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Have you ever dreamed of working with robotics? Does the idea of a career path on the cutting edge of innovation really wire your circuits? Well here’s some good news for you: The manufacturing industry is experiencing a technological reimagining with the emergence of robotics and AI integration, sometimes called Industry 4.0. What does that mean for you? Lots of job openings, especially entry-level robotics jobs. 

Contrary to what some people believe, robots aren’t taking jobs away from people. In fact, they’re creating jobs at such a high rate that the industry is actively trying to find people to fill those roles. Simply put, now is the time to begin your career in robotics, and for those with entry-level experience, the robotics technician career path is your fastest way into the industry. 

You might be thinking that you don’t have the education to work with robots, or you don’t have the time to get the education you need. That’s just not true. There are robotics career paths out there to accommodate a variety of education and experience levels. 

One of those paths is the robotics technician, and a great place to start your career. 

What is a Robotics Technician?

Robotics technicians are the people who get up close and hands on with the manufacturing robots on a daily basis. They operate the robots, as well as maintain and troubleshoot as needed, to prevent bigger problems down the road. They’re also well-versed in safety protocols and proper usage of PPE around the machines. 

What Does a Robotics Technician Do? 

A lot of what a robot technician does involves controlling the robots. Since robotics operate autonomously, they require programs to dictate their actions. That means the technician is responsible for interacting with software to tell the robots what to do. This can involve some light programming as well as interacting with the various user interfaces of the different robots’ or PLC (programmable logic controllers software.) 

Maintenance is another major part of the robotics technician’s job. Regular monitoring of power distribution and temperature allows the technician to ensure that no problems are occurring in the robot’s operation. These two activities comprise the larger part of what a robotics technician does, and most training in the robotics technician career path is designed to make you ready for these tasks. 

When a problem does occur, the robotics technician is able to diagnose the cause and report it. Hopefully, an early detection of operational irregularities can prevent major system failures and even process shutdowns in the future. 

What Skills Does a Robotics Technician Need?

While academic education doesn’t hurt, most of the skills needed by a robotics technician are gained through hands-on mechanical experience or a robotics technician school, which is why the robotics technician career path is so much faster from beginning to employment than other robotics career paths. For instance, an understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electronics will put you ahead of the curve. If you’ve ever worked on car engines, you’re already on the right track. 

Software and computer skills are also necessary for the robotics maintenance technician on the manufacturing floor, so familiarizing yourself with some light programming is a good idea. 

You can find a more complete explanation of the skills needed here.

Suffice it to say that a career as a robotics technician is within your grasp, even without spending huge amounts of time and money at a college or university. The most important thing is that you obtain those foundational skills that can translate into working with robotics. 

As you contemplate starting the robotics technician career path, remember that the journey is as exciting as the destination. This rapidly evolving field promises a future filled with innovation, challenges, and rewarding experiences. Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your skills, there's never been a better time to explore the myriad of opportunities in robotics. Start your journey today and see where a career as a robotics technician can take you.

About The Author

Lisa Masciantonio 

Chief Workforce Officer

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute 

Lisa Masciantonio is the Chief Workforce Officer for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. She joined the ARM Institute in May 2017 as the Director of Membership and Outreach.  She moved to the position of Chief Workforce Officer in 2019 and she is responsible for driving the Education & Workforce Development vision for ARM in conjunction with the ARM membership, the federal and state government partners, and other expert stakeholders. 

Lisa brings with her over 25 years of experience as a performance-driven leader with notable success in cultivating and executing business strategies and formulating long-term strategic client relationships.  She has proven success in developing business solutions, commercialization of products, technology transfer, and technological initiatives that have supported organizational growth, improved staff productivity, and increased value to many communities of practice. Critical to her success is the ability to increase awareness and drive thought leadership position by designing and executing innovative programs as well as developing and launching new, value-add offerings for ongoing competitiveness. Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and 2 Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University. 

In 2021, Lisa was recognized as one of 20 world-wide Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation by SME. In 2022, she was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Women of Influence and was also part of the inaugural Technical.ly Pittsburgh RealLIST Connectors list, which recognizes the top 100 influential leaders in Pittsburgh tech.