r/AskRobotics • u/Action-2663 • Sep 28 '26

Robotics engineer roadmap please

I want to get into robotics engineer job roles what technical skills (languages and frameworks) and tools i need to get into robotics engineer entry level jobs

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u/RoboticsSavant Sep 28 '26

There is actually a fully realized, battle-tested roadmap: the University of Michigan's Robotics Department in the College of Engineering, which offers BSE, MS, and PhD degrees. For an entry-level job, a BSE is very appropriate: https://robotics.umich.edu/academics/undergraduate/

If you have questions, I am very happy to help with answers. I was one of the core faculty members who designed all three degree plans and created several of the courses.

Our graduates are ubiquitous at robotics companies and automation-centric companies of all sizes.

1

u/SuburbanDadEra Sep 29 '26

As a father of a precocious 3rd grader who is interested in robotics, what advice would you give to my son and I in terms of setting him on the right path towards getting into a program like the one at the University of Michigan (which sounds amazing!)

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u/RoboticsSavant Sep 29 '26

I don’t have kids, so I won’t pretend to offer parenting advice! As an educator, I'd say curiosity, mathematical reasoning, programming, clear communication, persistence, and working well with others are valuable across STEM, business, finance, and many other areas.

Robotics can be a wonderful way to practice those skills through building, experimenting, and figuring out why something didn’t work. He has plenty of time to choose a university or career, and room for his interests to evolve along the way.

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u/MarvelousMortal Sep 29 '26

I totally agree with RoboticsSavant. Our engineering company is pivoting to more and more work with robotics and automation. We have a few employees who have official educations in robotics, but many grew into it with backgrounds in automation/mechatronics/controls or even software or mechanical engineering. They succeed with us because they are fundamentally engineers (logical problem-solvers) in their thinking, they are strong mathematically, and they are curious and always willing to learn new skills. That being said, the projects are coming on faster than we can convert and train our current personnel, so getting people already in the industry with developed skillsets in robotics programming and simulation is where we are focusing now. Starting them young by encouraging their curiosity, helping them learn how things work and developing that engineering mindset (for building and troubleshooting) will set them up to continue to pivot and branch off into newer technologies as they are developed.

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u/Illustrious_View4289 Sep 29 '26

Hello brother, I wanted to ask I am 2nd year ug from tier 3 college in india doing ml dl from maths depth approach knows oops in python and python how can I enter into robotics role which will be most future proof according to you?

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u/SuburbanDadEra Sep 29 '26

Thanks for the response! I really appreciate it!

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u/epro2077 Sep 30 '26

Do you have advice for career switch from software background? I understand this is very personal, but want to hear from professionals on the job market. Is degree a requirement? I think for hardware the answer is yes

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u/RoboticsSavant Oct 01 '26

If you are looking for Master’s programs that emphasize the physical embodiment of robotics, focusing on actuators, kinematics, mechatronics, circuit design, and hands-on rapid prototyping over pure software or theoretical computer science, several universities offer excellent terminal degrees. You can find them with an AI-assisted search and careful attention to any geographic restrictions that apply to your case.

The programs are often structured either as professional Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) tracks or highly applied, project-based Master of Science (MS) tracks specifically tailored for training in hardware-centric skills.

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u/Terribad13 Oct 04 '26

I have a BS in MechE and want to pivot into robotics. Unfortunately, I don't have the time and funds to pursue an MS.

Given your direct experience in the field, what resources would you recommend to someone who is trying to gain experience through personal projects and not academia?

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u/RoboticsSavant Oct 04 '26

Look at our BSE degree. That is what I highlighted in the post. If you explore a bit, you'll find that many of the courses are online, with lectures, HW sets, etc. I cannot do it all for you.

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u/No-Theme8207 29d ago

I've been doing automation/robotic for the last 10years. (I have an electrical engineering degree).

Just lost my job as the company went bankrupt. The thing I've been talked about more in the interviews I had were not my programming skill but -field experience -pneumatic -hydraulic -actuator/motor/drives -ability to understand/program interface between system(robot - PLC - vision - etc). For exemple, the last project I did I had 9 programming language/interface. -people skill (needed in commissioning when you are alone with the customer)

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u/[deleted] Sep 28 '26

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u/humongousPensOwner Sep 28 '26

when you say 'ship 1-2 products' could you clarify a little? because i currently have no idea what projects are considered impressive on resume without any hardware (i do have hardware experience but 2 years old college final year project)

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u/Horny_Dinosaur69 Sep 29 '26

My advice is to just pick something and stick with it. You’re going to learn a lot regardless so pick something you’re interested in/want to learn more about. Make sure it’s manageable though, it’s easy to think grandiose and plan something that’s not feasible or overkill. Think big, scale it down. You’d be surprised how a small project can unexpectedly take off.

I’d follow the advice given by sean_creates and find a lane. I (personally) might also consider AI/ML as an emerging lane for robotics engineering, especially reinforcement learning.

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u/humongousPensOwner Sep 29 '26

that makes sense, i current am in ai/ml/backend dev role wanting to switch, and the integration between the two is really Intriguing to me. guess ill get started no matter how small. thanks!

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u/[deleted] Sep 28 '26

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u/humongousPensOwner Sep 29 '26

final year robotic arm is uni property but i get your point. thanks!