Robotics and Automation

 Robotics and automation engineering is a branch of engineering that involves the design, development, and operation of robots and machines. It's an interdisciplinary field that draws from computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biological mechanics, and software engineering. 

In this field, engineers use computers to manipulate and process robotic actions. They create intelligent machines that can think, adapt, and simplify processes. These machines can be used in a variety of applications, such as industrial arms, self-driving cars, and more. 

Robotics and automation engineering can help reduce the need for human labor in factories, offices, and at home. Graduates of the program can work in a variety of engineering careers in both the public and private sectors. 

Some topics covered in robotics and automation engineering programs include: Applied thermodynamics, Control systems, Embedded systems, AI-based applications, and Autonomous cars. 

Robotics-Specific Subjects:

Robot Kinematics and Dynamics: 

  Analyze robot motion, forces, and torques to design efficient and effective robots.

Robot Sensors and Perception: 

  Explore various sensors robots use to perceive their surroundings and gather data.

Sensor Fusion and Data Analysis: 

  Learn how to combine data from multiple sensors and analyze it for robot decision-making.

Robot Control Systems: 

  Design and implement control algorithms for various robot behaviors and tasks.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: 

  Understand how AI and machine learning can be used to make robots more intelligent.

Automation Systems and Industrial Robotics:

  Learn about automated systems in various industries and how robots are used in manufacturing and production.

Scope of B. Tech Robotics and Automation Engineering

The future of robotics and automation is brimming with possibilities. Graduates of this program can find exciting career opportunities in a wide range of industries, including:

Manufacturing: Design and develop robots for automated assembly lines, material handling, and quality control.

Healthcare: Build robots for surgical assistance, rehabilitation therapy, and medical imaging.

Agriculture: Develop mechanical systems for planting, harvesting, and crop monitoring.

Logistics and transportation: Create robots for automated warehousing, delivery drones, and self-driving vehicles.

Aerospace and defense: Design robots for space exploration, underwater research, and military applications.

Diverse Job Opportunities

With B. Tech in Robotics and Automation, you can work as:

• Robotics engineer
• Automation engineer
• AI specialist
• Control systems engineer
• Mechatronics engineer
• Research and development engineer
• Robotics technician
• Field service engineer

Robotics and automation engineering have many advantages and disadvantages, including:

Cost-effectiveness

  Robots can operate 24/7 without taking vacations, and can reduce operational costs by up to 50%. 

Higher quality

  Automated systems can produce products with greater consistency and control than humans. 

Job losses

  Automation can lead to job losses, as machines can perform tasks that humans previously did. 

High initial costs

  Automated equipment can be expensive to design, fabricate, and install. 

Maintenance costs

  Robots require regular maintenance, repairs, and updates, which can be expensive. 

Reduced flexibility

  Robots lack the innate instincts of humans to respond intuitively to situations. 

Less versatility

  Automation systems can be difficult to reconfigure, and modularity and programmability features can increase equipment costs. 

Here are some things to know about robotics and automation engineering:

What robots are used for

Robots are used in a variety of industries and applications, including:

Manufacturing: Robots can speed up the manufacturing process, and can be used for automated assembly lines, material handling, and quality control 

Nuclear science: Robots are used in nuclear science 

Bio-medical equipment: Robots are used in designing bio-medical equipment 

Sea exploration: Robots are used in sea exploration 

Scientific research: Humanoid robots are used in scientific research 

Customer service: Humanoid robots are used in customer service 

Personal assistants: Humanoid robots are used as personal assistants 

What robotic engineers do

Robotic engineers use a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles to develop robots and robotic systems. They select and integrate components such as sensors, actuators, motors, and controllers. 

Career opportunities

Robotic engineers can find employment in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, laboratories, medical fields, mining, automation sector, life sciences, aerospace engineering, and agricultural engineering.

Responsibilities of an Automation and Robotics Engineer

A robot has four parts; the electrical, the mechanical, the hardware and the software. These parts, originally, may seem different. However, as an Automated Robotics Engineer, you will regularly need to make use of all engineering fields when working. Still, the software aspect serves as the glue that holds others together. Here are some basic tasks:

Designing: As an Automation and Robotics Engineer, you will design plans which serve as guides in manufacturing robots and machines. You will design vital mechanisms that make robots run smoothly. For instance, you are responsible for creating software systems controls that are used in manufacturing. Equally, you will design robotic systems that are used to increase production and precision levels in some industries.

Building: A second common responsibility is assembling the machines. Although you may have to do this where there is no separate assembling unit available. It is where you will watch your designs and constructions come to life.

Testing: After assembling, your machine moves to the testing stage. And on many occasions, you will lead the entire process. You will test to verify that they are safe and able to perform the tasks you designed them for.

Some other activities that you will perform daily include:

Analysing and evaluating the prototypes and robotic systems you have created – This is generally a never-ending task since technology is constantly changing and advancing.

Reviewing and approving of cost estimates and design calculations.

Serving as technical support for the robotic systems you have created.

Teaching plans paths to robots.

Performing research into the design, operation, and performance of robotic mechanism components or systems.

Robotics and automation engineering is a good career option because of the many opportunities it offers, the constant evolution of the field, and the potential to shape the future: 

Job prospects

There is a growing demand for robotics and automation professionals globally. Industries are increasingly using robotics to improve quality and reduce costs. 

Career growth

Robotics engineers can work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and automotive. They can also find fulfillment by working in an area of passion. 

Evolving field

The field of robotics and automation is always changing, with new advancements emerging every day. Graduates can play a key role in this dynamic field by learning and adapting to new technologies. 

Lucrative careers

Robotics engineers can pursue lucrative careers. Some industries may offer higher salaries for more complex work. 

Interdisciplinary field

Robotics and automation engineering combines principles from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and software engineering. 

Robots can perform dangerous duties

Robots can perform dangerous duties for humans, such as exploring hazardous terrain or working in adverse environments.