 The word "Robot", which is derived from a Czech word meaning "menial labor," undoubtedly plays an integral role in everyone's vision of the future. The study of Robotics belongs to the larger field of mechanical engineering, and as the name implies, involves a mixture of math and science and requires abundant skills in both. Thanks to countless hollywood references and storylines, we can all visualize some type of robot in our mind's eye. But today's practical use for robot goes far beyond this facsimile and influences many aspects of our daily life.
Mechanical engineers
 research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work. The field of nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, is introducing entirely new principles to the design process.
 Computers assist mechanical engineers by accurately and efficiently performing computations, and by permitting the modeling and simulation of new designs as well as facilitating changes to existing designs. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are used for design data processing and for turning the design into a product.
Mechanical engineers work in many industries, and their work varies by industry and function. Some specialize in energy systems; applied mechanics; automotive design; manufacturing; materials; plant engineering and maintenance; pressure vessels and piping; and heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers may work in production operations in manufacturing or agriculture, maintenance, or technical sales; many are administrators or managers
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Employment Outlook
 Mechanical engineers held about 215,000 jobs in 2002. More than half of the jobs were in manufacturing — mostly in machinery, transportation equipment, computer and electronic products, and fabricated metal products manufacturing industries. Architectural, engineering, and related services, and the Federal Government provided many of the remaining jobs.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of mechanical engineers were $62,880 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,800 and $78,040. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $93,430. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of mechanical engineers in 2002 were:
What career opportunities does Robotics offer?
Wondering what kind of careers there are in Robotics? You have to check out our list of careers that you can enjoy. Go now
What schools offer Robotics programs?
Different schools have different approaches to the Robotics education. If you are interested in the Robotics network, please contact the universities listed in our database for information.
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