How to become A Robotics Engineering Technician

In an age when robots are being regularly used to perform repetitive and hazardous tasks, Robotics Technicians work with robotics engineers to build and test robots. They are responsible for installing and maintaining robots and keeping them in working order for their employers.

• Automation Technician
• Instrument and Automation Technician
• Programmable Logic Control Technician

What do Robotics Engineering Technicians do?

A Robotics Engineering Technician would typically need to:

• Assist robotics engineers in the design, development, production, testing, operation, repair, and maintenance of robots and robotic devices
• Install, program or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors
• Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servo motors
• Modify computer-controlled robot movements; perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components
• Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems; reprogram or calibrate to achieve maximum quantity and quality
• Train customers and other stakeholders to install, use or maintain robots
• Develop robotic path motions to maximise efficiency, safety, and quality; fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures with metalworking machines
• Train robots through artificial intelligence software or interactive training techniques to perform simple or complex tasks, such as designing and carrying out a series of iterative tests of chemical samples
• Inspect installation sites; document robotics test procedures and results; maintain inventories of robotic production supplies, such as sensors or cables
• Develop three-dimensional simulations of automation systems

Robotics Engineering Technicians work alone or in pairs. Depending on your specific job responsibilities, you may work in-house for a robot manufacturer with engineers and scientists; you may also work in-house for a distributor, or you may need to travel to customers’ plants to service or install equipment.

Typical work may amount to 40 hours between Monday and Friday. Expect to work overtime to meet project deadlines. You may need to be on call around the clock if you work in a plant where robots are in 24-hour use, while operators may need to work night shifts.

You may be employed either by the manufacturers and distributors of robots or by the people who purchase the robots. A few may find employment in teaching positions.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Robotics Engineering Technicians may boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Robotics Engineering Technicians are generally employed by:

• Manufacturing Companies
• Healthcare Organisations
• The Service Industries
• Military Organisations
• Trade & Technical Schools
• Vocational Schools
• High Schools

Professional associations and organisations such as the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) are a crucial resource for Robotics Engineering Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

In some cases, Robotics Engineering Technicians may belong to labour unions.

• The need to keep the equipment running efficiently at all times, so production numbers are met
• Downtime on the production line and the resulting stress when robots and machinery malfunction
• The need to keep oneself constantly updated on the ever-changing technology
• Exposure to hazardous equipment

Prospective Robotics Engineering Technicians will have access to recognised apprenticeship programs that usually last around two years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

The minimum degree required for an entry-level position as a Robotics Engineering Technician is a two-year associate's degree in electrical engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology. Many colleges, technical institutes, and trade schools offer relevant programs that will help you learn about hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, computer-assisted design & drafting systems (CADD), computer-assisted manufacturing systems (CAM) and microprocessors.

Rest assured that although some of the instruction is highly technical, the skills you will learn are similar to those needed to maintain other complex machinery. Ensure physics, geometry, algebra, and computer science are part of your high school curriculum.

Certification as a manufacturing technologist from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. You may need to have around four years of combined education and experience to apply for the certifying examination.

Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Robotics Engineering Technicians with significant experience may find multiple opportunities to advance their careers. You could become a Robotics Trainer and teach other technicians to design and maintain robots. You may also choose to become a Sales Representative.

Additional academic qualifications would allow you to apply for the position of Robotics Engineer. If you have managerial abilities and have undergone advanced technical training, you may become an independent Consultant.

Candidates with sound knowledge of computers and electronics along with practical knowledge of mechanical engineering and technology will have the best job prospects.

Most employers encourage their deserving Robotics Engineering Technicians to take additional college courses and earn a higher degree by offering educational fee reimbursement. Robot manufacturers and vendors generally provide additional formal on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers.

Specific Roles

Robot maintenance technicians are usually responsible for the initial installation of the robot. They may establish an in-house maintenance and repair program. If employed by the robot manufacturer or distributor, they typically respond to service calls.

Robotics Engineering Technicians trained in computer programming act as the liaison between robotics engineers and the customers who purchase the machines. They may perform low-level programming and reprogramming of the robots or install the robots at the site where they will be used.

Robot assemblers construct the robot for the robot manufacturer according to the design worked out by the robotics engineer.

Robot operators manage the systems and equipment used to power and control the robots.

Robotics trainers have significant experience installing and maintaining robots. They supervise trainees and less experienced technicians in all aspects of robotics design, installation, and maintenance.

Tools of the Trade

Robotics Engineering Technicians use hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes to align, fit or assemble components.

They use instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges to test the performance of robotic assemblies.

Safety First

Most Robotics Engineering Technicians wear standard protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets daily.

The robotics industry may reach US$158 billion by 2025, a massive leap from its 2020 value of US$66.48 billion.

Have an aptitude for math and the sciences? Believe in a future where robots make manufacturing more efficient? Choose to become a Robotics Engineering Technician and ensure the robots do their job.

The field of robotics is constantly evolving. There are new programming languages to learn, new AI concepts to test, and new and more durable materials to work with. Commit yourself to life-long learning.