Robotics Engineers in Research and Development
Overview
Robotics Engineers in Research and Development design, build, and program advanced robots that can move, sense their surroundings, and complete complex tasks in places like factories, laboratories, hospitals, and even outer space. They write algorithms, process sensor data from cameras and lasers, and test prototypes to make sure robots are accurate, safe, and reliable, whether they’re stacking materials, analyzing RNA samples, or exploring dangerous environments. In senior roles, they lead teams of engineers and technicians, review design plans and cost estimates, and make strategic decisions about which robotic technologies to develop next to increase productivity, reduce waste, and protect human workers from hazardous conditions.
Did you know?
Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields, with many employers preferring advanced degrees for research and development roles.
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Critical Thinking
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems.
- Design end-of-arm tooling.
- Conduct research on robotic technology to create new robotic systems or system capabilities.
- Document robotic application development, maintenance, or changes.
- Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
- Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of robotic mechanisms, components, or systems, such as planetary rovers, multiple mobile robots, reconfigurable robots, or man-machine interactions.
- Make system device lists or event timing charts.
- Write algorithms or programming code for ad hoc robotic applications.
- Provide technical support for robotic systems.
- Install, calibrate, operate, or maintain robots.
- Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
- Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
- Design software to control robotic systems for applications, such as military defense or manufacturing.
- Plan mobile robot paths and teach path plans to robots.
- Design automated robotic systems to increase production volume or precision in high-throughput operations, such as automated ribonucleic acid (RNA) analysis or sorting, moving, or stacking production materials.
- Debug robotics programs.
- Evaluate robotic systems or prototypes.
- Design robotic systems, such as automatic vehicle control, autonomous vehicles, advanced displays, advanced sensing, robotic platforms, computer vision, or telematics systems.
- Supervise technologists, technicians, or other engineers.
- Design robotics applications for manufacturers of green products, such as wind turbines or solar panels, to increase production time, eliminate waste, or reduce costs.
- Integrate robotics with peripherals, such as welders, controllers, or other equipment.
- Automate assays on laboratory robotics.
- Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
- Design or program robotics systems for environmental clean-up applications to minimize human exposure to toxic or hazardous materials or to improve the quality or speed of clean-up operations.
Career Considerations
Strong STEM Education Required
Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields, with many employers preferring advanced degrees for research and development roles.
High Growth Industry Demand
The U.S. robotics industry is experiencing rapid expansion driven by automation needs in manufacturing, healthcare, and defense sectors, creating abundant job opportunities.
Interdisciplinary Skill Set
Success requires proficiency across multiple domains including mechanical engineering, software programming, artificial intelligence, and systems integration.