Robotics & Automation: An Ultimate Guide

4/12/2023

Robotics and automation technology is becoming an increasingly important industry.

If you're interested in cutting-edge manufacturing processes, you should learn everything you can about them. After all, robotics and automation helps to improve and innovate industry productivity in a number of industries!

Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) Robotics and Automation Technician program is designed for aspiring technicians.1 Students enrolled at our robotics and automation school can learn on industry-grade equipment from professionals with years of experience in the field. After graduating, they can use this knowledge to pursue entry-level positions!

Keep reading to learn more. In this blog post, we'll look at the robotics and automation trade and what it's like to become a technician in the industry.

What Is Robotics and Automation?

Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of computer science and engineering that focuses on the integration and operation of robots. Robots are machines that can automatically perform a complex series of actions. Automation is used in manufacturing and warehousing, including robotic manufacturing, to perform production processes with minimal human input.

Benefits of Robotics and Automation

Robotics technology is intended to not only take on tasks that are considered dull, dirty and dangerous, but also to do so precisely. That’s because the algorithms it employs ensure consistency and reduce the possibility of error. Robots also have no biological limits and can operate for long periods of time, making them more efficient at their intended functions.

Because robotic machines can be built to be highly durable and heavy-duty, they can handle more difficult and time-consuming tasks. They eliminate the potential hazards of tasks previously assigned to humans, such as lifting heavy loads, transporting noxious chemicals and many others.

Uses for Robotics and Automation

Industrial robotics and automation has many potential applications. A number of industries rely on robotics and automation to keep their operations up to modern performance standards, including:

  • Electronics: Robotic arms are used to test, manufacture and fabricate printed circuit boards (PCBs), as well as for inspection and assembly of components
  • Healthcare: Industrial robots are used in sanitation, surgery and even for packaging medical supplies
  • Manufacturing: Robotic arms, gantry robotics and welding robots are used to create various technologies and their components
  • Food and beverage: Robotic arms are used to help prepare and package food cleanly and safely
  • Agriculture: Automation is used to assist with precise and repetitive tasks. Smart sensors collect data about current conditions and adjust processes accordingly
  • Military: Robots assist with surveillance, sniper detection and search and rescue efforts

The Robotics and Automation Industries

Robotics and automation technicians may also be referred to as robotics technicians or automation technicians. They typically work in the manufacturing industry or the manufacturing sector of other industries like those listed above. Some of their primary duties and responsibilities include automation technology maintenance, repairs, diagnostics, troubleshooting and innovation.

Training

Technical training can be beneficial for those looking to develop essential technical skills for the robotics and automation industries. With technological advancements, robotic solutions are increasingly finding their way into everyday processes at home and work. Aspiring technicians can learn how to create, maintain and operate these solutions safely and securely by enrolling in robotics and automation courses.

Universal Technical Institute offers Robotics and Automation Technician training at campuses nationwide. We provide comprehensive technical training in key aspects of robotics and automation through this program, with the main focus being on understanding automation processes. This program's courses cover the fundamentals of electrical circuitry, programming industrial robotic systems and more.

Along with classroom and online instruction, UTI’s robotics and automation students can gain valuable hands-on practice in our labs.

UTI also has a Career Services team that can help grads learn about and prepare for job opportunities. Alumni can also use these resources for many years after graduation, even decades!

Careers in Robotics and Automation

Most of our grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with experience and hard work. Some entry-level and advanced roles could include:77

  • Entry level
  • Robotics and automation technician
  • Control systems technician
  • Maintenance technician

Advanced

  • Instrumentation and controls technician
  • Service technician III
  • Senior maintenance technician
  • Process control tech
  • Product tech specialist
  • Test engineering technician

Working Conditions

Because they’re frequently employed in manufacturing, robotics technicians and automation technicians often work in noisy environments. Some may be required to travel long distances to service technology on site. This sensitive technology also often necessitates privacy and protection, resulting in most of their work being done indoors.

Robotics technicians and automation technicians often work alone or in small groups. If the machines they service are in use 24/7, they may be required to be on call around the clock, and they may work night and weekend shifts.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for robotics and automation technicians in the United States was $60,570 in May 2022.59 This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Get Robotics and Automation Training With UTI!

Training for a career in robotics and automation could be a great choice if you’re interested in learning more about these manufacturing processes. Robotics and automation technology is at the forefront of today's industry innovations, so now is the time to learn all about it!

UTI’s Robotics and Automation Technician program can help you gain the skills and experience required to pursue robotics and automation careers. Through this comprehensive curriculum, you can learn how to maintain and repair robotics systems from experienced automation professionals and develop key problem-solving skills that could help you pursue a robotics and automation career after graduation.1

Request information to learn how UTI's robotics program can help you pursue your career goals if you want to work in robotics or automation! Apply today to see where robotics and automation training can lead you.

Campuses That Offer Robotics & Automation Training

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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
59 ) The Robotics & Automation Program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as robotics & automation technicians. Estimated annual salary is for Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for graduates. UTI and MIAT are educational institutions and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Graduates’ achievements vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as robotics & automation technicians, such as control systems technicians and maintenance technicians. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary range for persons employed as Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians (17-3024) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $43,670 to $52,960 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2020 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageSpecificOccupations#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled robotics & automation technicians in North Carolina is $23.74 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wages, Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $19.77 and $16.62, respectively.
77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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