Are you interested in becoming a robotics technician? As a rapidly emerging technology, robotics has many opportunities for aspiring robotics technicians. Becoming a robotics technician allows you to work with your hands every day and tend to machines that perform a variety of tasks in everything from aviation to manufacturing.
While it may be a vast and complex field, jobs in robotics aren’t limited to engineers. You can become a robotics technician and pursue a career with plenty of opportunity to grow.1
How Do You Become a Robotics Technician?
Many people think they must spend many years earning an expensive degree to work in robotics, but that isn’t the case. Through an accredited trade school program, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to work as a robotics technician.
You can complete your entire robotics technician training in as little as one year if you attend school full-time. The exact duration of training varies depending on a student’s career ambitions. Anyone who studies full-time can complete their training and earn a diploma or certificate in robotics and automation in 12 months or students at the Canton, Michigan, campus have the option to earn an AA degree in 18 months.
What Do You Learn During a Robotics and Automation Technician Program?
The robotics and automation program covers everything from electrical design and diagnostics to manufacturing and repair procedures. Starting with the basics, you are introduced to the fundamentals of robotics and automation technology.2 From there, you progress through the basics of DC and AC electricity and electronic diagnostics, instrumentation and control systems, and industrial robotics. Programming in C and C++ languages is explored as well as 3D printer concepts.
You will gain invaluable knowledge and skills during a robotics and automation technician program. From there, you can start working as a robotics technician in many different industries.1 Choose an industry that you are passionate about.
Electrical Design and Diagnostics
Discover how electrical components work together to power robots and automation machinery; learn about the various diagnostics procedures and protocols to troubleshoot common issues and make efficient repairs. Safety measures are discussed to ensure you feel confident in your ability to work with electrical equipment in a variety of settings.
Manufacturing Systems and Technology
Manufacturing systems need ongoing maintenance to avoid supply chain disruptions or delayed production. A robotics technician learns about how manufacturing systems work, the interplay of various parts and the technology that powers them. Different types of manufacturing systems are discussed, including casting and molding, shearing, forming and jointing.
Applied and Theoretical Physics and Math
Physics and mathematics play an important role in robotic functionality. Understanding the theory behind physics and math allows you to apply your knowledge and make accurate calculations. A robotics technician needs both physics and math to understand electrical circuitry, data sensory, construction of robotics and design. Factors like movement are impacted by the degrees of freedom in a machine\’s parts, and a good robotics technician must know how these are influenced by energy and the laws of physics.
Instrumentation and Control Systems
Instrumentation includes all the processes related to maintaining a robotics or automation unit. Data measurement and analysis, software monitoring and manipulating control variables all help robotics technicians optimize robotics for their jobs. Having the ability to operate a system is as equally important as knowing how to repair it. Aside from diagnosing issues, a robotics technician also works closely with functioning robotics equipment to ensure it\’s working as efficiently as possible.
CAD/Autodesk
CAD and Autodesk are the leading software for robotics designers and engineers. By familiarizing yourself with the programs, you become prepared to draw and design both 2D and 3D depictions of robotics equipment. You can interpret digital drawings of machinery to learn about its structure, internal layout, and functionality without having to disrupt its performance. When making repairs or even installing a new robotics system, you can rely on CAD/Autodesk to learn what you need to know about how the equipment is supposed to function.
Industrial Robotics and 3D Printer Concepts
Industrial robotics and 3D printing are reshaping the way humanity creates, builds, and manufactures at a global scale. Robotics technicians with skills in this field can work in factories and manufacturing plants to help power the future. There are many ways that 3D printing is changing the way we live, and it\’s only going to expand as time passes. Industrial robotics uses programmable machines to produce large quantities of goods. As a robotics technician, you will be responsible for maintaining these robots, changing their programming, and making fast repairs if they ever malfunction.
Hydraulics, Pneumatics & Mechanical Systems
Hydraulics allows robots to lift heavy loads and achieve a fluid range of motion. It functions through a pump that provides hydraulic fluid to the machine; pneumatics is the technology that gives robotic hydraulics a life through compressed air. Robotic systems rely on this technology to achieve a variety of tasks. Having the ability to assess and repair hydraulic equipment is an important part of automation control.
Design, Maintenance, Diagnostics & Repairs of Automation Systems
Automation systems are built to perform tasks with minimal to zero human intervention. They can streamline production, reduce errors, and improve productivity in a variety of fields. From assembling and manufacturing to office work and medical care, automation systems are gradually becoming more commonplace.
As robotics continues to expand, the demand for qualified robotics technicians will continue to grow. Beyond working with the machinery, you will need to understand the underpinnings of automation systems to build, maintain and repair them across all sectors.
Start Your Career in Robotics Today1
If you have always dreamed of working with robotics in the future, the future is now. Our Robotics and Automation Technician program can prepare you to enter the field in as little as one year.3 Your training is just the beginning; with dedicated career services and experienced faculty, we are here to help you grow and thrive as you pursue your career.1
Does a career as a robotics and automation technician interest you? MIAT College of Technology is here to provide you with knowledge and training that will propel you into the growing field of Robotics and Automation Technology.1 As a graduate of one of MIAT College of Technology’s electromechanical training programs, you will be prepared for an entry-level career in many different settings.1 Graduates pursue positions in service, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, and sales.4
To learn more about the Robotics and Automation Technology Program and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in training to become a robotics and automation technician today.
1UTI and MIAT are educational institutions and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2The Robotics & Automation AAS, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Energy Technology programs contain online general education courses.
3Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
4For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit miat.edu/disclosures.