What makes a robotics professional stand out?

The great thing about robotics is that you can leverage numerous types of skills on both the hardware and software side. While it is great if you can "do it all" that is not what is expected. Being an expert in one area of everything that makes a robot makes you very valuable even if you are lacking in another technical area. Great robots are made by great teams that are themselves made up of experts in their area. So learn as much as you can about all the technical areas, but if there is an area that you really enjoy GO FOR IT!!

I truly believe that the primary purpose behind the creation of a multidisciplinary approach, like mechatronics, is to foster effective communication and understanding among various disciplines. It allows us to engage in a shared language and perspective, enabling us to delve deeply into the challenges and viewpoints of other fields. This integration extends beyond just system engineering, making way for a highly cohesive and integrated system.

At the heart of robotics, the symbiotic trio of perception, prediction, and action interweave to enable machines to sense, anticipate, and respond intelligently to their surroundings, underscoring the profound impact of these technical skills in propelling the frontiers of robotics innovation. Navigating this intricate landscape demands proficiency in languages such as Python and C++, familiarity with frameworks like ROS, and an unwavering dedication to continuous learning to keep pace with the swift advancements shaping the field. To stand out amongst others i personally feel is try experimenting on real time data and learn about new research and published papers to keep yourself up in the industry

I am in the fortunate position of being involved in dozens and dozens of new robotics applications every year and working with professionals across the discipline from Space, semiconductor, surgical, AUV, Animatronics and exoskeletons. A standout Robotics Engineer can offer not just opinions on a broad range of detailed robotic challenges, but real world experience based facts and observations of previous iterations past problems solved. It also requires courage to demonstrate your earnestness by being clear when you don't know the answer, and demonstrate clear thinking in how that answer can be obtained.

To excel in robotics, acquire vital technical skills encompassing mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, and mathematics. Familiarize yourself with robot hardware like sensors, actuators, controllers, and batteries. Master software tools and languages such as C++, Python, ROS, MATLAB, and Simulink. Proficiency in CAD/CAM software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Fusion 360 aids in designing and modeling robot prototypes, ensuring comprehensive expertise in the field.

This is where the right AI tool can really help to upskill, and, train, reskill the next generation worker. This is how workers can learn and be mentored on how to debug, react quickly, and problem solve. We have to change our old way of thinking and engage a new workforce that is excited about solving the problems of tomorrow, today.

During my time on robotic teams, I've noticed a recurring pattern when it comes to problem solving. I firmly believe that problem solving, particularly in the field of robotics, requires a delicate balance between various disciplines. It's about finding a solution that may initially appear to be electrical-focused, but can have significant implications on the mechanical aspects as well. This dynamic often leads to frustrations within teams, and it becomes crucial for the leader to effectively manage these challenges.

Problem-solving skills serve as the guiding star, steering professionals through a constellation of challenges and possibilities. As the field evolves, one must embrace the inevitable hurdles. The true artistry lies in cultivating a solution-oriented mindset – an approach that doesn't just resolve problems, but does so with a flair for creativity. For it's often the creative solutions that transcend the mundane, unveiling fresh perspectives and opening doors to uncharted territories, redefining not just the challenge at hand, but the very core of robotics itself.

To realize the promise of robotics, innovators and creators need to develop broad scanning across disciplines and areas of knowledge. The problems that must solved to continue to evolve the field are sublime, so the perspectives and solutions need to match.

Speaking to talent in this industry as well as decision makers at major corporations, a common theme I hear is problem-solving being the most important aspect for a great engineer. A strong problem-solving mindset not only ensures efficient solutions but also fuels continuous learning and growth. As robotics professionals, it is not just building machines, it is crafting ingenious answers to tomorrow's challenges.

I enjoy technical writing, points, lists, graphs and visuals. Designing specifications require research, the understanding of user interactions, and use cases. I like the human-centered approach. Afterall, we are creating robots to automate some of the repetitive work that need precisions. Robots are going to be our companions and assistants.

In recent years, the use of PLM & ALM solutions for managing designs, documents, discussions, issues, requirements, etc. has become increasingly crucial in multidisciplinary teams such as robotics. Remote work has made this even more vital. Powerful PLM software like Siemens PLM solution and Dassault System's 3DExperience, along with ALM software like Jira, can greatly enhance dynamic communication. This is especially true for large projects and diverse work environments. These tools prevent the use of outdated software, confusion with different versions, and ensure a single source of truth among team members.

Robotics isn't a solitary venture; it's a symphony of collaboration where diverse minds converge to shape cutting-edge solutions. I've come to appreciate how solid communication skills are not just a complement, but a catalyst for success. Personally platforms like LinkedIn amplify this connectivity and helped me connect with professionals, offering an avenue to foster relationships, exchange insights, and uncover opportunities. Moreover, the pulse of the robotics world beats at events that spark connections. These gatherings, whether conferences, workshops, or hackathons, unfurl a tapestry of minds, uniting them under the shared passion for robotics.

Innovations and evolution in any field rely on communities of diverse people. I think of communication as “acts of communing or making community.” In this sense communication is understood through its essence and purpose rather than simply its mechanisms. Documentation, structure and coherency informed by this purpose will convey an open, welcome sensibility that draws more interest and participation across broader and more diverse groups of innovators and contributors.

In my experience being in the technical world, specifically robotics, communication is key. A majority of the problems we face in the robotics realm stem from information that is either over-communicated or severely under-communicated. Being able to provide the correct amount of information while accurately addressing the subject at hand can make for thorough and timely resolutions. Communication, communication, communication.

learning is a lifelong adventure, an odyssey that fuels progress and propels innovation. The rapid evolution of robotics beckons a constant engagement with change, and it's the quest for new skills that galvanizes me.Learning is also the humility to recognize that failures are stepping stones, while feedback is the compass guiding growth. In my quest, I've discovered three havens where my passion for robotics has truly flourished. First, online platforms like Coursera and The Construct and udemy offer courses. Robotics communities on platforms such as Ros-wiki, Reddit and Stack Exchange provide vibrant forums for collaborative learning and problem-solving. Lastly, robotics events like IEEE conferences inject me with inspiration.

Because Robotics pulls from so many disciplines, finding and discovering insights from other industries can create huge advantages in products, customer engagement, and how you think about innovation. From bio-inspired kinematics to wristwatch inspired joint mechanisms, having a broad scope when it comes to learning and applying those learnings to Robotics is essential to innovation.

I feel all the above skills are very crucial for a robotic professional to succeed.One more skill that is required is conceptualization skill. It will prompt the professional to think the cell as a system. Some of the leading thinking should be on what will happen if capacity of this skill increases, Can I add machines and extend robotic automation.Can this completely replace the human element or partially required, Extent to which machines /environment to be modified to accommodate robot will it be cost effective, No.of days production get hampered for installation and ramp up what business needs to do in that period, What kind of robotic arrangements, ground mounted or from top? How inspection,Material feeding . It is looking ahead skill.

Learning is the blood for any kind of knowledge that one need to gain. Therefore one should be very open minded to face the challenges and learn and adapt according to the latest trend and the robotics technology. Because everyday innovation is happening and new ideas are coming in the market.

In the technology world, the half-life of skillsets is forever decreasing. Unless one is willing (and energized) to consistently gaining more (including new) knowledge, You may not ‘survive’ as a Robotics Specialist

I've come to understand that in the act of crafting machines that interact with our world, we're imbuing them with the power to shape lives, economies, and even societies. This realization magnifies the importance of ethics, as they stand as the guardians of the delicate balance between progress and responsibility. This duality reinforces the significance of ethical vigilance in robotics. It's about realizing that every line of code, every design choice, has far-reaching implications, and our duty as creators is to ponder and mitigate potential harm. In a world where information can be used to sway opinions and manipulate actions, the ethical underpinnings of robotics become paramount.

Ethical skills is important because we are living in a society where our personal data need to be secured. Therefore one should know how to use the robot in an ethical way so that it does not breach any human rules that we follow in our daily life. In this case the data security is important to have implemented in robot.

Here is a REAL gamechanger to stand out as a robotics engineer: Dig into the actual customer problem that your solution tries to solve. When working in the solution, put yourself in both shoes: 1) engineer: what is possible, what's the most efficient way. 2) customer: how will a non-engineer customer feel with the solution. If you show customer understanding and think beyond the technical properties of a solution, you will really stand out and be a valuable partner in techno-commercial roles.

The dilemma not easily spotted: Manual work-skills is replaced by Robotic/Automated solutions. Corporate memory of doing things is lost over time, and one day when the robotic system goes down, the business impact is much more sudden end/or severe. Robotics solutions demand an increased awareness of business continuity options, risk mitigation and disaster planning: When robotizing, the business’ DNA is changed…

Another thing to consider is that while POCs can be great enablers, the POCs does not make a successful product. A POC may prove the concept works, but there may be actual KPI and measurements that the end-product needs to meet. I’ve seen several successful POCs where the product was never able to get traction because the actual KPIs were never met.

What I think is overlooked above is perseverance. Having this attitude will easily set you apart from the crowd. When others give up but you keep going, that's when you guarantee your success.