How to Learn Robotics: A 2025 Guide

As artificial intelligence expands into every facet of life, personal and professional, the field of robotics has become increasingly popular. These days, you can find robots completing various tasks across many industries, from harvesting produce and performing surgery to conducting dangerous surveillance. The field of robotics allows you to create products for human convenience and enjoyment, machines that transform industries and contribute to the greater good. 

With the rapid expansion of AI, robotics also offers a good job outlook for the foreseeable future. According to a 2025 report from the World Economic Forum, "The fastest-growing job roles by 2030, in percentage terms, tend to be driven by technological developments, such as advancements in AI and robotics and increasing digital access” [1]. 

Discover more about robots and what industries use them. Explore different methods for learning robotics, various robotics jobs, and how to start your robotics career journey. 

What is robotics?

Robotics refers to a specialized branch of technology centered on the innovation (from design through construction and operation) of robots, machines that perform tasks with or without human assistance. As a course of study, robotics typically draws from multiple disciplines, including computer science, data analysis, electrical, mechanical, industrial engineering, and systems design. 

How to learn robotics

Everyone learns differently, which means that the best learning path for you will likely differ depending on the style that best suits you. For example, some people learn more effectively in lectures because they prefer auditory learning, while others may require visual aids or practical experience. Thankfully, you can find various educational methods to help you learn about robotics, including instructor-based learning options like pursuing a degree or getting robotics certifications.

Pursue a bachelor's degree.

As mentioned, a bachelor's degree in robotics typically covers multiple disciplines, including computer science and electrical and mechanical engineering, providing a broad educational foundation. Additionally, some employers may prefer you to have a bachelor’s degree or higher, depending on the position you pursue within robotics. 

Learning areas usually encompass a combination of classrooms for lectures and laboratories where you can conduct research or engage in robot construction and testing. In addition to getting a bachelor's degree in robotics, you can pursue a career in this field with a bachelor's degree in:

• Computer science engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Mechatronics

• Software engineering

Enroll in a robot operator or technician program.

Depending on the curriculum, robot operator or technician programs typically last between one and two years. While some programs offer a hybrid format (online and onsite learning), others offer only onsite learning options. 

As a learning pathway, you can typically expect training programs to offer a foundation of knowledge and skills in robotics and electrical and mechanical systems. You can typically expect to receive training through classroom lectures and get practical training working on robots in the lab. Many of these training programs also prepare learners to take their chosen certification exams. 

Examples of certifications include these from Fuji Automatic Numerical Control (FANUC):

• Certified Robot Operator: Test focuses on basic robot programming and operations

• Certified Applied Robot Operator: Test focuses on hands-on operation of the robot

• Certified Robot Technician: Test focuses on basic robot programming and the robot vision system

• Certified Applied Robot Technician: Test focuses on hands-on robot maintenance and repair

Robotics certifications

You might also consider certification to hone your robotics skills if you’re changing careers and already have a degree in an area like computer science or another engineering field. In addition to certifications from FANUC, you might also consider earning credentials such as the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) from the International Society of Automation (ISA).

Since automation and robotics are complementary technologies with some degree of overlap, proving your expertise in the field can be helpful, particularly if you want to work within a field that uses automation for robotic engineering. To earn the CAP, you’ll need to either have a four-year degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience or a minimum of 10 years of experience working within automation if you haven’t yet completed your degree. 

Can I learn robotics on my own? 

While robotics jobs typically require some form of certification or degree, you can supplement your knowledge and skills with self-learning, which can also help you decide whether to pursue a robotics career. To learn robotics on your own, consider:

• Gaining knowledge of computer programming through online courses in C, C++, Java, or Python

• Taking online math classes like applied mathematics, algebra, and calculus

• Reading books such as Robot Building for Beginners by David Cook or The Robotics Primer by Maja J. Mataric, or online material such as Robotics and Automation: An Ultimate Guide

• Joining local robotics clubs, participating in robot competitions, or applying for a robotics internship or apprenticeship

Who uses robotics?

AI has moved into nearly every field, making it relatively easy to find some type of robot used across many industries. Explore various sectors that utilize robots and how they use them. 

• Aerospace: The aerospace industry uses robotic arms to repair spacecraft and robots called rovers to explore the surfaces of planets.

• Agriculture: In the agricultural sector, robots help with planting crops, soil analysis, weed control, and harvesting.

• Automotive: According to a study from the International Federation of Robotics, the automotive industry in the US uses more industrial robots than any other industry, at 33 percent of all installations [2]. Robots are used for parts assembly, painting, and welding.

• Health care: In the health care industry, robotic exoskeletons can provide physical support and data monitoring for patients healing from injuries or surgery. 

• Logistics and distribution: Warehouses nationwide benefit from robots that can sort and transport goods. These robots can lift more weight than humans, work longer, and help prevent human error. 

• Military: The military uses drones, or flying surveillance robots, to spy on enemy targets and provide real-time intelligence. 

• Retail: In the retail industry, robots can accurately account for inventory, inform store associates when stock is low, and restock shelves. 

The future of robotics

The field of robotics offers a variety of interesting applications for the future. For instance, a research team from South Korea has developed a quadrupedal robot called MARVEL, short for magnetically-adhesive robot for versatile and expeditious locomotion. With magnets attached to its feet that operators can turn on and off, MARVEL can scale structures with metal surfaces quickly. Potential uses for this robot include maintenance and repair of bridges, high-rise buildings, and transmission towers. 

Additional future applications for robots include:

• Robot assistants that provide companionship, encourage healthy living, and monitor the health of older adults living on their own 

• Field robots for picking and pruning fruit like apples, peaches, pears, and cherries 

• Squads of autonomous drones with fire suppression capabilities for wildland firefighting assistance

Is robotics a good career choice?

It can be helpful to gain a better understanding of the various job possibilities in the field as you decide whether you want to pursue a robotics career. Explore several potential robotics positions, along with their average salaries and requirements for entry. 

Robotics engineer

Average annual US base salary: $107,245 [3]

Requirements: Degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or robotics engineering

Robotics engineers design, build, and maintain robots or robotic systems. In this role, you might develop robot software, test robots for proper performance, diagnose and repair problems, and conduct robot maintenance.

Robotics technician

Average annual US base salary: $68,859 [4]

Requirements: Trade school robotics technician certification or an associate degree in a related field

Robotics technicians ensure the proper function of robots by diagnosing and repairing problems and providing regular robot maintenance. For example, you might install or repair programmable controllers or maintain circuit boards and sensors.

Mechatronics engineer

Average annual US base salary: $100,508 [5]

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or advanced manufacturing

Mechatronics engineers draw from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, and computer science to complete their job duties, often with a focus in manufacturing. For instance, mechatronics engineers design and build smart manufacturing equipment to improve safety, increase efficiency, and raise production levels. 

Start your robotics career journey on Coursera

As with any educational field, learning robotics is easier if you have a plan, good skills, and a knowledge base. The IBM Machine Learning Professional Certificate to master the most up-to-date practical skills and knowledge machine learning experts use in their daily roles, and learn the cutting-edge programming skills you'll need for various robotics careers.