History of Robotics Engineering

Although the science of roboticsonly came about in the 20th century, the history of
human-invented automation has a much lengthier past. In fact, the ancient Greek
engineer Hero of Alexandria, produced two texts,Pneumatica andAutomata, that testify
to the existence of hundreds of different kinds of wonder machines capable of
automated movement. Of course, robotics in the 20th and 21st centuries has advanced
radically to include machines capable of assembling other machines and even robots
that can be mistaken for human beings.
The word robotics was inadvertently coined by science fiction author Isaac Asimov in his
1941 story Liar! Science fiction authors throughout history have been interested in
mans capability of producing self-motivating machines and lifeforms, from the ancient
Greek myth of Pygmalion to Mary Shelleys Dr. Frankenstein and Arthur C. Clarkes HAL
9000. Essentially, a robot is a re-programmable machine that is capable of movement in
the completion of a task. Robots use special coding that differentiates them from other
machines and machine tools, such as CNC. Robots have found uses in a wide variety
of industries due to their robust resistance capabilities and precision function.

Description
Robotics engineering is an exciting and challenging field of study with enormous
practical benefits for humanity. However most people associate these perceived
benefits with a distant future, unaware of just how integrated robotics already are in our
day to day lives. With driverless cars currently in development and drones expected
to to be used in a delivery capacity in the very near future this is only expected to
increase over time as technological advancements bring robotics ever more rapidly into
our lives.
Essentially robotics engineering is a combination of computer science, electronics,
programming, signal processing and systems engineering. Its important to understand
that a career in robotics doesnt mean you will be building the next R2D2. In the
main robotics are largely used for the automation of repetitive tasks such as those
associated with production lines in manufacturing environments e.g. vehicle production.
The advantages to this are many and include:

Reducing human error

Greater efficiency than a human counterpart
Higher level of precision
Lack of downtime
Higher level of safety
Greater level of consistency

Robotics engineering

The education required for a job in the robotics industry can begin quite early. Many
high schools in America are adding robotics programs to their after school
agenda. Botball and FIRST Robotics Competition are two programs available that
students enjoy while learning valuable skills that will help promote them towards a
career in robotics. There are also many summer robotics camps available for students
to absorb themselves int he world of robotics.
There are some universities that have bachelors, masters, and even doctoral degrees in
this field, but online options are very limited. Vocational schools also offer training
directed toward entering a career in robotics or electronics.

Robotics Engineering Careers

Engineering positions associated with robotics often entail designing and maintaining
robotics technology as well as developing new uses for them. Almost all modern
factories utilize some form of robotics to perform repetitive tasks that can be done faster
by a robot than a human without ever getting fatigued or there being a reduction
in efficiency.
The field of robotics has been steadily growing in recent years and the demand for
robotic engineers is expected to increase by more than 13% over the next 5 years
making it one of the best engineering degrees available for the future.

Robotics-related employment is on the increase as demand grows and technology

advances allowing robotics to be used more extensively. It is already essential to most
manufacturing environments and is proven to increase production.
Robotics in the Military
Another area where robotics already play a role is in the military, where robots have
been used as far back as WW2 for detecting mines. Unmanned aircraft are used
extensively to gather intelligence, while remote controlled armed ground robots have
been used in Iraq in a limited capacity already. This is just the beginning with Robots
expected to actively participate in combat and eventually help reduce the loss of human
life while in combat.

It is also expected to expand into industries currently not utilizing robotics (or only in a
limited capacity) such as themedical field, particularly surgical procedures where
robotics are already being tested and emergency services such as fire and rescue. The
future of robotics engineering is an exciting one with plenty of scope for advancement
and secure employment over the long term.