Robotics Engineers

Because robotics is a relatively new field, it is important to learn as much as possible about current trends and recent technologies. Reading books and articles in trade magazines provides an excellent way to learn about what is happening in robotics technologies and expected future trends. Publications with informative articles include Robotics (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/robotics) and Servo Magazine (https://www.servomagazine.com).

You can become a robot hobbyist and build your own robots or buy toy robots and experiment with them. Complete robot kits are available through a number of companies and range from simple, inexpensive robots to highly complex robots with advanced features and accessories. A number of books that give instructions and helpful hints on building robots can be found online and at most public libraries and bookstores. In addition, relatively inexpensive and simple toy robots are available from electronics shops, department stores, and mail order companies.

You can also participate in competitions such as the National Robotics Challenge (https://www.thenrc.org) or International Aerial Robotics Competition (http://www.aerialroboticscompetition.org), which is sponsored by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

The Robotics Institute Summer Scholars Program at Carnegie Mellon University offers summer research programs for junior and senior undergraduate students. To learn more, visit its Web site, https://riss.ri.cmu.edu.

Another great way to learn about robotics is to attend trade shows. Many robotics and automated machinery manufacturers exhibit their products at shows and conventions. Numerous such trade shows are held every year in different parts of the country. Information about these trade shows is available through association trade publications.

Other activities that foster knowledge and skills relevant to a career in robotics include membership in high school science clubs, participation in science fairs, joining national science and technology associations (such as the Technology Student Association, https://tsaweb.org), and pursuing hobbies that involve electronics, mechanical equipment, and model building.

Participate in information interviews with robotics engineers. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask engineers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a robotics engineer to learn even more about the field.