Robotics Technician

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Program robotic equipment.
• Determine causes of operational problems or failures.
• Operate industrial equipment.
• Inspect facilities or sites to determine if they meet specifications or standards.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Prepare procedural documents.
• Maintain electromechanical equipment.
• Repair electronic equipment.

Typical Working Conditions

• Using e-mail.
• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, or hard hats.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
• Working with a group or team.
• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Responsibility for others’ health and safety.
• Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Meeting strict deadlines.

Tools & Technology used by Robotic Technicians

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Robotic Technicians

• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Repairing—Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Troubleshooting—Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Controlling Quality—Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Maintaining Equipment—Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Monitoring Equipment—Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Robotic Technicians

• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Physics—Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
• Production and Processing—Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Telecommunications—Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative—Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Source: ONetOnline

Demand
This career is seeing moderate growth compared to other careers. There will be a 6.1% growth for Robotic Technicians to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career requires 2 years of college or an Associates degree, and some professionals have a Bachelor’s degree. This career does not require a license but there are certifications are helpful for growth.

View the local post-secondary education options for this career from Central Lakes College.

Spotlight on Central Lakes College

• Consider Robotics!
• Why consider CLC?
• Virtual Campus Tours: Brainerd Campus, Staples Campus
• Learn more about the CLC Honors Program.
• Attend CLC, and you may never need to buy a textbook.

If you have a physical, mental, developmental, or cognitive condition that requires educational support, learn about support options at CLC.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Applied Math
• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Drafting
• Electronics
• Geometry
• Industrial Technology
• Introduction to Business
• Physics
• Pre-Calculus
• Technical Writing
• Trigonometry

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise