Robotics is a sophisticated branch of technology that blends disciplines like computer science, engineering, information technology, and cyber-physical systems to create and evaluate intelligent machines that are capable of working in tandem with or in place of humans.
As technology continues to advance, an increasing number of industries reap the benefits of robotics technology. From smart infrastructure to intelligent transportation, from exploration to sustainable agriculture, robotics engineering perpetuates progress in so many important professional landscapes.
So, let's talk about examples of robotics technology being used today.
What are some specific examples of robotics technology?
1. Healthcare
Surgical robots. Autonomous disinfectors. Robotic testing solutions.
“From surgeries to keeping company” robots are transforming the healthcare industry. Not only can robots take over monotonous tasks, robotics technology can also increase accessibility to healthcare services, assist in high-risk surgery situations, ensure testing accuracy, and ultimately, help to save lives.
2. Public Safety
Risk analysis. Hostage situations. Surveillance.
The field of public safety has benefited from robotics technology in a variety of ways. Smart machines or drones can now be used as “first responders to car accidents” or other types of dangerous situations and can also be used to perform risk analysis or surveillance in high-risk environments.
3. Military
Sentry duty. Battlefield support. Risk assessment.
The development of unmanned drones has revolutionized the military. One of the most used forms of robotics engineering in the military, autonomous military drones are tasked with risk assessment, battlefield support, and sentry duty — supporting the men and women serving our country all over the world.
4. Agriculture
Pollinator robot design. Flower detection. Autonomous phenotyping.
Robotics and automation play a crucial role in the field of agriculture when it comes to waste reduction and increasing yield. Autonomous systems in agriculture are used for harvesting, pollinating, and phenotyping — all with the goal of improving production and perpetuating sustainable practices.
5. Mining
Robotic drills. Self-driving ore trucks. Robotic assistants.
Autonomous systems are bringing “a new measure of safety” to the mining industry — an industry that is known for being high risk to the professionals involved. Robotics technology has inspired self-driving ore-carrying vehicles, autonomous drill rigs, and robotic assistants that work alongside humans.
6. Aerospace
Space mining. Smart drilling rig. Autonomous movement.
Robotics engineering and robotics technology has transformed the aerospace engineering industry, and “today’s aerospace robots are delivering entirely new levels of productivity.” From welding to assembly, from autonomous transportation to ice mining on Mars, robotics engineering in aerospace manufacturing represents and demonstrates some of the most innovative robotics systems utilized today.
Explore robotics engineering careers that promote positive change in the world:
As an innovator in the competitive and complex field of robotics, the career options for you are nearly endless, and as technology continues to rapidly advance, an increasing number of meaningful careers will emerge.
Below are just a few of the many career opportunities available to professionals working in robotics:
- Professor of robotics
- Robotics programmer
- Robotics systems controller
- Robotics engineer
- Robotics research scientist
- Robotics space engineer
- Robotics software engineer
- Aerospace robotics engineer
- Industrial robotics engineer
- Healthcare robotics engineer
- Computer software engineer
- Mechanical robotics engineer
Become a robotics engineer at West Virginia University:
West Virginia University’s Robotics program is led by talented professionals who lead, collaborate, and inspire graduate students who are passionate about the field of robotics engineering. Fueled by a spirit of innovation, the Robotics program is designed to perpetuate academic excellence and advancement of knowledge.
While WVU does not offer a graduate degree in robotics, doctoral students who are participating in the Robotics program come from graduate programs such as planetary science, geology, and other areas of STEM education. These graduate students come from a variety of STEM fields eager to specialize in the niche field of robotics engineering.
If you’re ready to secure a meaningful career in the field of robotics engineering, we encourage you to connect with us today.
Download West Virginia University's newest resource — A Field Guide for Future Robotics Engineers — a resource for STEM professionals interested in securing a career in the field of robotics.
