If the prospect of complex robotic creations excites you then look no further than this area of study
In a country like India, where the concept of a robot is relegated to stories on celluloid, Robotics holds immense potential. It is a very vital, unique and innovative branch of learning and if the youth show a greater interest, it can create a paradigm shift in the way India develops technologically and economically.
What is Robotics?
Robotics is a branch of mechanical engineering, 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.
What does it involve?
The concept of creating machines that can operate autonomously dates back to classical times. However, research in the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century. Throughout history, robots have been seen to mimic human behavior and often manage tasks in a similar fashion.
Today, Robotics is a rapidly growing field. As technological advances continue, research, design and building new robots serve various practical purposes, whether domestically, commercially or militarily. Many robots do jobs that are hazardous to humans, such as defusing bombs and mines and exploring shipwrecks. With the advent of superlative virtual education, there are now several courses based on Robotics that are online as well. Websites such as Learnsocial.com are providing instructor-led online courses and making the difficult concepts associated with Robotics much easier to grasp, comprehend and retain.
The 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 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 students. The popularity and growing demand for Robotics is at the Master’s level.
Where to study?
In India, work on Robotics began in educational institutions and research centres, such as the Indian Institutes 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, Bangalore; the National Institute of Technology, University of Hyderabad; Jadavpur University; and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science. Institutes like the Indian Institute of Robotics are for those seeking a niche and highly specialized qualification in this sphere.
Whether you want to develop artificial intelligence software for use in robots, business intelligence, software or video games, an in-depth study of robotics provides a solid foundation for launching your career. With the rising demand for information technology professionals in virtually every industry, earning your degree in the field with a concentration in Robotics and artificial intelligence will prepare you to enter the workforce and command a sizeable pay packet.
Robot Revolution Exhibit – the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago
The scope
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, defense and now the service industry too, is actively seeking experts in huge numbers.
There are a few who have the skills, dedication, intelligence and creativity to be robotics experts. 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 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 now and for the future.
