Students Create the Future Study Robotics

The father of Modern Science Fiction, Isaac Asimov postulated the Three Laws of
Robotics:

1.A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to
come to harm.

2.A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would
conflict with the First Law.

3.A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict
with the First or Second Law.

This was way back in 1941 in the short story Rundown. The story talks of an
expedition to the planet Mercury in 2015. Though modern science has evolved by leaps
and bounds and we have landed on the moon, mining for precious minerals on other
planets is still a far prospect. What has become a reality is the growth of electronics, the
miniaturisation of computing devices, the growth of Artificial Intelligence or AI and
the evolution of robotics.

This article will look at the state of robotics in India, the scope of robotics as a viable
career option, some of the leading institutions offering programmes in Robotics, entry
requirements and course structure and the associated costs.

Robotics in India
These are exciting times for those looking to study robotics and make a career out of it.
There is a massive requirement to automate processes across industries and boost
productivity and minimise human risk. From plants assembling automobiles to
unmanned drones that can monitor areas of conflict and long coastlines, we need
brilliant minds that can create low-cost and effective robots. The influx of DIY robot
kits from China and Japan and videos on YouTube have increased the popularity of
robots and created interest in the subject among children. In fact, there are dedicated
hobby groups comprising children, young men and women and the middle-aged who
tinker around with kits and create robots and run racing competitions.
Robotics as a full-time degree programme is still in its nascent stages in India. Most
students study Robotics as a part of their core engineering degree and those truly
passionate about the subject and with the means to fund their studies seek to do a
postgraduate degree in Robotics abroad.

Leading the Way

The Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University(RI) is consistently ranked among
the best places in the world to study a postgraduate programme in Robotics. The
Robotics Institute was started in 1979 to examine the possibilities of using robots to
automate tasks in industrial manufacturing. Over the years, the institution grew in size,
stature and the scope of research work that was carried out here led to RI becoming the
first institution in the world to offer a PhD in Robotics in 1988. Currently, a number
of postgraduate degree options and undergraduate minor in Robotics are on offer for
students at CMU.

View a detailed list of institutions offering postgraduate programmes in Robotics in the

USA.

Rule Britannia
In the UK, the University of Bristol offers a highly acclaimed MSc in
Robotics programme. This programme is offered by the University of Bristol and the
University of the West of England. The Bristol Robotics Laboratory is the largest
academic research center for Robotics in the UK. Other leading universities offering
postgraduate programmes in Robotics include the University of Plymouth, London
South Bank University, University of Birmingham, Middlesex University and
the University of Sheffield. Prospective students can view a detailed list of institutions
offering postgraduate programmes in Robotics in the UK.

A Shade Down Under

In Australia, a number of universities combine Robotics and Mechatronics and offer a
variety of programmes. Institutions like RMIT and La Trobe University offer such
programmes. Charles Sturt University and the University of Sydney offer a number of
PhD options in Robotics.

Robotics in Japan
As stated at the beginning of this article, Japan leads the world in Robotics research and
probably the best place to study and conduct research in Robotics would be Japan. The
Japanese government offers the Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarships, which fund
higher education in Japan for international students. The University of
Tokyo and Kyoto Universitywould be great places to study Robotics. It is
recommended for an international student to have completed a basic course in Japanese
to help acclimatise to life in Japan.

Entry Requirements
At the postgraduate level a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent is mandatory for
students looking to join a Robotics programme. A relevant undergraduate degree with a
strong focus in Physics, Computing, Mechanical or Electronic Engineering is
recommended. Students are required to have excellent research skills and the patience
to sift through lots of data.

Costs
The costs are dependent on the duration of the programme and the country of study. A
one-year degree may cost about INR 16 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs. Those enrolling for
research programmes should check for the availability of grants, fellowships and
scholarships to fund their studies. Students should also earmark funds for living and
accommodation costs. On-campus accommodation usually works out as the best option
for students!

Career Opportunities
The career opportunities for those who have completed a postgraduate programme in
Robotics are varied. From designing industrial robots to working on cutting-edge
products that can be used in medical science and exploration of the oceans to designing
humanoid robots that can replicate basic human tasks; the possibilities are indeed
infinite. Many students venture into research and teaching as well. The salaries are
quite high in this field and skilled robotics engineers can earn upwards of INR 2 lakhs a
month.