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Q. What is the best pathway to a career in Robotics?

Robotics is an exciting and rapidly evolving field that combines electronics, computer control, signal processing and programming.

A Robotics Engineer is a professional who builds, installs, operates, tests, and maintains machinery and robotic systems. They make robots by combining electrical, mechanical, computer science, and electronic systems.

To work in this role, you must complete a bachelor's degree in robotics-related disciplines, such as a Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics), Bachelor of Robotics or Mechatronics engineering. Though optional, completing a Master's of Engineering with a major in Robotics/Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering can improve your entry into this role.

There are many possible educational pathways to a career in robotics for an Australian secondary school student, depending on your interests and goals. Here are some options you may consider:

Branching from STEM

STEM Robotics Education in Schools:

This is a program offered by Robokids Australia, which aims to build Australia's pipeline of innovators and problem solvers. You can learn about robotics and coding through fun and educational workshops that integrate the Digital Technologies,

Science and Maths syllabuses. You can also participate in robotics competitions and after-school programs.

Robotics Australia Group:

This is a network of robotics researchers, educators and industry partners across Australia, which aims to promote robotics education and research. You can join their events, workshops, webinars and competitions to learn from experts and peers, and get involved in cutting-edge projects. You can also access their resources, newsletters and podcasts to stay updated on the latest developments in robotics.

Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) (Honours):

This is a four-year degree offered by Flinders University, which prepares you to become a key player in developing the robots that will populate our future. You will receive hands-on learning with current robotics technologies and industry-standard software, and study the design, development and application of robots in various domains. You will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs at Tonsley.

Almost all universities offer engineering courses, but if you want to know which university is best for robotics engineering in Australia here are some more options.

VEX Robotics:

This is a global robotics competition platform that challenges students to design, build and program robots that can perform various tasks.

You can join a VEX Robotics team at your school or community, and compete with other teams locally, nationally and internationally. You can also learn from online tutorials, curriculum and forums that cover various aspects of robotics.

Selected videos

Micromelon Intro Video

An introduction to the Micromelon robot and software.

RangerBot The Robo Reef Protector

RangerBot is the world’s first underwater robotic system for coral reef environments, using only robot-vision for real-time navigation. The multifunction ocean drone can monitor a wide range of issues facing coral reefs including coral bleaching, water quality, pest species, pollution and siltation.

It can help to map expansive underwater areas at scales not previously possible, making it a valuable tool for reef research and management.

Swarmfarm

To meet the needs of a rapidly growing human population, we need to grow more food than ever before. So we are making our machinery bigger than ever before

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Robotic Apple Picker

The robot has computer vision, which scans the canopy, identifies fruit suitable for harvest, and uses a sucking method to get the fruit off the tree.