Robotics in Wichita, KS continues to grow. As advancements in the field develop and industries such as manufacturing and aviation depend on robots to do things that humans can not, there is a higher demand for a skilled workforce in robotics. Earning a degree in robotics or robotics engineering can lead to rewarding and in demand career opportunity.

Robotics 

Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, construction, operation  and application of robots. The robotics field overlaps with electronics, Information Technology, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, nanotechnology and bioengineering.

Robotics Schools 

It is important to find the right robotics school and robotics program. The robotics program at WSU Tech is a cooperative effort between WSU Tech, the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University (WSU), and the Midwest Robotics Initiative Council. Students can begin taking classes in the WSU Tech robotics school, take NIAR classes and then transfer to the WSU robotics school. The robotics program prepares students for entry into the highly technical field of industrial robotics. At WSU Tech students can choose from an Associate of Applied Science in robotics, typically a 2-year program or a Technical Certificate in robotics, which is usually completed in a year or less.

The associate degree program is a sequence of courses designed to produce a technician who has mastered the skills necessary to design, assemble, install, program, troubleshoot and maintain robotic and automated equipment and has the depth and breadth of knowledge which comes from general education courses.    Learning will take place in a fully equipped robotics laboratory with advanced students having opportunities to apply cutting edge robotics research to laboratory projects. Topics include robotic electronic and mechanical systems, computer systems and robotics applications in areas such as composites, welding, advanced coatings and material handling.

Robotics Jobs 

Robotics is an essential component in many modern manufacturing environments. As factories increase their use of robots, the number of robotics jobs grow and have been observed to be steadily rising. The employment of robots in industries has increased productivity and efficiency savings and is typically seen as a long term investment for benefactors (Robotics Online).  Placement success for WSU Tech’s robotics program had a 2014 placement rate of 100%. Two common professions in robotics  are robotics technicians and robotics engineers. Both engineers and technicians have several specialties to choose from within the field of robotics. Some of these include machine automation, medical robotics, cybernetics, quantum mechanical systems, air traffic management and a variety of other areas that utilize robots to make work processes easier for humans. Types of businesses that hire professionals for robotics positions comprise electronics, automotive, agricultural and manufacturing companies, among many others. Most robotics professionals work primarily in a collaborative team setting, with technicians assisting and supporting engineers. (study.com/robotics)

Robotics Salary (Wichita, KS) 

PayScale.com reported the median salary for robotics technicians was $55,000 as of December of 2014. It also reported a median salary of $75,296 for robotics engineers as of December of 2014. According the wage data compiled by EMSI for a career in the Wichita region with the highest degree offered in robotics has a wage potential of $28.46 hourly.