Robotics Technicians

Robotics is an evolving industry with innovations and developments occurring all the time. Robotics technicians must keep up with 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. Magazines with informative articles include Servo Magazine (https://www.servomagazine.com) and Robot Magazine (http://www.botmag.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, electronics shops, department stores, and mail order companies are other sources for relatively inexpensive and simple toy robots.

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

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.

Attending industry trade shows is another great way to learn about robotics. Many robotics and automated machinery manufacturers exhibit their products at shows and conventions. Many of these types of trade shows are held annually throughout the country. Association trade publications provide information about industry events such as trade shows and conferences.

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.