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The use of advanced robotics is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry across the globe by boosting productivity, safety, precision, and more. It’s an exciting time for technology and the advancement of science for use in manufacturing and production, and it’s maybe even a more exciting time for people looking to get into robotics as a career. While it might seem at first glance that working in robotics requires advanced degrees from expensive universities and credentials in scientific publications, the reality is quite the opposite.

Just as advanced robotics are boosting industry and manufacturing, they’re also boosting the need for skilled workers in the field. In fact, just by looking into it, you are taking what might be called your first steps into a career in working with robots! Let’s examine what the next steps in your robotics training might look like. 

Aptitude in Mechanics 

Because robots are machines, the ability to understand and apply mechanical concepts and principles to problem solving is a must when working with them. If you’re not sure about your mechanical aptitude, there are plenty of free tests on the internet that will help you get a fix on your level of knowledge. If you’ve ever worked on cars or motorcycles, or if you’ve fixed something mechanical, you probably already have at least a basic aptitude for mechanics. If not, there are a lot of hobbies out there, including the activities we just mentioned, to help you build and hone your mechanical abilities. 

Aptitude in Math and Science 

It’s generally a good idea to have at least some familiarity with math and science when working in robotics. Being able to interpret numerical data and statistics is a big plus, and any experience using the scientific method can aid the robotics worker in numerous regular tasks on the job. Associate’s Degree The majority of robotics technicians enter the field with a two-year degree, such as an Associate’s Degree, in a technology-focused or mechanical field. For instance, one might consider a mechanical or electromechanical degree. Whichever course of study you pursue, there are plenty of schools offering two-year degrees at affordable costs, including local community colleges and online certification programs. 

Soft Skills 

Aside from academic skills like math and science, soft skills go a long way when working with robotics, communication being an important and necessary example. If you’re on the floor as a robotics technician, you need to coordinate with your coworkers and communicate while operating machinery or performing maintenance. Developers and engineers need to clearly communicate their plans and various functionalities, leaders need to communicate with their teams. Any experience you can demonstrate in soft skills will go a long way. 

Software Skills 

Familiarity with computers and applications is always a plus in the world of robotics. While it’s not necessary to be an accomplished programmer, it’s helpful to arm yourself with some rudimentary programming knowledge. There are countless resources on the internet for self-education in a variety of programming languages like Python, C++, R, or the open source ROS language. There are even some free lessons on YouTube. An absolute beginner might invest in a course or two alongside their degree curriculum. 

On-the-Job Experience 

Like in most fields, experience on the floor is probably the best education of all. Any time spent working with robotics technicians or robotics in general will bolster your educational resume considerably. These types of opportunities should be sought out and utilized.