Robotics to rev up your career

Robotics coursework includes learning modules like animation, robotic sensors, abstract models, remote sensing and more...

In a country like India, where the concept of a robot is relegated to stories on celluloid, robotics as a field holds immense potential. It is a vital, unique and innovative branch of learning and if the youth of the country show a greater interest in this area of study, it can create a paradigm shift in the way our country develops technologically and economically.

Robotics is a branch of mechanical, electrical engineering and computer science that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behaviour, and/or cognition. Many of today’s robots are inspired by
nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.

The concept of creating machines that can operate autonomously dates back to classical times. However, research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century. Throughout history, robots have been often seen to mimic human behaviour, and often manage tasks in a similar fashion.

Growing field

Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field. As technological advances continue, research, design, and building new robots serve various practical purposes in sectors like domestic, commercial and military. Many robots do jobs that are hazardous to humans such as defusing bombs, mines and exploring shipwrecks.

With the advent of superlative virtual education, there are now several courses based on robotics that are served online as well. Websites such as Learnsocial.com are providing instructor-led online courses that make the difficult concepts associated with robotics much easier to grasp, comprehend and retain.
The robotics
online programme is structured to give students innovative and in-demand IT skills. The coursework covers the applications of robotic, abstract models, controlling robot motion, complex motion, robotic sensors, event programming, remote sensing and more. One can even develop interactive animations within a 3D virtual reality environment.

Robotics being an inter-disciplinary course is suited for students who have completed their graduation in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering or computer science engineering with an interest in robotics and artificial intelligence. Though a specialisation is offered at an undergraduate level in a few private engineering colleges across the country, it is not the preferred choice amongst many students. But the popularity and growing demand for robotics is at the master’s level.

Where can you study robotics?In India, work on robotics began in educational institutions and research centres such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Science. Now, this field is emerging as a favoured choice for many budding engineers and contests are held among students across the country to encourage talent in this sphere.

Robotics can be studied at the IITs in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur and Kharagpur. Other institutions that offer similar courses are the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, National Institute of Technology, University of Hyderabad, Jadavpur University and Birla Institute of Technology and Science. Institutes like the Indian Institute of Robotics are for those seeking a niche and highly-specialised qualification in this sphere.

According to the US Bureau of Labor statistics, the demand for robotics engineers is expected to increase by 13 per cent by 2018. Besides robotics companies, several industries which will benefit from the work in this field are hiring robotics engineers. These include, manufacturing industries, automobile, medicine, defence and now the service industry too is actively seeking robotics experts in huge numbers.

There are few who have the skills, dedication, intelligence and creativity to be a robot expert. If the wide sphere of the specialised field attracts you and the prospect of complex robotic creations excites you, then look no further than this area of study. It guarantees you a career that is fulfilling and is replete with opportunities that are only likely to boom in the next couple of years.

A high net worth salary, a thrilling area of work that is always sprouting with new avenues and immense demand in the job market make robotics an ideal career choice right now and for the future.