At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What Does a Robotics Technician Do?
The job of a robotics technician is to design and maintain automated robotic systems. These technicians must be knowledgeable in a variety of areas, such as mechanical repair, electric circuit design, and computer programming. A two year associate's degree is usually required for individuals in this career.
Robotics technicians work in many different locations. Some are employed by factories and automation facilities. Industrial robots in these places usually have a specific job, such as welding or painting. Any time that a robot breaks or malfunctions, a robotics expert is responsible for diagnosing and repairing the problem. Robot techs must be able to work under pressure in order to minimize factory downtime and fix problems quickly.
Malfunctions in robotic systems are not always caused by physical problems, but can also be created by computer errors. A robotics technician must understand the programming code used to control a device. Technicians often must search through many lines of programming code in order to discover a mistake, and then re-program a robot to function properly. The ability to work methodically and patiently is a vital skill for workers in this profession.
Robotics technicians use a variety of diagnostic and repair tools. These include oscilloscopes and multimeters, which are used to measure electrical signals. Technicians must also be familiar with programmable logic controllers and electronics schematics, in order to determine the source of a malfunction.
Training for robot techs begins at the high school level. Individuals who are interested in this career typically take classes in science and mathematics. Many workers also attend a technical college or trade school to obtain an associate's degree in robotics technology. Over a period of two years, robotics students typically learn about microprocessors, hydraulics, electronics, and other technologies used to create robots.
The education of a robotics technician does not always stop at the college level. Many workers receive specialized training from an employer. Companies that use robots often train workers in the detailed specifics of a particular robotic device or model. Technicians gain valuable experience by working hands-on with robots in actual factory locations.
Some technicians become supervisors or trainers, and provide education about robotic systems to other workers. Robotics trainers work for technical companies, trade schools, and colleges, and demonstrate the proper way to use and repair robots. Technicians with high levels of experience can be hired by robot manufacturers, and provide advice on ways to improve new robotic systems.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Robots working on an automobile assembly line.]()
By: computer engineerRobots working on an automobile assembly line. -
![Robotics technicians must be familiar with programmable logic controllers.]()
By: dneezRobotics technicians must be familiar with programmable logic controllers. -
![A multimeter, which a robotics technician often uses.]()
By: pavanttA multimeter, which a robotics technician often uses. -
![A robotics technician may specialize in designing or upgrading robots that are used to defuse bombs or carry weapons for police and military forces.]()
By: chalabalaA robotics technician may specialize in designing or upgrading robots that are used to defuse bombs or carry weapons for police and military forces. -
![Robotics technicians may need to use an oscilloscope to test and troubleshoot robots.]()
By: motorlkaRobotics technicians may need to use an oscilloscope to test and troubleshoot robots.
Discussion Comments
@indigomoth - I suspect, like most jobs, it would depend on who you work for and how advanced you are in your skill level. I think the term "robotics technician" probably applies to whoever fixes automatic vacuum cleaners, as well as the guys who work with scientists.
Sounds like, if you don't want to be a glorified mechanic (not that there's anything wrong with being a mechanic) then you probably have to get quite an advanced degree, or just get lucky.
@Fa5t3r - Any job can seem boring if you examine it closely and it isn't your kind of thing. The day to day details of most jobs are repetitive.
But this is a pretty cool job as they go, if you like mathematics and science. Because we do basically have science fiction type robots now, even if the public doesn't see them all too often. Many factories have robots and they are becoming more and more common in other places as well.
And the interesting part comes from the fact that they are often both complex moving objects and complex computer programs, so a robotics technician would have to be able to fix both parts in order to work properly.
Unless you specialized in one particular type of robot, this would make the job quite varied, and since robotics is such a cutting edge field you'd probably have a chance to add to the sum of knowledge about it as well.
This sounds like the kind of job that seems like it would be really cool when I just look at the name, but when I actually see what they do day to day it becomes less exciting.
It makes me think of the people who would service what I think of as "robots" which is science fictions type machines.
Post your comments