What do you do if you want to pave the way for a future in Robotics?

Stay up-to-date on current robotics trends. Learn the new creative tools like Foxglove for visualization. Python is important, but a solid understanding of how to cleanly and succinctly represent your data is vital -- for you, for your teammates, and for your customers.

There are so many resources on the internet and now we also have ai driven agents that can help too. Research about the fundamentals that need to be covered to gain some understanding of robotics. For example: Programming, Kinematics, Basic Hardware like motors and some sensors, CAD modeling, ROS etc. Build them robustly so that the retained knowledge will come handy as you advance.

To succeed in the robotics field, one must pursue degrees in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields, develop programming, mathematics, and machine learning skills, gain practical experience, stay updated with industry trends, build a professional network, create a strong portfolio, explore career opportunities, commit to lifelong learning, and adapt to rapidly evolving changes.

When aspiring to build a future in robotics, the common advice is to enhance technical competencies such as Python, computer vision, and AI/ML. While this is valuable, it's not sufficient to address the diverse needs in robotics. Robotics is a collaborative field that requires not only technical skills but also social acumen, business savvy, and a compelling user experience. Beyond technical abilities, a broad range of skills is essential. Therefore, it's advisable to follow your passions and skill set, considering how they can add value to robotic products and services. You don't necessarily need to completely reskill; instead, think about how your unique strengths can contribute to the multifaceted world of robotics.

Pursue formal education and online courses such as Khan Academy or Udacity, get hands on practice, Start with robotic kits, lego mindstorms, VEX Robotics. Look for apprenticeships, internships or research projects. Join robotic clubs, online forums and communities. Stay updated follow journals, blogs etc

Wherever you can get your hands dirty. Go there and work. In the beginning, don’t even do it for money.. just do it to learn, gain skill and experience. Places like university clubs, internships, robotics competitions etc. are good places to gain exposure and experience.

To pave the way for a future in robotics, gaining experience is essential. However, the path you choose is flexible. You don't necessarily need to reskill entirely; instead, you can leverage your existing strengths and apply them within the robotics field. Demonstrable experience in utilizing your proven skills to add value in robotics can be just as impactful. Therefore, focus on how your current expertise can contribute to robotics projects, showcasing your ability to innovate and support the industry with your unique background.

After gaining enough experience to call your pursuit your passion. If you still feel a sense of gap in your knowledge or are looking for career growth. Choose higher education. Now that you know where your mind is set, choose the right courses and right college to go to. An advanced engineering degree can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of advanced concepts and how to implement them in different use cases.

When aspiring to a future in robotics, the common advice is to seek formal education. However, this is only one potential path, and ultimately, you will need to demonstrate experience and tangible outcomes. Less-traditional education methods, such as short courses, on-the-job training, or self-teaching through hands-on projects, are also viable options. Rather than setting "seek education" as your primary goal, focus on building a portfolio that showcases your experience and achievements. This portfolio will be essential regardless of the educational path you choose. Therefore, the core question becomes: What educational route will best help you achieve these demonstrable outcomes?

Networking is actively encouraged, but explanations for its importance can be lacking, so let me clarify. In my view, there are two main goals of networking. First, uncovering unknown-unknowns: different people have diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which can illuminate how your strengths might meet robotics needs in ways you hadn't considered. Second, expanding links: it's easy to get stuck in a limited network where everyone knows everyone, but networking allows you to connect with new individuals, perspectives, and opportunities outside your usual circle. Even if socializing for business isn't your favoured past time, networking can yield tangible benefits by broadening your horizons and uncovering new possibilities.

Flowing from my thoughts on networking, there are two main drivers for staying up to date with developments. First, staying informed about the latest trends and advancements can reveal new opportunities and areas where your skills can be applied, ensuring you remain relevant and competitive. Second, it helps you anticipate and adapt to changes in the field, allowing you to pivot and innovate as needed. By keeping abreast of developments, you can better understand the evolving landscape and how to position yourself effectively within it. This proactive approach not only enhances your expertise but also ensures you are prepared to meet future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Developing soft skills is essential, but not for the clichéd reasons you might expect. The reality is that people who are liked by others tend to perform better, are more effective, and are more valued within a team. Think of soft skills as the lubricant for your interactions, enabling you to convey ideas effectively and benefit from others' knowledge. A common mistake is dismissing someone you believe you know more than, but the key is to consider whether they know something you don't. They don’t need to be smarter than you for you to learn from them; they just need to have unique insights. Soft skills are your vehicle to probe, search, and extract these valuable nuggets of knowledge.

In my experience within L & D I have found these softer skills to be of importance across many sectors and technologies. Adaptability: The field of robotics is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies. Professionals need to be adaptable and open to learning new skills and concepts to keep up with advancements. Time Management Attention to Detail Leadership: For those in managerial or lead roles. Emotional Intelligence Creativity: Innovation is at the heart of robotics. Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining professional relationships, networking, and working collaboratively with others are important for career growth and project success.

Here’s what else to consider if you want to pave the way for a future in robotics. Motivation comes from two sources: intrinsic passion for the field and extrinsic rewards like praise and accolades. When starting out, you often lack a track record to attract significant extrinsic rewards. Therefore, your drive to continue, grow, and excel must come from intrinsic motivation. While future rewards can be enticing, it’s your passion that will help you navigate tough times and high stress. Do what you are passionate about, as this will sustain you through the early transition stages.