What is robotics?

To define robotics without going too deep,

Let’s understand how mechatronics and artificial intelligence contributes to robotics;

What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electronics, and computer systems to build an advanced system, tools, and machine products.

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is application of computer to mimic human intelligence via sensing, thinking and acting.

DOMAIN OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Mechatronics contributes to robotics as area of specialization and artificial intelligence as a domain.

Hence,

Robotics is the study that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots. The field of advance engineering creates intelligent machine that can assist human through mimicking them.

WHY STUDY ROBOTICS?

Here you have four reasons to pursue this outstanding specialization:

1. Numerous opportunities available

This is unquestionably the most crucial justification for you to choose this professional choice. Only if the ROI meets your expectations should you begin using it. Because of this, there are more and more work prospects in the field of robotics, as well as resources available to individuals who pursue it. The industry is receiving more attention as time passes and is unquestionably growing important to both the public and private sectors.

2. It is a multidisciplinary field

The field of robotics is a synthesis of several others. You must be knowledgeable in computer science, cognitive psychology, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Additionally, the fields of mechatronics, nanotechnology, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence all heavily intersect with this one.

The goal is straightforward: by researching this area, you will develop technologies that are more human-centered to facilitate daily chores, which necessitates equal understanding of both people and robots.

3. It is an extremely creative and interesting field

Robotics is developing at the speed of light. This guarantees that there is opportunity for imagination, critical thinking, unconventional ideas, and unique methods that will work wonders to keep you interested for years.

In robots, the repetition of daily chores does not happen as frequently. With technology always evolving, learning and development take place on a daily basis. Simply said, becoming bored is not an option! Keep in mind that new technologies will continue to develop that will push the boundaries of what is currently thought to be impossible and make it commonplace.

4. You will have plenty of room for innovation

The DARPA Robotics Challenge is only one of the several ongoing robotics contests.

Extremely skilled people from renowned, successful, and inventive firms compete to build the most astounding robots.

Nevertheless, there is always space for development. Imagine being able to help create a robot that could do space exploration missions. There is space for creativity. The only thing that is lacking is for people like you to add their ingenuity and creative intelligence to the project and discover new methods to create.

 

WHAT DO ROBOTICS ENGINEER DO?

The specific duties of a robotics engineer may vary according to their specialization and employer. Some of these duties may include:

• Conceptualization: This is the procedure for figuring out a robot’s function and goal. Engineers frequently ponder what issues a robot can tackle or how it can advance on already used robotic or non-robotic techniques. Additionally, this entails attempting to anticipate a project’s limitations and prospective development challenges.
• Design: This entails figuring out the physical configuration and operational behavior of the robot’s hardware, software, and electrical components. Computer-aided design (CAD), the process of utilizing computer tools to produce digital models of a product, is frequently used by robotics engineers while working on designs. As a result, they can model the robot’s development and see it before it is created.
• Programming: Giving the robot instructions so it can do its duties is what this method entails. Engineers can complete this duty in a variety of ways. However, the main programming languages used in this book are Python and C/C++ for Arduino.
• Testing: This makes it more likely that the robot will operate correctly and carry out its tasks without making any mistakes. The engineers could also do stress testing, which entails putting the robot through a variety of circumstances to gauge its physical toughness. Engineers can make changes to the design, programming, or other parts of the robot based on the data collected during testing.
• Maintenance: This entails fixing flaws or other issues that develop over the robot’s lifetime. While technicians may handle simple physical repairs, robotics engineers can be required to address problems with wiring, programming, or other complicated errors. Maintenance is a continuous procedure that lasts as long as a robot is in use, allowing customers to benefit the most from it.

HOW TO BECOME A ROBOTIC ENGINEER IN NIGERIA?

The nature of robotics makes it a complex field of study. However, there is a learning path to become a robotic engineer. The path are as follows;

1. Get an Education:

The majority of robotics companies need a higher national diploma or a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics or robotics engineering as the minimum level of education; nevertheless, other related engineering fields may occasionally be utilized as leverage in the robotics industry. Robotics, however, is not offered by Nigerian universities; only Mechatronics is.

In Nigeria, there aren’t many colleges of technology, polytechnics, or universities that provide mechatronics engineering. More information on the organization that can issue the certificate may be found on Google. However, there are classes and boot camps that may practically align you to the road of robotics, and this book and its kit will powerfully guide you there. The associated specializations are as follows:

• Mechanical engineer
• Software engineer
• Electrical engineer

Other potential career paths include:

• Automation engineer
• Industrial engineer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Manufacturing technologist
• CAD designer

2. Gain Experience:

Professional experience can demonstrate to potential employers that you are familiar with the obligations and expectations of the position. Internships in robotics and practice with robotics kits like the Robotic Kit V1 are two ways to get expertise.

Develop your engineering abilities in robots. Through our merging of e-learning and the robotics kit bundled with offline e-book and offline instructional videos, as well as online assessment and community, you may also become a robotics engineer from the comfort of your own home.

Engineering for robots necessitates proficiency in a number of areas, such as;

• Mathematics
• Fundamental of engineering
• Automation
• Programming
• Artificial Intelligence
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Design

Specialist robotics training is one approach to enhance these abilities. Robotics at Okhub Technology, for instance, in Ogun and Oyo State, provides several apprentices and professional-level training sessions on subjects including robotics technology and automation procedures. To aid in your development as a robotics engineer, think about looking on Google for comparable institutions and courses.

3. Pursue a master’s degree

Due to the availability of the components in those developed nations, pursuing a master’s degree can also assist you focus on robotics at an overseas university and expose you to additional systems and opportunities for practice and better internships. However, a master’s degree program might offer you a disciplined atmosphere in which to concentrate on subjects that are particularly meaningful to you. You may put your gained information and abilities into practice through this procedure.