Chief Robotics Officer

High School

Take a college preparatory curriculum in high school that includes coursework in business, mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus), computer science (including computer-aided design, programming, and AI), and shop classes. Take English, speech, writing, and foreign language classes because chief robotics officers—in addition to having business and technical know-how—must be skilled communicators who can craft concise memos and reports, give effective presentations, and explain complicated robotics systems to those who do not have a technical background.

Postsecondary Education

Chief robotics officers typically have bachelor’s degrees in robotics, robotics engineering or other engineering fields (e.g., mechanical, mechatronics, electrical, electronics, industrial), computer science, or other IT–related fields. Many have master’s degrees in business management or information technology project management.

Certification

The most-successful CROs are lifelong learners. Many augment their training by earning certificates in robotics, Agile project management, artificial intelligence, machine learning, business management, and/or logistics. Colleges and universities, professional associations, and online learning platforms (OLPs) offer certificate programs.

Other Education or Training

Professional associations, postsecondary institutions, and OLPs (e.g., Udemy, Coursera) offer webinars and in-person classes. For example, the Association for Advancing Automation offers webinars and other courses such as Collaboration and Robotics: The Latest Solutions; Smart Automation: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Changing Industry Today; Designing Autonomous AI Agents; and The Integration of AI & Vision Technologies.