Robotics Engineers

17-2199.08

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
• Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
• Debug robotics programs.
• Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
• Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
• Provide technical support for robotic systems.
• Design end-of-arm tooling.
• Design robotic systems, such as automatic vehicle control, autonomous vehicles, advanced displays, advanced sensing, robotic platforms, computer vision, or telematics systems.
• Supervise technologists, technicians, or other engineers.
• Design software to control robotic systems for applications, such as military defense or manufacturing.
• Conduct research on robotic technology to create new robotic systems or system capabilities.
• Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems.
• Integrate robotics with peripherals, such as welders, controllers, or other equipment.
• Evaluate robotic systems or prototypes.
• Install, calibrate, operate, or maintain robots.
• Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of robotic mechanisms, components, or systems, such as planetary rovers, multiple mobile robots, reconfigurable robots, or man-machine interactions.
• Document robotic application development, maintenance, or changes.
• Design automated robotic systems to increase production volume or precision in high-throughput operations, such as automated ribonucleic acid (RNA) analysis or sorting, moving, or stacking production materials.
• Write algorithms or programming code for ad hoc robotic applications.
• Make system device lists or event timing charts.
• Design or program robotics systems for environmental clean-up applications to minimize human exposure to toxic or hazardous materials or to improve the quality or speed of clean-up operations.
• Plan mobile robot paths and teach path plans to robots.
• Design robotics applications for manufacturers of green products, such as wind turbines or solar panels, to increase production time, eliminate waste, or reduce costs.
• Automate assays on laboratory robotics.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Computer-aided engineering CAE software; Finite element analysis FEA software; Gazebo; GRASPIT!; Image processors; Laboratory information management system LIMS; MathWorks Simulink; Presagis Stage; Testing software; The MathWorks MATLAB
• Compiler and decompiler software - Compilers
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD ; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks ; Robotics Academy ROBOTC; USyCaMs
• Content workflow software - Atlassian JIRA 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Amazon Web Services AWS software 🔥; Oracle Database 🔥; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Development environment software - C ; Haskell; Ladder Logic; List processing language LISP; Microsoft .NET Framework 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Microsoft Visual Studio 🔥; National Instruments LabVIEW; Software development tools
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• File versioning software - Concurrent Versions Systems; Git 🔥; Version control software
• Graphical user interface development software - Graphical user interface GUI builder software
• Industrial control software - AVEVA InTouch HMI; CODESYS; Human machine interface HMI software; Keb Combivis Studio; Programmable logic controller PLC software; Rockwell RSLogix; Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7; Siemens SIMATIC WinCC; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software; Variable frequency drive VFD software
• Object or component oriented development software - C# 🔥; C++ ; Computer aided software engineering CASE tools; Oracle Java 🔥; Python
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Linux ; Microsoft Windows 🔥; Operating system software; Real time operating system RTOS software; UNIX 🔥; Wind River Systems VxWorks; Windows Embedded Compact
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Program testing software - Debuggers; Profilers
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Video creation and editing software - Video digitizers
• Web platform development software - JavaScript 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Interpret design or operational test results.
• Program robotic equipment.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Design industrial equipment.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Develop software or computer applications.
• Research advanced engineering designs or applications.
• Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Install production equipment or systems.
• Operate industrial equipment.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Document technical design details.
• Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.