanical engineer or you are a mechanical engineer, you may have an interest in pursuing robotics.

But you may worry that a mechanical engineer cannot easily become a robotics engineer.

In this guide, you will find out if and how mechanical engineers can do robotics.

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Can A Mechanical Engineer Do Robotics?

Mechanical engineers can do robotics easily as a specialization in their undergraduate degree or as a focus in their master’s degree.

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical systems, machines, and equipment.

Robotic engineers design, develop, and test robots.

Accordingly, a background in mechanical engineering can help you understand robotic engineering.

In particular, as a mechanical engineer, you may be interested in the physical structure of robots, their material composition, heat transfer techniques, manufacture, or in the design and integration of parts such as sensors, and navigation.

Want to learn about other opportunities for mechanical engineers?

Is Robotics A Part Of Mechanical Engineering?

Robotics has become an important part of mechanical engineering as companies are increasingly moving towards automation.

Advanced automation requires a knowledge of robotic engineering, even if you are working as a mechanical engineer.

Naturally, mechanical engineering also has many sub-branches including robotic engineering.

However, robotics specialists study topics related to mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, and programming.

If you go into robotics as a mechanical engineer, you may only work on mechanical aspects but if you pursue robotics engineering, you can acquire knowledge in all these spheres as applied to robots.

What Engineers Make Robots?

Robotics encompasses various spheres of engineering , and the robotic industry may require different types of engineers with specializations in robotics.

Necessary engineering roles in robotics include:

Mechanical engineers
Electrical engineers
Mechatronics engineers
Software engineers
Hardware engineers
Machine learning engineers
Materials engineers
Systems engineers
Research and development engineers
Design engineers
User experience (UX) engineers
3D printing engineers
Algorithm engineers
Data scientists
Robotics technicians

Best Youtube Channels To Follow For Robotics Engineering

There are many excellent youtube channels for robotics engineering.

Best Online Courses For Robotics Engineering

If you prefer to learn robotics engineering online, you can take partial programs or complete some courses online.

You may find online courses particularly beneficial if you have already completed an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, as it allows you to accomplish robotics coursework on your own time.

But unfortunately, it is rare to find a complete robotic engineering program online.

A large portion of these programs deal with hands-on work and projects.

That said, there are some excellent online courses for robotics that may satisfy partial credits or allow you to obtain certificates.

A few of the best online courses for robotics include:

University of Pennsylvania Robotics Specialization: In this six-month introductory course, you will learn robotic movement, perception, sensor systems, navigation, and complex task completion. You can receive a certificate at the end of this course.
University of Pennsylvania Aerial Robotics: Flying robots and drones are quickly becoming the future. In this short, four-week course, you will learn how engineers create aerial robots and what challenges they solve. You can receive a certificate at the end of this course.
Deep Learning AI AI for Everyone: If you wish to take an introductory, non-technical robotics and AI course, this is the perfect choice. It shows you what AI is, how AI projects come together, and how AI helps companies and society at large.

Can You Study Robotics After Mechanical Engineering?

If you already graduated from mechanical engineering, you have an excellent foundation for studying robotics.

You can either acquire certifications through specialized courses or pursue a master’s degree in robotic engineering.

If you choose to complete supplementary courses, you need to take these classes:

Programming
Fundamentals of robotics
Control system analysis and design
Signals and systems theories
Neutral networks and deep learning
Research and design.

You may not need to take basic engineering classes, math, or physics as you already completed these in your mechanical engineering degree.

If you choose to acquire a master’s degree, you can specialize in one aspect or a few aspects of robotic engineering.

Learn more: Do Mechanical Engineers Study Quantum Mechanics?

Which Engineering Course Is Best For Robotics?

Most students choose to start with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science as a lead into the robotics industry.

You may like to focus on mechanical engineering if you wish to work on the physical design of a robot.

On the other hand, you may prefer electrical engineering if you would rather have a large hand in the components of the robot.

Furthermore, if you wish to design and develop how a robot thinks and acts, you may like computer science.

In general, it is easier to transition from mechanical engineering and electrical engineering into robotics as you already take a large portion of the fundamental courses.

Final Thoughts

Since robotics encompasses many different aspects of engineering, you have the opportunity to work in a very intriguing industry.

Likewise, since this field is rapidly developing and evolving, you have the chance to be at the forefront of advancement and change.

Whether you decide to take robotic certificates or choose to obtain a robotics engineering degree, you can find an important position in nearly every company looking towards the future of tech.