Robotic engineering is a multiatimdisciplinary subject that deals with the construction, operation, design, and manufacturing of robots. This discipline combines the principles of electrical, mechanical, and computer science engineering under one umbrella. Robotics engineering works on the automation of machines which includes designing and operating robots.
The manufactured robots have been proven to be very helpful in assisting human beings in various works. Robots can be seen as an important functional element in a lot of fields ranging from defense to medical, mining, and even teaching.
With artificial intelligence booming in every sector, many students are opting for a M.tech in robotics after graduation. The average salary of a robotics engineer in India is Rs.483,053 per year which makes it a dream course for many young students.
There are a few pre-requisite skills and knowledge that one needs to possess to study robotics in masters. Subjects like advanced engineering mathematics, basic electronics, and knowledge of material and design of machines, software design, and coding are a few of them.
There is no doubt that robotics engineering is emerging as one of the most high-demand subjects alongside the advancement of science and technology in recent years. However, many students get confused about the subjects that they can choose in their bachelor’s degree which will help them in further pursuing Robotics in their masters. The main confusion arises about whether they should pursue electrical engineering in their bachelor’s or mechanical engineering. Well, the answer is not very simple as both the subjects have equal importance in the field of robotics.
Robotics is a multifaceted subject that requires knowledge of both mechanical and electrical engineering. In simple words, if you compare the body of a robot to that of a human being, mechanical engineers deal with the body of the robot, electrical engineers deal with the nervous system of the robot, and computer science engineers deal with the brain of the robot. The subject you choose depends on what your area of interest is. Nevertheless, it is very important to weigh the prospects of both mechanical and electrical engineering before choosing any one of them while pursuing your Btech.
Btech in Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering teaches you the principles of motion, force, structure, and design of a machine. The core subjects of mechanical engineering such as material science, engineering service, and design and automation are a part of the key subjects in robotics engineering as well. Mechanical engineers are in charge of the physical structure and design of the robot. Mechanical engineering helps in the formulation of motion with regard to the force and fiction of the robot.
Btech in Electrical engineering
Electrical engineering helps in understanding the programming, control system, and power electronics of the robot. Electrical engineering deals with the power generation, transmission motor, and control system of the robot. The core subjects of electrical engineering such as electromagnetism, control system, circuit analysis, instrumentation, thermodynamics, and microprocessor, all help in understanding the intrinsic functioning of a robot.
Robotic is truly an interdisciplinary subject of engineering and there is no specific road map that you can follow in order to pursue robotic engineering in your Mtech. A degree in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, both has equal weightage and importance in the field of robotics. Both will be equally beneficial in your journey towards becoming a robotics engineer.
GATE (General Aptitude Test in Engineering) is the entry-level examination that you have to qualify in order to pursue Mtech in robotics. There might also be other eligibility criteria specific to any individual college.
The advancement of robotics can be seen in many sectors. In the recent times of the pandemic, the Karnataka government’s decision to deploy drones to deliver vaccines to remote areas or Patania 2, an underwater mining robot that was used for exploration on the pacific ocean bed are just a few examples of evolution and the increasing importance of robotic engineering in all the sectors. Therefore robotics, being an integrative subject, both mechanical and electrical engineering is equally important on your path to becoming a robotic engineer. The decision lies upon what is your area of interest and in what ways you would like to contribute to the field of robotics.