Robotics engineering and mechanical engineering share a close relationship, as robotics involves the design, construction, and operation of machines—just like mechanical engineering, but with an emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence.
Robotics engineering, a rapidly growing field, is an interdisciplinary approach that merges principles from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. This fusion of knowledge allows for the creation, development, and operation of robots and robotic systems.
Mechanical engineering forms the physical backbone of robots, supplying their structural components such as actuators, gears, and limbs. By focusing on the mechanical aspects necessary for robots to move and interact with their environment, mechanical engineers design the robot's frame, joints, gears, and overall physical layout.
Electrical engineering, on the other hand, deals with the electrical systems, including power supply, sensors, and communication systems. This ensures that robots can be powered, controlled, and connected to various networks.
Computer science offers the software and algorithms necessary for robots to perceive, process information, and make decisions. This enables the development of intelligent systems that can operate autonomously or interact with humans.
The relationship between robotics engineering and these disciplines is built on the foundation of their combined strengths. Robotics engineering is often closely related to mechatronics, a broader field that combines mechanical and electrical engineering with computer science to create intelligent systems. Mechatronics is foundational in robotics as it provides the integrated solutions necessary for designing and operating robots.
Collaboration among these disciplines is crucial for robotics engineering. Interdisciplinary teams composed of engineers, biologists, psychologists, mathematicians, and medical doctors work together to develop complex robotic systems. This collaboration is essential for creating robots that can perform a wide range of tasks, from assembly and manufacturing to healthcare and rehabilitation.
After completing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, many students pursue a master's in robotics to gain interdisciplinary expertise. Universities offer robotics as a specialisation within mechanical engineering, with study options including mechatronics, control systems, robotic dynamics, automation, and embedded systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) further enhance robotics by enabling intelligent decision-making, object recognition, path planning, and more in modern robots. Robotics is revolutionising various industries, including manufacturing, drones, and home assistants.
In essence, robotics engineering depends on the integration of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to design and operate robots effectively. It is a multidisciplinary field that also incorporates principles from mechatronics, AI, and ML, making it a dynamic and exciting field for those interested in technology and engineering.
- The master's in robotics, found in many universities as a specialization within mechanical engineering, encompasses studies in mechatronics, control systems, robotic dynamics, automation, and embedded systems, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of this field.
- machine learning and artificial intelligence are integral components that further emphasize the dynamic nature of robotics engineering, empowering modern robots with intelligent decision-making, object recognition, path planning, and more.
- robotics is not confined to the triple fusion of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering; it also notably intertwines with other sciences and disciplines, such as mechatronics, biology, psychology, mathematics, and medicine, thereby enabling the development of sophisticated robots adaptable for various uses in technology, education-and-self-development, and beyond.
