Can You Get Into Robotics With a Computer Science Degree?
The skills learned in a computer science degree program can prepare you for work in the field of robotics, due to overlapping skills and related duties.
Automation is a growing facet of multiple industries and the need for qualified robotics engineers will only grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth for mechanical engineers, including robotic technicians, by 2032, over three times the projected total for all occupations.
Many aspects of robotics are attractive to members of related fields. It is possible to make the career change to robotics from computer science and other engineering programs because of the related skill sets and daily work.
Is It Possible For Computer Science Majors To Pursue a Robotics Career?
Computer science majors learn many skills associated with robotics programming, making it possible to transition from a career in computer science to one in robotics. The robotics field consists of two main specializations: programmers and mechanical engineers. Programmers write the code that makes automation possible while mechanical engineers perform the physical work to enable the function of the machines.
Because robotics relies heavily on computer engineering and programming, computer scientists have many fundamental skills required to start in the industry. A bachelor's degree in computer science can prepare you for various entry-level jobs in the robotics and automation fields. However, more advanced positions will probably require that you return to school and complete relevant certifications or a second degree program.
Some of the careers where robotics and computer science have the most overlap include:
- aerospace engineering
- industrial robotics
- mechatronics
If you're looking to use your computer science degree to enter the field of robotics, these are some of the best places to start. These fields include roles for programmers, which can qualify you for some jobs and internships, even without an engineering degree or mechanical design experience.
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How Robotics and Computer Science Are Related
Although robotics has a mechanical engineering element that can't be ignored, programming and coding are essential to enabling robotic applications. The fields of robotics and computer science are related in multiple ways allowing computer scientists to transition into it.
Programming and Software Development
Robotics is a field that produces physical machines, which requires mechanical engineering. However, the physical machines, such as robotic arms used in production, are run by extended code written in programming languages, like Java, Python, and CSS. People with hands-on experience in programming can help write the codes running control systems and work through kinematic equations for various machines.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Automation is taking on new forms with the rise in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Advanced programming creates algorithms that allow machines to access expanding databases to complete tasks and perform basic problem-solving skills. Most of this learning is text-based, but computer vision is a field of machine learning where computers learn from videos and images. Writing these advanced codes often requires practical experience that can be earned through computer science degree programs and work.
Simulation and Modeling
Robotics projects are rarely completed based on the first proposed design. Models are created to demonstrate function and help mechanical engineers revise and streamline processes before prototypes are completed. Computer scientists have the training and experience to help with these models and run code simulations. Computer science grads work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to take these models into the real world.
Data Processing
Data is crucial for the teams that build robots and other machines and data analysis has multiple uses within the field of robotics. Computer science is also highly focused on understanding and analyzing data. Robotics companies can benefit from hiring people with computer science backgrounds because they will be ready to work with data of all kinds, including using that data to build databases for machine learning.
Hardware and Embedded Systems
Computer science isn't limited to the codes and programs that enable robotics. Computer science specializations include more hardware-focused roles. Although mechanical engineers are directly responsible for building robots, the hardware-enabling programming is put together by computer scientists or electrical engineers.
Robotics Career Paths for Computer Science Majors
There are many careers that computer science majors can pursue in the robotics field without a robotics degree. Some of these careers require a graduate degree, but others will be fine for transitioning computer scientists with an undergraduate degree and some certifications. If your desired career path requires a master's degree, a computer science degree is often accepted for graduate robotics courses.
Robotics Software Engineer
Robotics software engineers work with the larger electrical and mechanical engineering teams through the design and creation stages. They are responsible for designing and writing the code that allows machines to function. After the code has been implemented, robotics software engineers are responsible for monitoring the code and analyzing data to ensure the code is functioning properly.
Robotics Machine Learning Engineer
A robotics machine learning engineer is similar to a software engineer in that they code systems that enable the function of machines and robotics. The difference between the two is the type of systemic coding. A machine learning engineer designs code to enable artificial intelligence. These engineers manage the databases the code draws from allowing a machine to perform different tasks. This career path often uses programming modules to keep certain tasks separate but accessible.
Robotics Systems Architect
A robotics systems architect is responsible for setting up the complex systems that allow machines to work. The algorithmic systems must control actuators, sensors, and other interactive elements to achieve the desired tasks. A systems architect is also responsible for various quality control elements after a system is finished.
Robotics Research Scientist
The field of robotics is constantly shifting and evolving, especially as it relates to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Monitoring this landscape and informing the front-line teams of changing the best robotics practices is important. Computer science majors are particularly used to researching ongoing trends in changing fields and have the technical background to understand and convey that information to engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders, such as board members.
Robotics Consultant
A robotics consultant role is non-technical, but these consultants work closely with the technical teams. Robotics consultants work in different stages of production, from prototypes to troubleshooting. A consultant must help the team evaluate their projects from every angle, including legal, ethical, and general best practices. Although this role benefits from having hands-on experience, a person with an understanding of computer science or another STEM field can develop the skills to become a consultant.
