Additional Information
If you're interested in robotics, you're most likely interested in math
and physics. Try to develop those interests by participating in hands-on projects
at your school or joining a math, physics or science club.
Try to get some experience in the robotics field. Try to find work or volunteer
with any type of automated equipment. Any experience that you can get researching,
repairing or maintaining mechanical, robotics or electrical equipment will
help.
Start developing your interest early, advises technologist Skip Carter.
"There are inexpensive robot kits around. Build one based on a microprocessor
that you can reprogram."
Once you've figured out the robot, he suggests that you play around and
try to modify it -- electronically, mechanically or with software. "You should
be able to get it to perform tasks of your own design."
Working with robots requires knowledge in many areas, such as mechanics,
electronics, software and computer hardware. "It's rare for an individual
to be talented in all these areas, but someone working in the robotics field
should have some training in each of these areas so that they can understand
the issues and be able to communicate with the specialists in other areas,"
says Carter.
The minimum education you will need to work as a robotics technologist
is a diploma of technology from a technical institute or college. You can
also get an engineering degree specializing in robotics. Postgraduate degrees
in robotics technology are often preferred.